Frequently Asked Questions about CRV
CRV is a deposit you pay when buying beverages in certain containers (like aluminum, glass, plastic, or bimetal). You get this money back when you return the container to a certified recycling center. It's part of California’s effort to reduce waste and promote recycling.
- Aluminum cans
- Glass bottles
- Plastic bottles
- Bimetal containers
Covered beverage types include soda, water, sports drinks, beer, wine coolers, and some juice, coffee, and tea drinks. Containers for milk, infant formula, and large juice bottles (over 46 oz) are not eligible.
- $0.05 for containers under 24 ounces
- $0.10 for containers 24 ounces or more
You can request to be paid by count for up to 50 of each container type per visit. Beyond that, payment may be calculated by weight.
You can return CRV containers at:
- Certified recycling centers
- Some retail stores (especially if no recycling center is nearby)
- Reverse vending machines in some grocery store parking lots
- To find a nearby center, use CalRecycle's locator tool.
It’s not required by law, but rinsing your containers helps reduce mess and contamination. Sorting by type (glass, plastic, aluminum) is recommended, especially if you plan to be paid by count.
Some centers accept non-CRV recyclables like cardboard, scrap metal, and other plastics. However, their main focus is CRV beverage containers, so check with the center beforehand.
You may request by-count payment for up to:
- 50 aluminum
- 50 glass
- 50 plastic containers
Centers may still accept more but will likely weigh the rest and pay based on weight. If you have large loads, it’s good to call ahead.
If you're in a "convenience zone" without a nearby center, certain retailers are required to either:
- Redeem CRV containers in-store
- Or pay a daily fee to the state
If a retailer refuses to accept CRV containers when required, you can report it to CalRecycle.
Look for the CRV label on the container. It might say:
- "CA CRV"
- "California Redemption Value"
- "CA Cash Refund"
If it has one of these markings, it's eligible for CRV. Containers without this label are not redeemable, even if they’re the same material.
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