Recycling plastic bottles in California can be a great way to earn some extra money, but how much you get for recycling them will depend on a few different factors.
First, it’s important to note that California has a recycling program known as the California Redemption Value (CRV) program. This program requires that all eligible beverage containers, including plastic bottles, have a CRV fee added to their purchase price. Consumers can then redeem the CRV fee by recycling the containers at certified recycling centers.
The amount of CRV you can get for recycling plastic bottles will depend on the size of the bottle. For example, a plastic bottle that is less than 24 ounces will have a CRV of 5 cents, while a bottle that is 24 ounces or larger will have a CRV of 10 cents. This means that if you recycle a 24 ounce plastic bottle, you will receive 10 cents back.
It’s worth noting that the CRV program only applies to certain types of plastic bottles, such as those that contain carbonated beverages, water, and beer. Bottles that contain non-carbonated beverages, such as juice or sports drinks, are not eligible for the CRV program.
In addition to the CRV program, there are other ways to recycle plastic bottles in California. Many communities have curbside recycling programs that will pick up your recyclable materials, including plastic bottles, on a regular basis. These programs will typically pay you nothing for your recyclable materials, but they will help to keep them out of landfills and conserve resources.
Another option is to take your plastic bottles to a recycling center. These centers will typically pay you for your recyclable materials, but the amount you receive will depend on the current market value of the materials and the center’s policies. It’s worth contacting a few different centers to see what they will pay for plastic bottles.
In summary, recycling plastic bottles in California can be a great way to earn some extra money, but the amount you get will depend on a few different factors, such as the size of the bottle, the type of bottle, and the recycling method. The California Redemption Value (CRV) program will pay you 5 cents for bottles less than 24 ounces and 10 cents for bottles 24 ounces or larger. Community recycling programs and recycling centers are other options to consider, but the amount paid will vary.