Beverage Container Redemption Innovation Grant

The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) administers a program to provide opportunities to support start-up costs for recycling programs, which shall be limited to recycling centers, satellite recycling, reverse vending machines, or bag drop programs. These funds are also available to existing recycling centers for the purposes of establishing satellite recycling to expand outreach. The flexibility in the program will encourage the recycling centers to be innovative and increase California Refund Value (CRV) redemption opportunities. Eligible applicants include: • Dealers. A retail establishment in an unserved convenience zone which offers the sale of beverages in beverage containers to consumers that is required to either redeem in store (Option A) or pay $100 a day to CalRecycle (Option B). These entities are not required to be certified as a recycling center. All Dealers must submit an affidavit to CalRecycle that states they choose to redeem in-store prior to the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) email. Dealers may only apply for reverse vending machine (RVM) projects. • Existing Certified Recycling Centers. An existing certified recycling center is defined as an operation certified by CalRecycle to accept empty beverage containers and pay a California Redemption Value (CRV) to consumers prior to the issuance of the NTP email. • New Recycling Center Businesses. A new recycling center business is defined as an applicant who intends to apply for the grant and is eligible to become a certified recycling center. This can include, but is not limited to, beverage dealers. A new recycling center must be certified prior to the issuance of the NTP email. • Community Service Programs (SP). Community service programs are operated by a nonprofit/charitable organization with tax exempt status, or a city, county, or other public agency. SPs are not able to pay CRV. SPs may operate RVMs, engage in setting up drop-off bins at specific sites or collect from various locations such as schools, churches, or parks. Charitable organizations (e.g., environmental groups, community groups, and municipal governments) often become certified as a community service program as part of their fundraising efforts.