How Much Is CRV on a 24 Pack of Water Bottles?
Demystify California's beverage container recycling program. Learn how to navigate CRV costs and reclaim value for your empties.
California Redemption Value (CRV) is a state program that adds a small, refundable amount to the purchase price of eligible beverages. This system encourages consumers to return empty containers for recycling, reducing litter and landfill waste. The CRV program operates under specific regulations and rates set within California.
California Redemption Value Basics
The California Redemption Value applies to a broad range of beverage containers purchased within the state. These typically include containers made from aluminum, glass, plastic, and bi-metal. Covered beverages encompass most carbonated and non-carbonated drinks, such as sodas, bottled water, sports drinks, and certain juices. Starting January 1, 2024, wine and distilled spirits packaged in boxes, bladders, or pouches also became subject to CRV.
The standard CRV rates are determined by container size. For eligible beverage containers measuring less than 24 fluid ounces, the CRV is 5 cents per container. Containers that are 24 fluid ounces or larger carry a CRV of 10 cents each. Certain beverages and container types are exempt from CRV, including milk, medical food, infant formula, and 100% fruit juice in containers 46 ounces or larger.
Calculating CRV for a 24-Pack
To determine the California Redemption Value for a 24-pack of water bottles, understanding the typical size of individual bottles is necessary. Most standard single-serving water bottles are 16.9 fluid ounces, which falls under the 24-ounce threshold. Therefore, each bottle in the pack would be subject to the 5-cent CRV rate.
To calculate the total CRV for a 24-pack of these smaller water bottles, you multiply the number of bottles by the per-container CRV rate. For example, 24 bottles multiplied by 5 cents per bottle equals $1.20. This $1.20 is the additional amount paid at the time of purchase for the CRV.
Redeeming Your CRV
Consumers can reclaim their CRV by returning empty, eligible beverage containers to certified recycling centers throughout California. Many retailers selling CRV-eligible beverages must also redeem containers if no recycling center is available within a specified convenience zone. Contact the recycling center or retailer to confirm their operating hours and acceptance policies.
When redeeming containers, you can request payment by count for up to 50 containers of each material type (e.g., 50 plastic bottles, 50 glass bottles, or 50 aluminum cans). For quantities exceeding 50 of a single material type, recycling centers typically pay by weight, based on state-set minimum rates. Containers should be empty, clean, and free of contaminants.
CRV Beyond California
While the California Redemption Value program is specific to California, other U.S. states operate similar beverage container recycling initiatives. These programs are commonly called “bottle bills” or “deposit-refund systems.” Currently, ten states have such laws in place.
The specifics of these programs, including deposit amounts, container types, and redemption processes, vary by state. Deposit amounts can range from two cents to 15 cents per container. These programs encourage recycling and reduce litter through financial incentives.