California together with CalRecycle boosts aluminium cans recycling initiative across 30 counties

California is set to boost its recycling efforts with the launch of over 250 new recycling sites across 30 counties, making it convenient for people to recycle their used aluminium or plastic containers, beverage cans, and other recyclable products. This initiative is supported by nearly $70 million beverage container redemption innovation grants from CalRecycle.

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency. It oversees the state's waste management, recycling, and waste reduction initiatives. Established in 2010, CalRecycle succeeded the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

About the grant

The grants are intended to fund advanced recycling solutions, including reverse vending machines (RVMs), mobile recycling units, and bag-drop sites. Special attention will be given to underserved counties such as Butte, Imperial, Mendocino, Merced, and Modoc. Supermarket chains Save Mart and Smart & Final are among the grant recipients, each receiving over $2 million for installing reverse vending machines across 19 counties.

California has launched several initiatives to improve aluminium beverage container recycling and simplify redemption for consumers. Residents can now redeem wine, liquor, and large juice containers for cash. Beginning next year, new retailer takeback rules will expand recycling options in areas without recycling centres.

The state has also invested in enhancing recycling infrastructure, innovation, and accessibility across California. This includes additional redemption innovation grants, beverage container quality infrastructure grants, and reusable beverage container recycling infrastructure grants.

Earlier in 2024, California released draft regulations for the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), a groundbreaking measure signed by Governor Newsom. This legislation requires producers to cut down on single-use plastic waste and ensure that packaging is recyclable or compostable. In June 2024, a coalition of plastic film recyclers and reusable bag manufacturers established California's Responsible Recycling Alliance (RRA).