State’s Beverage Container Recycling Rate  Matches All-Time High in 2010

SACRAMENTO--Californians recycled 82 percent of their beverage containers in 2010, matching the state’s best-ever recycling rate, the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) announced.

“California continues to help the environment through recycling,” said CalRecycle Acting Director Mark Leary.  “Although the monetary incentive for recycling beverage containers is an important motivator for many, we all share the benefits of natural resource conservation, energy savings, and pollution reduction.”

Recycling rates were strong for the three major material types included in the California Redemption Value (CRV) program. Aluminum recycling rose to 94 percent in 2010 from 91 percent the previous year; No. 1 plastic recycling declined to 68 percent from 73 percent; and glass recycling rose to 85 percent from 80 percent.  Other types of plastic, as well as bi-metal cans, combined make up less than 3 percent of CRV beverage containers.

Overall, sales of CRV beverage containers were 20.2 billion, a decline of 800 million, most likely due to weakness in the economy.  Of those, 16.5 billion were returned for recycling, the second-highest number on record behind the 17.2 billion recycled in 2009, which also saw an 82 percent recycling rate.

Most recycled aluminum and glass is used to manufacture new cans and bottles, resulting in significant energy and natural resource savings when compared to the mining, transportation and processing required to make the products out of raw materials.  Plastic bottles, made from petroleum, are turned into fiber for clothing and carpet, or pellets that can be manufactured into items such as packaging or landscape materials, often at significant energy savings.

CRV is a nickel for containers less than 24 ounces, a dime for containers 24 ounces or larger. Most beverages packaged in glass, aluminum, and plastic, such as soft drinks, water, beer, sports drinks, juices, and coffee and tea drinks, are included in the CRV program.  Notable exceptions are milk, wine, and distilled spirits.

To find nearby recycling centers, consumers can visit CalRecycle at www.bottlesandcans.com and enter their ZIP code, or call the CalRecycle toll-free hotline, 1-800-RECYCLE.

CalRecycle is the state's leading authority on recycling, waste reduction, and product reuse. CalRecycle plays an important role in the stewardship of California's vast resources and promotes innovation in technology to encourage economic and environmental sustainability. For more information, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov.

# # #

CalRecycle is part of the California Natural Resources Agency.