Fareway of Ames resumed its function as a redemption center on Friday, one day after the Iowa Attorney General’s office threatened legal action if stores fail to comply with Iowa law.

In November, Fareway and Hy-Vee food stores announced the eventual discontinuance of redemption services at store locations.

The decision was made because of the sanitary risks associated with redeeming beverage container deposits.

The Iowa State Daily reported last month that Fareway stores across Iowa stopped taking bottles and cans on Nov. 22.

State law requires the appointment of another redemption center and approval from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources before grocers may stop redeeming beverage containers.

The appointed redemption center must be open for four hours after 6 p.m., on the weekend or a combination thereof.

The attorney general’s office issued the Friday deadline for all Fareway stores to come into compliance with the law.

Although the Ames store has decided to comply with standards, the Attorney General’s office said other stores are not in compliance.

In a letter signed by the Assistant Attorney General David Sheridan, three separate actions by the Iowa DNR to help get Fareway stores in compliance were cited.

The letter, which was sent to Robert Cramer, president of Fareway Stores Inc., via fax and U.S. mail, states that despite these efforts, violations are continuing.

Cramer declined to respond specifically to compliance issues, but he did say it’s always been the company’s intention to be in compliance with the law.

“We’re optimistic that they will comply with the law,” said Bob Brammer, spokesman for the attorney general’s office.

“If they don’t, we reserve the right to go to court and ask for an injunction requiring them to come into compliance.”

Brammer said the attorney general’s office has not yet received a response from Fareway officials.

Theresa Stiner, environmental specialist for the Iowa DNR, said she has received a surge of requests for approval from grocers since the letter was sent.

Stiner said the DNR has received about 100 requests for approval since the beginning of November, more than 20 of which were received Friday.

None of the requests have been from Fareway of Ames.