Increases in refunds lead to less beverage containers in trash
bins
In 2007, the state Department of Conservation staff came up with
an idea to decrease the number of soda cans, water bottles and
glass containers that ended up at landfills. From January through
July 2007, recyclers received more than they had paid for the
California refund value.
Increases in refunds lead to less beverage containers in trash bins
In 2007, the state Department of Conservation staff came up with an idea to decrease the number of soda cans, water bottles and glass containers that ended up at landfills. From January through July 2007, recyclers received more than they had paid for the California refund value.
During the period, people paid 4 cents for containers 24 ounces or less, but received a nickel back. Larger containers had a CRV of 8 cents, but recyclers received a dime back.
“I applaud Californians for increasing their recylcing over the past year and helping California lead the way toward a healthier environment,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who signed the legislation that increased the refund. “Recycling is something each of us can do every day to reduce our impact on the environment.”
After July 2007, the amount paid at the time of purchase of beverages went up so it was equal to the refund.
The Department of Conservation staff recently released a report that showed during the six months, the percentage of containers recycled went up six points to 71 percent. The additional recycling decreased greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent to removing 230,000 passenger cars from the roadways for the year, according to the report.
“With environmental concerns a hot topic, it’s good to know every individual can make a difference one bottle or one can at a time by recycling,” said Bridgett Luther, the director of the DOC. “Governor Schwarzenegger recognized this when he signed legislation to increase California refund value on beverage containers, and Californians responded by recycling an additional 800 million containers in the first six months of 2007.”
According to the report, the beverage containers recycled saved the equivalent of 2.5 million barrels of oil.
“Whether people take their empties to a recycling center for a refund, put them in a curbside recycling bin or remember to recycle when they’re at work or out and about, the environment wins,” Luther said.
The California recycling program is paid for with unclaimed refunds of CRV beverage containers. For more information on the Department of Conservation programs, visit www.conservation.ca.gov.
There are plenty of places to recycle in San Benito County.
Beverage containers
Eagle Recycling
2400 San Juan Hollister Road, Hollister
637-1743
Matthews Recycling at Neil’s Supermarket
54 Muckelemi Street, San Juan Bautista
623-4606
One Stop Recycling
810 A East St., Hollister
637-1321
San Benito Recycling Center
10 Fourth St., Hollister
636-1806
Batteries and cell phones
Radio Shack
491 Tres Pinos Road, Hollister
637-3583 or 636-7490
Verizon Wireless
341 Tres Pinos Road, Ste. 106, Hollister
637-3799
Plastic grocery bags
Albertson’s Food and Drug
291 McCray St., Hollister
634-1890
Nob Hill Foods
1700 Airline Hwy., Hollister
637-7447
Safeway Food and Drug
591 Tres Pinos Road, Hollister
638-3240
Windmill Market
301 The Alameda, San Juan Bautista
623-2956
Tires
Art’s Tire Service
4110 Fairview Road, Unit 7, Hollister
634-0615
Camacho Tires
896 Fourth St., Hollister
638-1282
Rossi’s Tire and auto service
90 San Felipe Road, Hollister
638-1282
John Smith Road Landfill
2650 John Smith Road, Hollister
637-4515
Hollister Tire and Battery Service
10 Fourth St., Hollister
637-5887
