California Refund Value (CRV) Container Recycling

Over 18 billion beverage containers are eligible for redemption every year in California.

More information can be found on the CalRecycle Website: www.bottlesandcans.com/

Check the labels of your empty beverage containers for "CRV" or "CA CASH REFUND" to turn eligible CRV containers in for your money back.

Worth of Eligible Containers

California Refund Value (CRV) Container Type
 CRV Rate
Less than 24 ounces
 $0.05 per container
More than 24 ounces
 $0.10 per container
Note: You may need to tell your recycler that you would like to be paid per container if you have 50 containers or less of each type of material (ex: aluminum, plastic, glass).

  • If you have more than 50 containers per material, your recycler may pay you by weight.
  • And remember, containers must be labeled as "CRV" or "CA CASH REFUND" to receive your deposit back. (CRV deposits are paid by customers when purchasing CRV containers.)

Examples of CRV Items - Items That You Pay a CRV Deposit on When Purchasing These Items at Stores


  • Glass Beer and other malt bottles
  • Glass wine coolers
  • Plastic Soda bottles and aluminum cans
  • Plastic water bottles
  • Plastic sports drinks bottles
  • Tea and coffee drinks
  • Juice cans and bottles (100% juice containers need to be less than 46 ounces)
  • Vegetable juice (less than 16 ounces)

Items Not Included in the CRV Program - You Don't Receive a Refund on These Items, Because You Don't Pay a CRV Deposit When Buying These Items at the Store


  • Wine bottles
  • Milk jugs
  • Juice boxes
  • Juices in foil pouches
  • 100% Juices in containers 46 ounces or greater
  • Diet drinks
  • Medical food / Infant formula
  • Vegetable juice (16 ounces or greater in volume)
  • Other items that don't come with a deposit fee at stores
These items are not accepted at CRV buyback centers, but they can be placed into a curbside recycling can (except for juice pouches/boxes, which would need to go into the trash).