Changes to the Beverage Container Recycling Program

July 2024. Many residents recycle their bottles and cans by redeeming them at recycling centers. While the California Redemption Value (CRV) redeemable fee may be familiar to you, there have been recent changes to the bottle and can recycling program that provide more opportunity for recycling and redemption. The CRV fee is part of the California Beverage Container Recycling Program (BCRP) managed by CalRecycle. The CRV was created to promote the recycling of certain containers including aluminum, plastic, glass, and bimetal beverage containers (made of two or more metals joined together, such as Sapporo beer cans). At the time of sale, consumers are charged $.05 cents for qualifying containers less than 24 ounces and $.10 cents for containers greater than 24 ounces.

Starting January 1, 2024, California’s BCRP added new beverages and new containers. First, all fruit and vegetable juice containers are now accepted, including large bottles and cans (over 46 oz. for fruit juice and over 16 oz. for vegetable juice).

Second, beverages with alcohol of 7% or greater by volume will now be accepted, including wine and liquor. Additionally, beverage containers that are boxes, bladders or pouches containing wine, distilled spirits, wine coolers, or distilled spirit coolers are now included in the program. These containers will have a CRV of $.25 cents.

New additions may not have CRV labels until July 1, 2025, but are subject to CRV and are eligible for redemption. 

Only beverage containers purchased in California can be redeemed for a refund. Additional details on how and where to redeem CRV-qualifying items can be found below.

Recycling Centers

CRV recycling centers are regulated by CalRecycle. CRV recycling centers are not regulated by the City, nor does the City select which or where such businesses operate. As of July 2024, there are three certified beverage container recycling centers in Thousand Oaks that are privately owned and operated and offer CRV in cash to customers:

CRV Only Store – (805)-404-7221

1724 E Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (behind Jinky’s Café) Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm; Sat 8:30am-5:00pm; Sun 8:30am-3:00pm

Ponce Recycling – (818)-531-5654

1500 Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks (by Home Goods) Hours: 9am-5pm Mon-Sat

3963 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks (behind Ralphs) Hours: 9am-5pm Mon-Sat; closed 1pm-1:30pm for lunch

Additional information

For additional in-store CRV redemption locations in Thousand Oaks, visit: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/BevContainer/InStoreRedemption

If you would like to report a recycling center closure or file a complaint regarding a certified recycling center, please email CalRecycle at complaints@calrecycle.ca.gov or call 1-800-RECYCLE.

Click HERE for a list of eligible CRV products.