What Is a CRV?

As of 2010, a number of U.S. states conduct programs that offer refunds for recycled beverage containers. California ranks among them with its own initiative, the CRV, one the state has been operating for more than 20 years.

Identification

• CRV stands for California Redemption Value, a refund provided for returned bottles and cans. In January 2010, California began enforcing the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act. The Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery is charged with overseeing the act's implementation. One of their efforts is continued focus on the CRV, a program that has existed since 1987.

Features

• The redemption value of an individual container is based primarily on the volume of fluid it holds. Containers 24 oz. or smaller earn a 5-cent refund, while larger containers net 10 cents each.

Fun Facts

• According to the department website, in 2009 alone, Californians purchased more than 20 billion drinks bottled in recyclable containers. According to the same information, more than 17 billion of them were ultimately returned under the CRV program. Overall, the program boasts that 230 billion have been redeemed since 1987.