[greenyes] FW:The Recycling Tip Sheet: 12-29-04

["Pat Franklin" <pfranklin@no.address>]

California boosted the container redemption value (CRV) from 2.5 to 4 cents
for containers  less than 28 ounces and, low and behold, the redemption rate
jumped from 55% to 63%.  Not as high as it would be if containers were worth
a nickel....but a marked improvement to be sure!
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THE RECYCLING TIP SHEET
A look at what's happening in California bottle and can recycling.


December 29, 2004


RECYCLING RATE SURGES AS CALIFORNIANS REDEEM MORE BOTTLES AND CANS THAN EVER
BEFORE
SACRAMENTO - According to Department of Conservation statistics,
Californians recycled 5.8 billion California Refund Value bottles and cans
from January to July, the highest six-month figure ever.

"Recycling bottles and cans is one of the many ways Californians can express
their commitment to the state's environment and natural resources," said
California Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman. "It's heartening to see
recycling on the rise, and this should serve as a reminder to everyone to
recycle where you live, work and play."

Numbers for the first half of 2004 show recycling is up for aluminum, glass
and plastic beverage containers. If the trend continues, Californians will
recycle more than one billion additional bottles and cans in 2004 than in
2003.

Overall, the recycling rate of CRV containers for the first six months of
this year was 63 percent, up from 58 percent for the January-June period
last year. By the end of 2003, the recycling rate had fallen to 55 percent,
the lowest annual rate since the CRV program began in 1987.

The increase in the recycling rate can be tied to a number of things,
including a higher refund value that took effect in January 2004. Ongoing
efforts by the Department of Conservation have resulted in greater public
awareness of the need to recycle and better customer service at thousands of
privately owned recycling centers in the state. Also, DOC funding to cities
and counties and grants to a variety of entities have resulted in more
recycling opportunities, and outreach efforts have increased recycling at
private businesses like office buildings and restaurants.

More than 19 billion CRV bottles and cans will be sold in California this
year. Containers that aren't recycled represent hundreds of millions of
dollars in unclaimed CRV - cash that should go back into Californians'
pockets. In 2003, some eight billion bottles and cans were thrown away,
worth an estimated $300 million in CRV.

In addition to the cash reclaimed through redemption, energy is saved as
well: a single aluminum can, if recycled, saves enough electricity to run a
television for nearly three hours.

Consumers and businesses can find nearby recycling centers by calling
1-800-RECYCLE or visiting www.bottlesandcans.com and using the zip
code-based recycling center locater. California Refund Value is 4 cents on
containers less than 24 ounces, 8 cents on containers 24 ounces and larger.

Most beverages packaged in aluminum, glass and plastic, such as soft drinks,
water, beer, sports drinks, juices and coffee and tea drinks, are included
in the CRV program. Among the notable products not included in the program
are milk, wine and distilled spirits. For a comprehensive list of products
subject to CRV, visit http://www.conservation.ca.gov/DOR/CRVinOutList.pdf

All aspects of the state's beverage container recycling program are paid for
with unclaimed refunds of CRV beverage containers, at no cost to the state's
general fund.

In addition to promoting beverage container recycling, the Department of
Conservation maps and studies earthquakes and other geologic phenomena;
classifies areas containing mineral deposits; ensures reclamation of land
used for mining; regulates oil, gas and geothermal wells; and administers
agricultural and open-space land conservation programs. For more information
about DOC programs, visit www.conservation.ca.gov.



WANTED: BOTTLE AND CAN RECYCLING SUCCESS STORIES
The California Department of Conservation is looking for "best practice"
examples for bars, restaurants and office buildings that have successfully
implemented bottle and can recycling programs. If your organization
recycles, or if you know of someone who does, please email us at
recycinginfo@no.address or call Sequoia Clare at 310-392-4244.


FORWARD TO A FRIEND
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recycling? Simply click here: Forward to a Friend to share the Recycling Tip
Sheet with a co-worker, friend or family member.


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Planning an event or recycling outreach effort? Send your information to the
California Department of Conservation at recyclingtips@no.address to be
posted in the "What's Happening" section.




THE RECYCLING TIP SHEET is prepared by the California Department of
Conservation as a service to those interested in bottle and can recycling.
Questions, concerns or other issues related to this e-mail should be
directed to:

California Department of Conservation
Public Affairs Office
801 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-323-1886


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