Beverage Container Recycling

Recycled MaterialIn one year, Californians bought more than 17.5 billion carbonated and non-carbonated drinks in aluminum, glass, plastic and bimetal containers. Recycling these beverage containers is important in order to save natural resources, conserve energy, and extend the life of our landfills.

Earn Money Recycling

If you live or work in Monterey Park and Athens Services is your trash hauler, you are already doing your part to recycle. Athens sorts out your recyclables for you at a centralized processing facility called a MRF before taking your trash for final disposal. But did you know by recycling your beverage containers independently you could earn cash?

Container Worth

When you purchase a beverage in a glass, plastic, or aluminum container, you pay a California Redemption Value (CRV) on each container. CA Cash RefundYou are entitled to receive this money back. The CRV rates are currently:

  • 5 cents for containers less than 24 ounces
  • 10 cents for containers more than 24 ounces

Containers Included in CRV Beverage Container Recycling Program

Check the labels of your empty beverage containers. If it says CRV or CA CASH REFUND, it is part of the program. Effective January 1, 2000, the following beverages sold in aluminum, glass, plastic, and bimetal containers are included in the program:

  • Beer cans and bottles
  • Coffee and tea drinks
  • Fruit drinks (carbonated and non carbonated)
  • Juices (less than 48 oz)
  • Mineral water
  • Soda cans and bottles
  • Sports drinks
  • Water bottles
  • Wine and distilled spirit coolers

Items not included in the CRV program:

  • Wine bottles
  • Milk jugs
  • Juice boxes or foil pouches
  • Juices ( more than 48 ounces )
  • Meal replacement drink containers

For a full list of items covered under the CRV program, view the document online.

Container Drop Off Locations

The California Redemption Value program is our state's way of helping make sure beverage containers are recycled instead of thrown in the trash or left behind as litter. It's a fact: containers that have CRV are twice as likely to be recycled as those that don't. View the state's listing of of certified redemption centers online.