Beverage Containers

­ Recycling glass, aluminu­m and plastic saves energy and natural resources; using raw materials to create beverage containers requires considerably more energy through mining, transportation and processing, while at the same time putting a strain on our natural resources. “With environmental concerns rightly a hot topic, it’s good to know we really can help save the planet one bottle or can at a time,” DOC director Bridgett Luther said.  “Whether people take their empties to a recycling center for a refund, put them in a residential recycling bin, or remember to recycle when they’re at work or out and about, the environment wins.”

A study released at the beginning of this year showed that California consumed 657 million barrels of oil and emitted 492 million metric tons of carbon equivalent in 2007.
By recycling nearly 7 billion beverage containers from January-June of 2007, Californians saved the equivalent of 2.5 million barrels of oil, and reduced emissions equivalent to 293,000 metric tons of carbon related to greenhouse gas.
Another way Californians can help is by purchasing goods made from or packaged in recycled material.

Recycling is easy to do in California.

Consumers can find nearby recycling centers with the recycling center locator at www.bottlesandcans.com , or they can call the Department of Conservation toll-free hotline, 1-800-RECYCLE. An increase in California Refund Value took effect on January 1, 2007, and raised the refund consumers receive for each CRV beverage container from four cents to a nickel for containers less than 24 ounces and eight cents to a dime for containers 24 ounces and larger.