Licensing/Certification/Accreditation

This a government regulatory agency that provides information about recycling in California. Services include consumer complaints about recycling centers and issues, licensing/certification/accreditation for recycling centers, and state government information lines. There are no geographic restrictions.

The department provides information about the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, the location of recycling centers, the requirements for becoming a certified recycler, and funding opportunities.

In addition, the division of recycling administers the statewide program, certifies processors and recyclers, enforces the provisions of the law, monitors redemption rates, and imposes fines and penalties for violations of the law.

The law states that effective October 1, 1987 consumers receive California refund value for labeled aluminum, glass, plastic and bimetal beverage containers at recycling centers located throughout the state. Eligible containers are labeled CRV and have a 4 cent minimum refund value which is paid to consumers who bring them to a certified recycling center established by retailers and recycling firms. The state reimburses centers for the refund value they pay to consumers.