California DOC Releases Six-Month Report on Container Recycling

The California Department of Conservation has released its interim report on recycling of containers in the state over the first half of 2007. The half-year report was released the end of last year. A complete year-end report is expected to be released this spring.

The report, titled Six-Month Report of Beverage Container Recycling & Significant Carbon Reduction, shows that the beverage container recycling rate increased by 6 percent, bringing the statewide average to 71 percent between January and June.

To help increase the recovery rate, the state raised the refund consumers receive for returning containers: from four centers to five cents for containers less than 24 ounces; and from eight cents to ten cents for containers 24 ounces and larger.

All aspects of the state’s beverage container recycling program are paid for with unclaimed refunds of CRV beverage containers, at no cost to the state's general fund.

In addition to promoting beverage container recycling, the Department of Conservation maps and studies earthquakes and other geologic phenomena; classifies areas containing mineral deposits; ensures reclamation of land used for mining; regulates oil, gas and geothermal wells; and administers agricultural and open-space land conservation programs.