CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom announced August 27 that over 250 new recycling sites are coming to 30 California counties that include underserved areas.
His office says California is making it easier than ever to cash in empty beverage containers.
Photo credit: CalRecycleReverse vending machines for recycling
The state funded the recycling sites with a $70 million grant that will bring recycling methods like reverse vending machines, mobile recycling and bag-drop sites around the state.
A reverse vending machine accepts empty containers and, in return, offers cash.
Supermarket chains Save Mart and Smart and Final will get over $2 million each for reverse vending machines in 19 counties.
In addition, the governor’s office says Californians can now redeem wine, liquor and large juice containers for cash.
Californians Throw Away 290 Olympic pools worth of plastic a day
According to CalRecycle, Californians throw away 290 Olympic pools worth of plastic a day.
To address this issue, California introduced draft regulations for SB 54 – Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, along with the reforms to make recycling more efficient and redemption easier.
This law requires companies to reduce single-use plastic waste – plastic bags, straws, bottles, cutlery, and food packaging. It also ensures that the packaging on the products they sell is either recyclable or compostable.
For more information about the Beverage Container Innovation Grant Program visit https://calrecycle.ca.gov/bevcontainer/grants/RIG/
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