More Than 250 New Recycling Sites Coming to 30 California Counties

SACRAMENTO — California is making it easier than ever to cash in empty beverage containers with more than 250 new recycling sites across 30 counties funded by recycling innovation awards.

Gov, Gavin Newsom Aug. 27 highlighted CalRecycle’s award of nearly $70 million in Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grants to projects that will add dynamic recycling methods like reverse vending machines, mobile recycling and bag-drop sites around the state, including in underserved counties like Butte, Imperial, Mendocino, Merced and Modoc.

Supermarket chains Save Mart and Smart and Final will get over $2 million each for reverse vending machines in 19 counties. 

California is implementing several reforms to recycle more beverage containers and make redemption easier for consumers. Californians can now redeem wine, liquor and large juice containers for cash, and new retailer take back rules beginning next year will expand beverage recycling options for consumers in areas that are not served by a recycling center.

The state is also investing in programs that support recycling infrastructure, innovation and accessibility across California, including additional Redemption Innovation grants, Beverage Container Quality Infrastructure grants and Reusable Beverage Container Recycling Infrastructure grants.

California earlier this year released draft regulations for the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), a measure signed by Gov. Newsom that requires producers to cut single-use plastic waste and ensure the packaging on products they sell is recyclable or compostable.