CRV stands for "California Refund Value," which is the amount paid to consumers when they recycle beverage containers at certified recycling centers. The minimum refund value established for each type of eligible beverage container is 4¢ for each container under 24 ounces and 8¢ for each container 24 ounces or greater.

From where does the money come? Ultimately from you, the consumer. Everytime you buy a beverage in a can or a bottle you pay the store 4¢ for each container under 24 ounces and 8¢ for each container 24 ounces or greater. Each in its turn: the storeowner passes this money onto its beverage distributer which makes California redemption payments to the California Department of Conservation, which then reimburses certified recycling centers for each beverage container that they recycle. Click here for a flow diagram of CRV payments.

MORE INFO>>Go to State Division of Recycling>>

December 2003
Recycle your bottles or cans! It makes more cents now than ever!

Beginning January 1, 2004, your empty bottles and cans will be worth 4¢ each. Buy-back centers are located in Angels Camp, Valley Springs and Copperopolis. For more information about location and hours, click: MORE INFO>>Recycling Centers

• Beer and other malt beverages
• Wine and distilled spirit coolers
• Carbonated fruit drinks
• Noncarbonated fruit drinks (e.g. Hi-C, V8 Splash)
• Carbonated and noncarbonated water
• Coffee and tea beverages
• "Sport" drinks

For a complete list of products included in the CRV program, MORE INFO>>Go to State Division of Recycling>>