FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1 - DO I NEED TO CRUSH MY CANS?
Generally, no. However, requirements about the condition of beverage containers are established by the recycling center and may vary from one recycler to the next. Therefore, you should contact the recycling center where you plan to take your containers to determine its requirements.

2 - WHY AREN'T ALL BEVERAGES INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM?
The composition of beverages included in the program is determined by statute. The inclusion of most, but not all, beverages was established by the implementing legislation, AB 2020 (Chapter 1290, Statutes of 1986). SB 332 (Chapter 815, Statutes of 1999), substantially increased the number of beverages included in the program.

3 - HOW MUCH RECYCLED GLASS IS USED TO MAKE NEW BOTTLES?
The average glass bottle manufactured in California contains 38% recycled glass.

4 - ARE REFILLABLE WATER JUGS INCLUDED?
Noncarbonated water containers were added to the CRV program by Senate Bill 332, which took effect January 1, 2000. However, the Division's interpretation of the law is that containers that are customarily refilled, like those used in water coolers, are excluded.

5 - ARE ALL BEVERAGES IN CONTAINERS 46 OUNCES OR LARGER EXCLUDED?
No. Only 100% fruit juice containers 46 ounces or larger are excluded, along with vegetable juice in containers larger than 16 ounces.

6 - WHAT ABOUT BAG-IN-A-BOX AND POUCHES?
Any beverage container for products included in the program is subject to CRV and processing fees, if the container is made primarily of aluminum, glass or plastic. Using these criteria, beverages packaged in a bag-in-a-box would be excluded because the packaging is primarily cardboard. Only pouches made primarily of plastic are in the program.

7 - WHAT IS A BIMETAL CONTAINER?
A bimetal beverage container consists of one or more metals, primarily steel.

8 - WHAT IF A CONTAINER IS 100% STEEL?
Steel is accepted if it contains a covered beverage, such as beer.