Secrets to Bottle & Can Redemption

We have received many reports from frustrated people trying to do the right thing.

Many report that the buyback centers are closed when they are supposed to be open. Some claim that after waiting in long lines, the attendants are unfriendly, or make announcements that they are "full" of material and customers will have to return on another day.

It is understandable that there is such frustration!

We want to give you a few tips to help make you recycling experience a little bit easier: 

First: Check the days and hours of operation. Buybacks are not open 7 days per week, and they close for random hours for lunches. Before going to the buyback center, check our schedule here so you don't make a wasted trip.
Click here for the current schedule.

Second: If you do happen to go to a center that is supposed to be open, but isn't, call 1-800-RECYCLE, the state recycling hotline to complain or call Monterey Recycles at 831.646.5662. By reporting these instances we can help keep the buyback center operators accountable.

Third: Know the rules. by understanding what the rules are with CRV, your experience at a buyback center will be much less frustrating. If you feel you are not being treated fairly, speak up. Below we have included some helpful information about CRV and the redemption process.

What types of items do I pay CRV on?
Most soft drinks, sport drinks, bottled tea and coffee, beer, water, and other single serving beverage containers. Larger beverage containers are subject to CRV. For more info, please see the CalRecycle CRV Sheet.

How do I know if the CRV is $.05 or $.10?
Containers less than 24 ounces in volume have a $0.05 per container CRV charge, and containers more than 24 oz. in volume have a $0.10 charge per container. These charges are collected at the store register when you buy your beverages.

If I don't redeem my CRV, where does the money go?
Unredeemed CRV is accumulated in a fund to pay for state programs that increase recycling rates and decrease litter.

What if I recycle my CRV containers curbside?
In Monterey, your curbside recycling is FREE - you only pay for trash.  This is in large part because the hauler can sell the recyclables as raw material.  Many people are concerned about others stealing CRV bottles and cans from their recycling bins.  This is illegal, and you can REPORT THEFT on our website or call the Monterey Police Department if you witness this activity.

More information can be found at http://www.bottlesandcans.com/ or by calling 1-800 -RECYCLE, or you can read the full text of the California Beverage Recycling and Litter Reduction Act.

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