Certified Recycling Centers
Operators of recycling centers redeem CRV beverage containers from:
- The general public
- Other certified recycling centers
- Dropoff or collection programs
- Community service programs
- Curbside programs
Operators must be certified for each recycling center location they operate.
Requirements of Certified Operators
- Post at your recycling center or processing facility:
- Your certificate
- The certification sign or decal
- Hours of operation as required
- Prices paid for all materials you accept
- Accept all beverage container types indicated on your application.
- Properly inspect all materials you accept and redeem.
- Keep proper receipts and logs of material accepted and redeemed.
- If you move or change the ownership
- Request to decertify in writing and
- Submit a new application to recertify
- If you are closing your business, submit a written request to decertify with the effective date of decertification.
- Inspection and Signage Requirements
Recycling Center Training Videos
Recycling centers can train staff on how to comply with the law.
Viewable on smartphones, too.
Program News
- Learn about the new precertification training and exam requirements for recycling centers and processors.
- Recycling Center Informational Sessions – SB 1013 and SB 353, taking effect January 1, 2024
Notices
Visit the Beverage Container Recycling Program’s Official Notices page for communications related to:
- Handling Fees
- AB 7 (8X) Implementation and Update on Proportional Reduction Payments
- Proportional Reductions in Payments FAQs
- Regulatory changes to the Shipping Report form DR-6
You must notify CalRecycle in writing if you change:
- Your organization or business name
- Your type of organization
- Must decertify and submit a new application
- Names of the contact person, partners, or corporate officers
- The agent for service of process (corporations only)
- The method of operation, including changing the type of equipment or staffing
- Your business or mailing address
- Your business or residence telephone numbers
- Your business’s status from certified to operational or if you choose to decertify
The list above does not include all requirements of the law.
It is the responsibility of the operator to read and understand the statute and all applicable regulations. Failure to comply with the statute and regulations may result in fines and possible civil penalties.
If you need clarification, contact the Certification Section at (916) 324-8598.
How to Apply
Steps to becoming a Certified Recycling Center
- Once you choose your certification category, fill out the appropriate application
- Before mailing your application, make sure you have done the following:
- Attend the Precertification Training
- Passed the exam
- Obtained a voucher
- Complete all items on the application form
- Enclose all required supporting documents with the applications
- Provide the appropriate original signature(s) and initials on the application form
- Mail the application with all required supporting documents to:
CalRecycle/Division of Recycling
Beverage Container Recycling Program
Certification Unit
1001 I St, MS 10C
Sacramento, CA 95814-3533
Application Review Process
- CalRecycle has 30 working days to review your application initially.
- If your application is incomplete, you will get an email detailing what you need to complete your application.
- Many applicants require a certification interview to allow CalRecycle to determine if your application is complete. CalRecycle staff will call you to schedule this meeting.
- Once your application is complete, CalRecycle has 60 more days to further review your application.
- Upon approval of your application, CalRecycle will email:
- A notification of approval
- Your certificate showing:
- The certification number and
- Expiration date
- Operators of recycling centers will later be mailed a sign or decal that identifies them to the public as certified operators.
When to Start Operations
- You cannot act as a certified operator until your application is approved.
- Once your application is approved, you are required to begin operating within 60 calendar days, or the certification number will become invalid, and you will have to reapply.
- Within five (5) days of the date you began operations, you must notify CalRecycle of the actual date you began operations by submitting a completed Operational Date Notification.
Community Service and Dropoff or Collection Programs
Some details for applying as a Community Service or Dropoff or Collection Program may differ from those outlined above for Recyclers.
- Certification Application for Community Service and Dropoff or Collection Programs
- Instructions for collection and community service programs
File a Complaint
File a complaint about a recycling center or a retail redemption location. CalRecycle will investigate complaints and provide education about program requirements.
- Report fraudulent activity toll-free at 1-866-CANLOAD
- Report noncompliance of beverage manufacturers or distributors to DORClientServices@calrecycle.ca.gov
Publications
- Informational Flier: Change to the Daily Load Limits Allowed to be Redeemed at Certified Recycling Centers by Consumers (English)
- Folleto Informaciónal: Nuevos Límites de Carga Diarios que Consumidores Podrán Redimir en Centros de Reciclaje Certificados (Spanish)
- Informational Flier: Beverages Subject to California Refund Value (CRV)
- Folleto Informaciónal: Bebidas Surjetas al Pago de Reembolso de California (CRV)
- Recycler Operating & Recordkeeping Manual
Other Information
- Beverage Container Recycling Program Locator (updated continuously)
Beverage Container Programs searchable data: Recyclers, Processors, Dropoff or Collection Programs, Community Service Programs, Curbside Programs, Agencies. - Learn how to report fraudulent recycling activities.
- Precertification Training
- Handling Fees
- Convenience Zone status report
- Beverage Container Recycling Pilot Program (SB 458 – 2017) & (AB 54 – 2019)
For more information, visit Beverage Container Recycling Home