Recycling practices have changed a lot since 2018 due to changes in global recycling markets. Nevertheless, recycling glass, plastic, aluminum and bi-metal beverage containers is still a great way to keep reusable materials out of overcrowded landfills. If you paid a deposit on the container – the California Redemption Value (CRV) – you can get your deposit back at one of
54 redemption centers currently operating in Sacramento County.
To see if a bottle or can is eligible to be recycled for cash, look at the label. If it has a symbol that says “CA CASH REFUND” or “CA CRV,” it is eligible. Plus, it will be recycled! Most beverages other than milk, wine and distilled spirits are subject to the CRV deposit.
The minimum refund is 5 cents for each container under 24 ounces and 10 cents for each container 24 ounces or greater.
Recycling centers often pay by weight for aluminum, glass, plastic and bi-metal beverage containers based on rates established by the state of California. By law, however, you can bring up to 50 aluminum, 50 glass, 50 plastic and 50 bi-metal CRV containers in a single visit and request to be paid by count.
Recycling these CRV containers at your curbside is also an option. Just put them empty and dry into your recycling cart. Remember to put them in LOOSE… no bags. You won’t get back the CRV deposit, but the containers will be recycled into new products.