One of the hurdles of effectively recouping the California Redemption Value deposit is that the would-be recycler has to take them to a smelly location far away

One of the hurdles of effectively recouping the California Redemption Value deposit is that the would-be recycler has to take them to a smelly location far away from place of purchase and endure the inconvenience of waiting in line and dealing with unwritten rules and other customers. I remember being in some East Coast state, I think it was Maine, where I could return beverage containers at same store where I bought the drinks. That's convenient. Going to a recycling facility to get 5 cents back per container is not. My fuel cost would be higher than the value of returned deposit. I recycled cans a few times. It's convoluted. The rate per can is in practice disregarded and it would actually be lower at about $1.43/lb than the $1.63/lb that could be paid out today by weight. The centers pay a rate per pound. However, they can pay either the CRV rate per pound or the scrap metal rate. Most infrequent recyclers would have no idea these are options. "How much do recycling centers pay per pound for cans and bottles? Currently, state certified recycling centers pay a minimum of $1.63 CRV for aluminum cans; $1.26 CRV for clear PET plastic bottles; $0.60 CRV for HDPE plastic bottles (similar to the large water jugs); and $0.10 CRV for glass bottles. These CRV per pound rates are periodically adjusted, with new rates taking effect January 1 and July 1. In addition to the CRV, recyclers may also pay a scrap value, which may also fluctuate. Can recycling centers pay less than the refund value for redeemed containers? Yes, if the material is contaminated. Operators of certified recycling centers must inspect each load of containers to determine whether it is eligible for CRV. Recycling centers have the option to refuse to accept containers which, in their opinion, are excessively contaminated with dirt, moisture, or other foreign substances. Alternatively, recycling centers may adjust downward the CRV per pound used to calculate the payment by the ratio of such substances to empty beverage containers. In this circumstance, the consumer has the right to accept the discounted refund and/or scrap price, to separate refund from nonrefund material, or to take the material back."