For those San Diegans who collect cans and bottles in order to turn them in for recycling fees, there is a change in the works.
There are some new rules that could change the way people recycle.
Not all containers are the same when it comes to aluminum, plastic and glass and there's a new law that makes that very clear.
Some come with deposits ranging anywhere from 5 to 10 cents for the California Redemption Value or CRV.
The state of California will not allow the non-CRV containers to go with the CRV items.
“So you have to bring 100-percent CRV containers that are not broken and also properly labeled,” said San Diego Recycling Manager Ken Prue.
Shoppers pay a deposit or CRV at the cash register when we buy certain items. But not all glass, aluminum and plastic come with a deposit and shouldn't pay back a refund.
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That could mean more work for some people who have to separate their items but it means the state won't have to pay money for things that never had a deposit in the first place.
There could be some collectors that do take CRV and non-CRV, say from a bar or something, that they may be discouraged,” said Prue. “But honestly, I think for the most part, for the average resident, I don’t think they’ll see a difference at all.”
Wine bottles are probably the most common item that’s not CRV in glass.
For those who use curbside recycling, the new rules don’t change anything, Prue said.
Residents don't currently get money back from the items put out in the blue bins at the curb.
Prue said only about 23 percent of San Diego homes and small businesses are good about recycling.
