Beverage Container Recycling Programs

Use the CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling Centers to find a recycling location near you.

State of California CRV Program

Beverage containers covered under the program are almost every bottle and can you use. Look at the label for the universal recycle symbol and the words:

  • CA CASH REFUND
  • CA CRV
  • California Redemption Value
  • CA Redemption Value
  • California Cash Refund

Consumers pay California Redemption Value (CRV) when they purchase beverages from a retailer, and receive CRV refunds when they redeem the containers at a recycling center. Most beverages packaged in aluminum, glass, plastic and bi-metal containers are eligible for CRV. Notable exceptions are milk, wine and distilled spirits, which are not included in the CRV program. CRV is 5 cents for each beverage container less than 24 ounces and 10 cents for each container 24 ounces or greater.

The program covers the following CRV beverage containers:

  • 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,
  • Carbonated and noncarbonated fruit drinks with any percentage of fruit juice, and
  • Vegetable juice and 100% fruit juice in glass, plastic, aluminum or bi-metal containers (updated 2024),

Please visit https://calrecycle.ca.gov/bevcontainer/basics/ for a more extensive list of eligible and ineligible containers.

CRV is $0.05 for each beverage container less than 24-ounces, $0.10 for each container 24-ounces or greater and $0.25 for boxes, bladders or pouches containing wine, distilled spirits, wine coolers, or distilled spirit coolers.

San Bernardino County’s Beverage Container Recycling Program (click here for pdf)

The County of San Bernardino Solid Waste Management Division has developed a program to increase beverage container recycling, thereby saving natural resources, conserving energy and extending the life of our landfills. The program presents an opportunity to educate our citizens about the importance and benefits of recycling. Schools and non-profit community organizations can benefit from this program by generating extra funds for their programs and activities.

Who is eligible to participate: Unincorporated area schools, community organizations (such as senior citizen centers, churches, sports leagues, scout groups, homeowner associations, etc.), and businesses. The San Bernardino County Beverage Container Recycling Program is only for CRV beverage containers and is offered in addition to any curbside recycling programs offered by your local refuse hauler. For more information, please download CRV Container Recycling Program Brochure.

Did you know… in 2022, Californians have recycled 19.6 billion CRV containers? That’s more than 400 containers per person, each contributing to the conservation of natural resources and energy!

If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Treasure Trinh via email at Treasure.Trinh@dpw.sbcounty.gov.

Resources

www.calrecycle.ca.gov/BevContainer
www.bottlesandcans.com
www.keepcabeautiful.org/
www.earth911.com
www.epa.gov
www.zerowastecommunities.org

View the Beverage Container Recycling Program photo album

View the Spring 2015 Beverage Container Recycling program newsletter.
View the Winter 2014 Beverage Container Recycling program newsletter.
View the Summer 2014 Beverage Container Recycling program newsletter.
Visit our Beverage Container Recycling Program newsletter archive page.