ANNONUNCEMENTS

Starting September 15, 2025 our hours will change! We will be open Monday 9am-Noon, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm, every Saturday 9am-Noon! You will be able to drop off on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during business hours or by appointment!  

Our Mission

 At Making Cents, our mission is to provide a clean, efficient, and respectful environment for the redemption of recyclable beverage containers. We are committed to supporting Iowa’s Bottle Bill by helping reduce waste, promote sustainability, and encourage community participation in environmental stewardship. Through exceptional customer service and responsible recycling practices, we strive to make a positive impact on our local environment, economy, and the quality of life for all Iowans. 

Policies

 

We take our policies very seriously. Failure to follow any of the below rules may result in us asking you to leave and come back when all the standards are met. We have the right to refuse any customer. 

  • We DO NOT accept any non-nickel containers. All contents must have the Iowa 5 cent deposit, and may not be mixed with non-nickels
  • All containers MUST be separated.  We accept cans and  plastic bottles in bags, and glass bottles in boxes
  • All contents must come in a CLEAR or WHITE bag before you enter the facility (as long as you can see through the bag). You will not be waited on if your cans and bottles are in a black garbage bag, or in boxes
  • There is a 500 limit. The state law only allows us to have a 500 container limit per person, per day  
  • All cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles MUST be clean and dry. All bags must also be free of trash and foreign objects
  • All glass bottles MUST come in a box or container, not in a bag of any form 
  • We will NOT accept any cans or bottles that are smashed or flattened. All containers must be able to generally hold their shape, and stand up on their own 
  • No shoes, no shirt, no service 

SERVICES

WALK-IN

 Our walk-in service, also known as "public" service, is designed for customers redeeming 500 containers or fewer. This is our most commonly used service.


To use this service:

  1. Bring your white or clear bags to the designated table.
     
  2. Dump the contents onto the table and step back so our employees can accurately count your containers.
     
  3. Once counting is complete, you’ll receive a receipt with your container total.
     
  4. Bring the receipt to the cashier to receive your payout.
     

For a complete list of policies and important rules that must be followed in order to be served, please see our Policy Section.

DROP-OFF

Drop-Off Times: 


You can drop off during normal business hours EXCEPT for Saturday's! If our hours don't work for you please call for an appointment and we will try and accommodate you. 


Drop-Off Requirements:


  • If you have a large amount of glass or more than 12 of our can liner bags, you must schedule an appointment.
     
  • Plastic and cans must NOT be mixed in the same bags.
     
  • All plastic and cans must be placed in clear can liner bags, securely tied with a double knot.
     
  • Glass must be in boxes.
     
  • All containers must be clean and dry — no exceptions.
     
  • For the full list of rules, please see our Policy Section.
     

Drop-Off Process:


  • If you believe you have more than 500 containers, or prefer not to wait in line, you are welcome to use our drop-off service.
     
  • Please note: You may **either drop off or use walk-in service—**you cannot do both on the same day.
     
  • Drop-offs are accepted at the overhead door to the right of the main entrance.
     
  • You will be asked to fill out a drop-off slip with your:
     
    • Name
       
    • Phone number
       
    • Number of bags or boxes
       

An employee will be available to assist you and answer any questions.

Once complete, you will receive a yellow copy of the slip — do not lose it! This is required to collect your payment.

Processing & Payment:


  • Processing may take up to 10 business days.
     
  • We will hold your payment for up to 90 days.
     
  • To pick up your payment, bring your yellow slip to the cashier.
     
  • Drop-offs exceeding $100 will be paid by check.


FUNDRAISING

 

Fundraising Opportunities: 


Looking to Raise Money?


If you're raising money for a local charity, organization, school, or non-profit, hosting a can and bottle drive is a fun and impactful way to make a difference!

We’re happy to support community fundraising efforts. Here’s how to get started:

  • Contact us with details about your fundraiser and how you plan to collect and deliver the containers.
     
  • You may choose to:
     
    • Designate a drop-off location within our facility, or
       
    • Schedule a specific drop-off day for your group to bring the containers in.
       

We’ll work with you to ensure your fundraiser runs smoothly and successfully.

For more information or additional fundraising ideas, please email us at:
📧 make3centsdbq@gmail.com

FOR SALE

Can Box: $8.00 +tax

Can Liners: 50 cents a bag OR $5 for a roll of 10

DO's and DONT'S

Contact Us

Better yet, see us in person!

We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.

Making Cents

160 North Crescent Ridge, Dubuque, IA 52003 Behind the Hobby Lobby , Accross the parking lot from the Home Show Outlet!

(563) 585-1092 make3centsdbq@gmail.om

Summer Hours will be changing Sept. 15th

Mon

10:00 am – 04:00 pm

Tue

10:00 am – 04:00 pm

Wed

Closed

Thu

10:00 am – 04:00 pm

Fri

10:00 am – 04:00 pm

Sat

09:00 am – 12:00 pm

Sun

Closed

You can also drop off during these times except for Saturday's!

We do close over the lunch hour during the week from 12pm-1pm!


**PLEASE NOTE: we will be cutting the line off 15 minutes before the close of each day to ensure that our staff is off on time. Thank you for understanding**

APPLY TODAY

  

Looking for a new job? Apply today in 3 easy steps! 

  1. Open the document in a new window here   
  2. Print it out
  3. Fill it out completely 

From there, feel free to email it to make3centsdbq@gmail.com or hand it in at our location. Please don't hesitate to email or call with any questions that you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!  


IOWA BOTTLE BILL

 The Bottle Bill was intended not only to reduce beverage container litter, but to conserve natural resources through recycling and reduce the amount of solid waste going to landfills. Not only does it help the environment, but it creates job opportunities. The following links will guide your understanding and knowledge of the Bottle Bill. 

The Iowa Recycling Association is in favor of the Bottle Bill. This website breaks down what the Bottle Bill has accomplished, how it works, and  how it can be improved. 

The Bottle Bill Resource Guide is an excellent website explaining why the Bottle Bill is important for the environment, and how recycling your containers makes the Earth cleaner and greener.  

Making Cents

(563) 585-1092

Copyright © 2025 Making Cents DBQ - All Rights Reserved.

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