You know you need to do your part to help our environment. California is beautiful. You want our gorgeous coastline and way of life to be preserved for generations to come, which means keeping our Earth clean and polluting as little as possible. It may seem overwhelming to even think about how you could help, but one of the most efficient ways to lower your eco-footprint is also one of the easiest- recycling your bottles and cans. A recent study conducted by the California Department of Conservation (DOC) found that Californians want to recycle, yet too many Californians are unfamiliar with the CRV program and how it works. Let’s change that right now!

What is the CRV Recycling program?

CRV stands for California Refund Value. It describes the amount paid by consumers at the checkout stand and then paid back to consumers when they recycle eligible recycling materials. Aluminum, plastic, glass, and bi-metal beverage containers can be dropped off or sent to certified recycling centers who will then pay you for your trash!

How do I know if an item is eligible?

Soda, beer, carbonated water, water, sports drinks, cold coffee, tea drinks, and fruit drink containers are nearly always eligible. Wine bottles, milk jugs, and baby formula containers are typically not included. To identify a CRV recyclable beverage container, all you need to do is look for the phrase “CA CASH REFUND” or the shorter “CA CRV” on the label. There’s no guesswork at all!

How much money will I get?

It is important to note that CRV is established by law and is subject to change with

new legislation. That being said, you can currently earn 5¢ for containers less than 24 ounces and 10¢ for larger containers that are over 24 ounces. You probably don’t want to be getting paid nickels and dimes at a time, so most people save up their bottles and cans until they have several dollars worth. You can be paid by the pound, you may request to be paid per container if you redeem 50 or fewer containers per material type.

How do I turn my containers in?

This is the easiest part! Simply sort your CRV bottles and cans separate from the regular trash. You may already have a special recycling bin at your home, or you may have to request one. Put the item into a bag if you prefer, for easier transport. When it’s full and ready to go, reach out to Recycling From Home!

You don’t need to fight this good fight on your own! The community of Irvine, CA has Recycle From Home. We make it incredibly easy to recycle right from your driveway or doorstep! Our drivers pick up your recyclables, process them at our facility, and your redemption is then calculated and sent to you. You can choose to be paid either electronically or as a mailed check, whichever you prefer. It really is as simple as that!