Beverage Container Recycling Program

California’s Beverage Container Recycling Program has recycled 482 billion bottles and cans since the Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act passed in 1986.

It sets a goal to reach an 80% recycling rate for all aluminum, glass, plastic, and bimetal beverage containers sold in California.

The program covers containers with these beverages:

  • Carbonated mineral and soda water and other similar carbonated soft drinks
  • Noncarbonated soft drinks
  • Wine coolers and distilled spirit coolers
  • Wine and distilled spirits (starting January 2024)
  • Beer and malt beverages
  • Noncarbonated water including noncarbonated mineral water

 

  • Sport drinks
  • Coffee and tea drinks
  • Vegetable juice in beverage containers (updated 2024)
  • Carbonated and noncarbonated fruit drinks with any percentage of fruit juice
  • 100% fruit juices in containers (updated 2024)

The program does not regulate any beverage container type not specified in the law.

Flow of Consumer Funds through CRV Program

Flow of Consumer Funds through CRV Program - as explained in the text.
  • The program is funded by redemption fees paid to CalRecycle by beverage distributors for each beverage container sold in the state.
  • California Refund Value (CRV) fees get deposited in the California Beverage Container Recycling Fund.
  • This fund refunds recycling centers the CRV fee they pay to Californians who redeem their beverage containers.

CRV paid to consumers, effective January 1, 2007

  • $.05 per container less than 24 ounces
    (aluminum, glass, plastic #1-7, or bimetal)
  • $.10 per container 24 ounces or larger
    (aluminum, glass, plastic #1-7, or bimetal)

Redemption payments paid by distributors, effective July 1, 2007

  • $.05 per container less than 24 ounces
    (aluminum, glass, plastic #1-7, or bimetal)
  • $.10 per container 24 ounces or larger
    (aluminum, glass, plastic #1-7, or bimetal)

CRV paid to consumers and Redemption payment paid by distributors, effective January 1, 2024:

  • $0.25 per container for Wine and Distilled Spirits Sold in Boxes, Bladders, and Pouches
  • $0.25 per container for Wine and Distilled Spirit Coolers Sold in Boxes, Bladders, and Pouches

Program Participants

More information can be found in the 2022 Fact Sheet.

CRV Recycling Collection Distribution

  • 1,247 Buy Back Centers 85% 85%
  • 635 Curbside Programs 12% 12%
  • 173 Drop-Off Programs and 131 Community Service Programs 3% 3%
compacted aluminum at recycle center

Other Program Participants

Beverage Container Program Fact Sheet first page icon click to download

Beverage Container Recycling Facts

Download the Beverage Container Recycling Fact Sheet for facts related to the calendar year 2022.

The fact sheet includes details on:

  • Beverage Container Recycling Rate
  • Recycling Rates by Container Material Type
  • Program Participants
  • Rates Paid for Container Per Pound at Recycling Centers
  • Flow of Funds to Support Program Operations
  • Processing Payments and Fees
  • Handling Fees
  • Enforcement Actions and Inspections

Find A Nearby Recycling Center

Just enter your ZIP code to find a bottle & can redemption center near you.

For more information, visit Beverage Container Recycling Home