FAQs
What is California Refund Value?
California Refund Value (CRV) is the amount paid by consumers at the checkout stand and paid back to consumers when they recycle eligible aluminum, plastic, glass and bi-metal beverage containers at certified recycling centers. The minimum refund value established for each type of eligible beverage container is 5 cents for each container under 24 ounces and 10 cents for each container 24 ounces or greater.
Where can I find the nearest recycling center?
There are approximately 2,000 certified recycling centers in California. To find centers near you, visit our online recycling center locator. Or, call the Beverage Container Recycling Center at 1-800-RECYCLE.
What other recycling options are there?
* Donate recyclables to a community service program
* Utilize available curbside recycling programs
As with certified recycling centers, these programs are operated by independent businesses, non-profits or local governments, not the State of California.
California Refund Value (CRV) is the amount paid by consumers at the checkout stand and paid back to consumers when they recycle eligible aluminum, plastic, glass and bi-metal beverage containers at certified recycling centers. The minimum refund value established for each type of eligible beverage container is 5 cents for each container under 24 ounces and 10 cents for each container 24 ounces or greater.
Where can I find the nearest recycling center?
There are approximately 2,000 certified recycling centers in California. To find centers near you, visit our online recycling center locator. Or, call the Beverage Container Recycling Center at 1-800-RECYCLE.
What other recycling options are there?
* Donate recyclables to a community service program
* Utilize available curbside recycling programs
As with certified recycling centers, these programs are operated by independent businesses, non-profits or local governments, not the State of California.
How can kids get involved in recycling?
Kids can definitely recycle too! Put them in charge of making sure recyclables end up in the curbside bin. Or have them sort the bottles and cans consumed at your house, and give them a portion of the refunds you get at your local recycling center. One more way for kids to get in on recycling: encourage their school to participate in the next Recycle Rex Statewide Recycling Challenge, which begins Oct. 26!
How much do recycling centers pay per pound?
Recycling centers are allowed to pay by weight as a matter of business efficiency. The Beverage Container Recycling Center establishes the minimum per-pound rates for each container type: aluminum, glass, plastic and bi-metal. Recycling centers pay the CRV to consumers for their redeemed beverage containers. In addition to the CRV, recyclers may also pay a scrap value, which fluctuates according to current demand for the recycled material. Find out the latest per-pound rates.
Consumers also have the option of being paid on a per-container basis if they bring in 50 or fewer CRV containers of each material type. Recycling centers are required to comply with this request.
Can recycling centers pay less than the refund value for redeemed containers?
Yes, if the material is contaminated. Operators of certified recycling centers must inspect each load of containers to determine whether it is eligible for the CRV. Recycling centers have the option to refuse to accept containers that, in their opinion, are excessively contaminated with dirt, moisture, or other foreign substances. Alternatively, recycling centers may adjust the CRV per pound downward to calculate the payment by the ratio of such substances to empty beverage containers. In this circumstance, the consumer has the right to accept the discounted refund and/or scrap price, to separate refund from non-refund material, or to take the material back.
Can I get CRV for beverage containers brought in from other states or countries?
No, out-of-state material is not eligible for California Refund Value. Consumers and others may only claim CRV for aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers that were sold in California.
Do I need to crush my cans?
Generally, no. However, requirements regarding the condition of beverage containers are established by the recycling center and may vary. Contact the nearest recycling center to determine its requirements.
Do I need to remove the caps from my plastic bottles?
Requirements regarding plastic bottle caps are established by the recycling center and may vary. Contact the nearest recycling center to determine its requirements, but generally speaking, it’s best to remove all bottle caps.
How can I contact the Beverage Container Recycling Center ?
801 K Street, MS 19-01
Sacramento, CA 95814-3533
Phone: (916) 323-3836
Hotline: 1-800-RECYCLE
FAX: (916) 327-2144
Online: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/BevContainer/Contacts.htm
Can recycling centers pay less than the refund value for redeemed containers?
Yes, if the material is contaminated. Operators of certified recycling centers must inspect each load of containers to determine whether it is eligible for the CRV. Recycling centers have the option to refuse to accept containers that, in their opinion, are excessively contaminated with dirt, moisture, or other foreign substances. Alternatively, recycling centers may adjust the CRV per pound downward to calculate the payment by the ratio of such substances to empty beverage containers. In this circumstance, the consumer has the right to accept the discounted refund and/or scrap price, to separate refund from non-refund material, or to take the material back.
Can I get CRV for beverage containers brought in from other states or countries?
No, out-of-state material is not eligible for California Refund Value. Consumers and others may only claim CRV for aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers that were sold in California.
Do I need to crush my cans?
Generally, no. However, requirements regarding the condition of beverage containers are established by the recycling center and may vary. Contact the nearest recycling center to determine its requirements.
Do I need to remove the caps from my plastic bottles?
Requirements regarding plastic bottle caps are established by the recycling center and may vary. Contact the nearest recycling center to determine its requirements, but generally speaking, it’s best to remove all bottle caps.
How can I contact the Beverage Container Recycling Center ?
801 K Street, MS 19-01
Sacramento, CA 95814-3533
Phone: (916) 323-3836
Hotline: 1-800-RECYCLE
FAX: (916) 327-2144
Online: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/BevContainer/Contacts.htm
Where can I recycle my motor oil or old tires? Can I get a list of businesses that sell products made from recycled materials?
Information on non-beverage container recycling questions, such as those regarding motor oil, tires, etc., can also be found at CalRecycle at www.calrecycle.ca.gov, or by calling (916) 341-6000
Want to know more about what it’s like to start a recycling program? Read our Recycling Tips and Living Green Success Stories.