To get your full California Redemption Value (CRV) in California, you need to redeem your eligible beverage containers at a certified recycling center. These centers are required by law to pay the full CRV amount for each container.
Understanding California Redemption Value (CRV)
CRV is a deposit paid on certain beverage containers sold in California. When you purchase a beverage covered by CRV, you pay an extra 5 or 10 cents per container, which you can get back when you recycle the empty container at a certified redemption center. This system encourages recycling and helps reduce litter and waste.
Locating a Certified Recycling Center
The first step is to find a certified recycling center near you. These centers are regulated by CalRecycle, the state's Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.
- Online Locator: The easiest way to find a center is by using the official CalRecycle recycling center locator. Simply enter your address or zip code to find nearby locations.
- Signage: Look for signs at grocery stores or supermarkets that indicate a recycling center is available on-site or nearby.
Preparing Your Containers for Redemption
To ensure a smooth and successful redemption process, follow these guidelines:
- Empty and Clean: Containers should be empty of liquids and free of major contaminants. A quick rinse is often helpful but not strictly necessary for payment.
- Original Form: Do not crush or flatten your containers if you want to be paid by count, as some centers prefer them in their original shape for easier identification and sorting. However, if redeeming by weight, crushing is generally acceptable.
- Separate by Material: While not always required, separating containers by material type (aluminum, glass, plastic, bi-metal) can speed up the process at the recycling center.
Redeeming by Count vs. by Weight
You have two primary options for getting paid:
-
Paid by Count:
- By law, you can bring up to 50 containers of each material type (50 aluminum, 50 glass, 50 plastic, and 50 bi-metal) and request to be paid by count.
- For these quantities, you will receive the exact CRV redemption of 5 cents or 10 cents on each container, depending on the container size. This method ensures you get the full CRV for each eligible container.
- This is generally the best option for smaller quantities to guarantee the precise CRV back.
-
Paid by Weight:
- For quantities exceeding the 50-container limit per material type, recycling centers typically pay by weight.
- The center will weigh your separated containers and pay you based on the established weight rates for each material.
- While convenient for large volumes, the payment by weight is an estimate of the CRV, and it might not equate to the exact per-container value you'd receive if paid by count.
CRV Rates Per Container Type
The CRV amount varies slightly based on the container size:
| Container Size | CRV Rate |
|---|---|
| Less than 24 oz. | $0.05 |
| 24 oz. or more | $0.10 |
| Wine/Spirits (new as of 2024) | $0.10 |
Tips for an Efficient Redemption
- Check Hours of Operation: Always verify the recycling center's operating hours before you go.
- Know Your Container Types: Familiarize yourself with which containers are CRV-eligible (most plastic, glass, and aluminum beverage containers).
- Bring Identification (Optional): While usually not required for typical CRV redemption, some larger transactions might require ID, so it's good to have it handy.
- Be Patient: Especially during peak hours, there might be a wait.
By following these steps, you can effectively get your full CRV back on eligible beverage containers in California, supporting both your wallet and the environment.
