California CRV Law Celebrates 20 Years

The California State Department of Conservation is celebrating the 20th year of its container recycling program.

When AB 2020 passed in September of 1986, there was no incentive to recycle bottles and cans other than the "scrap value" recycling centers were willing to pay. CRV was introduced in 1987, which allowed Californians
to collect one cent for each beverage container recycled. In 1988, Californians recycled 6.1 billion CRV containers.

Residents who return beverage containers to one of the state’s certified recycling centers will see an increase in the money given to them thanks to an Assembly Bill signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

AB 3056, signed Sept. 30, would raise the to $.05 what customers would receive for containers less than 24 ounces; $.10 for containers 24 ounces or larger. The new prices will begin the first of next year.

"Californians have demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the environment through their beverage container recycling efforts over the past two decades," said Bridgett Luther, director of the state Department of Conservation, which oversees the bottle and can recycling program. "By approving this legislation, the governor maintains his commitment to the environment and puts money back in the pockets of consumers."