California Refund Value

Consumers pay CRV (California Refund Value) when they purchase beverages from a retailer, which is refunded when they redeem the containers at a recycling center. Effective January 1, 2007, CRV paid to consumers when they recycle containers at recycling centers will increase to 5¢ for each beverage container less than 24 ounces and 10¢ for each container 24 ounces or greater.

Californians bought more than 20 billion carbonated and non-carbonated drinks in aluminum, glass, plastic and bi-metal containers last year. More than 12 billion of those containers were recycled, saving natural resources, conserving energy and extending the life of our landfills. Imagine what we’ll accomplish if we recycle the other 8 billion!

What to Recycle

Almost every bottle and can has the chance for a new life. In California, most of them are also good for cash when you redeem them. If you have any container from the following list, you're set.

• Carbonated Soft Drinks
• Wine Coolers
• Distilled Spirit Coolers
• Beer
• Carbonated and Mineral Water
• Non-carbonated Water
• Sports Drinks
• Coffee and Tea Drinks
• Fruit Drinks
• Fruit Juices packed in containers less than 46 oz.
• Vegetable juice in containers 16 ounces or less

*This information was provided by the Division of Conservation (Division of Recycling) and www.BottlesandCans.com
http://www.consrv.ca.gov/DOR/