Tight on quarters: local laundromat scrambled through shortage

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Washing clothes has become a new dilemma after a nationwide coin shortage.

Luis Arias co-owner of Highlander Laundromat says they still have an ample supply of quarters, but sometimes residents get change and take the coins outside of the laundromat.

"Businesses next door would do that. People just walking by," Arias said. "For whatever reason, they would put in a 10, a 20, so we would have less coins than expected."

They later closed the machine, and only customers can exchange bills for quarters with an attendant.

"We take the money out of there and just recycle it," Arias stated" "So, it doesn't really go anywhere, unless they take it."

Aviance Sheets, a Yuma resident, says getting quarters from the bank is always a gamble.

"Going to a bank is almost like playing roulette because sometimes they'll allow you to get $10 worth, or they'll say they do not have it. Come back another day," Sheets said.

He says he has resorted to handing washing his clothes trying to go an extra day's wear.

"I've been having to ration out, you know, the amount of, you know, the laundry I'm doing and just seeing what I can kind of get away with for a day or two," Sheets explained.

Highlander Laundromat says they will give out bills to anyone who brings in a stash of coins.