Starting January 1st, the New Year in California is getting a bit greener with a change that allows residents to turn their empty wine and liquor bottles into cold, hard cash. According to KABC, the state's Beverage Container Recycling Program will now include wine and liquor bottles, expanding on a list that traditionally focused on soda and beer cans.
The program will offer 5 cents for containers smaller than 24 ounces, and double that – 10 cents – for those 24 ounces or larger, adding a layer of economic incentive. The lovers of boxed wines and spirits can expect a reward of 25 cents for bag-in-box containers, designed to support recycled consumption patterns, plastic or multi-layer pouches, and paperback cartons.
Furthermore, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) notes the inclusion of large juice containers into the mix, pushing consumers towards more sustainable choices across the beverage spectrum.
In addition to traditional packaging, Now also redeemable, novel container types such as multi-layered pouches and plastic bladders are stretching the boundaries of what we can recycle. And while you won't see CRV labels on new additions until mid-2025, these containers are certainly eligible for redemption now. California giveth and, in this case, taketh not away, but incentivizes the return of what was once enjoyed, down to the last drop.
The details on the Container Recycling Program can be found here.
