Beginning January 1, Californian’s seeking to redeem large loads of beverage containers will face daily load limits of 100lbs for plastic or aluminum, or 1,000lbs for glass. For the most part, Californian’s take small loads to their local CRV recycling site; CalRecycle, the State’s recycling agency, says the average redemption is 8.7 pounds for cans and 11.6 pounds for bottles. So, for most of us, the recently announced limits won’t have an impact. 

The new rule will have an impact on illegal redemption of out-of-state containers and “scavenger fleets” that are controversial in some communities.  The new rules won’t effect most residential, small business, or even individual collectors seeking to redeem beverage containers purchased in California.