Beverage Distributors and Manufacturers

Information and Registration

News and Events

A webinar for small wineries and interested parties regarding wine and distilled spirits inclusion to the Beverage Container Recycling Program was held on February 23, 2024. The presentation of the webinar, including DORIIS demonstration, was recorded and can be viewed here: Webinar (2/23/2024) – Wine & Distilled Spirits Inclusion to the Beverage Container Recycle Program (youtube.com)
The definition of “beverage” in the Beverage Container Recycling Program expanded to include wine, distilled spirits, 100% fruit juice 46oz or more, and vegetable juice above 16oz, effective January 1, 2024 (Senate Bill 1013, Atkins, Chapter 610, Statutes of 2022 and SB 353, Dodd, Chapter 868, Statutes of 2023).
- On November 8, 2023, CalRecycle held a webinar to discuss legislative changes made by SB 1013 and SB 353. The webinar slides are available for download.
The definition of “Beverage Manufacturer” has been amended. For beer, wine and distilled spirits, the Beverage Manufacturer is the person or entity who holds the license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control authorizing the manufacture of the product (SB 353, Dodd, Chapter 868, Statutes of 2023).

For additional questions, contact the Registration Unit at 916-323-1835 or reg.crvlabeling@calrecycle.ca.gov

Tip Hotline: Toll-free 1-855-380-9172

If you know of a company manufacturing, importing, or distributing beverages in California that is not registered or does not appear to be in compliance, contact us by phone or email DORClientServices@calrecycle.ca.gov.

Notices

Visit the Beverage Container Recycling Program’s Official Notices page for communications related to:

Legislation & Regulations

It is the responsibility of the operator to read and understand the statute and all applicable regulations. Failure to comply with the statute and regulations may result in fines and possible civil penalties.
If you need clarification, contact the Registration Unit at (916) 323-1835.

Get Email Updates About Beverage Distributors and Manufacturers

See all CalRecycle lists and previous messages.

Beverage Manufacturer Information

A beverage manufacturer is a person or entity that meets one or more of the following criteria:

An entity that bottles, cans, or otherwise fills beverage containers in California with a beverage that is not beer, wine, or distilled spirits. (PRC 14506(a)) or
Holds a manufacturing license with the CA Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for beer, wine, or distilled spirits, regardless of who fills the container. (PRC 14506(b)) or
Imports beverages into California for sale to:
- Distributors
- Dealers
- Consumers
  or
Holds a Certificate of Compliance for beer or malt beverages with the CA Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (PRC 14575(g)(2)(A)) or
Holds a Wine Direct Shipper Permit with the CA Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (PRC 14575(g)(2)(A)).

Manufacturer requirements include:

Submits to the Division of Recycling monthly:
- Beverage Manufacturer Reports and
- Corresponding payments for processing fees. The current Processing Fee can be found on the Official Notices page.
Maintains proper record keeping and record retention.
Properly files and pays annual report, if designated with Annual Reporter status.
Gives written notification to CalRecycle if the business:
- Closes
- Changes in ownership or
- Changes of address.

Beverage Distributor Information

A distributor is any person who engages in the sale of beverages in beverage containers to a dealer in California or any manufacturer or importer who engages in sales to dealers or consumers in California (PRC14511).

Distributor also includes the person or entity named on the direct shipper permit issued by the CA Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, pursuant to Sections 23661.3 of the Business and Professions Code. (PRC 14560(a)(4)(A))

Distributor requirements include:

Submits to the Division of Recycling monthly:
- Distributor Reports and
- Corresponding redemption payments. The current California Redemption Value (CRV) rate can be found on the Official Notices page.
Maintains proper record keeping and record retention.
Properly files and pays annual report if designated as having Annual Reporter status.
Gives written notification to CalRecycle if the business:
- Closes or
- Changes in ownership.

Learn more about Labeling Requirements.

Registration

Distributors and manufacturers of beverages covered by the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act are required to register with CalRecycle to meet the reporting and payment requirements (CCR 2231, 2301).

Registration Process

To determine if your company is a beverage manufacturer and/or beverage distributor, as defined above, you may:

Complete the registration form online or
Download and complete the pdf form and submit via mail, email, or fax found on the form.

After CalRecycle receives your registration form, a Recycling Specialist will contact with you.
CalRecycle identifies your company as a beverage manufacturer or distributor, you:

Will receive reporting identification number(s) and
Can begin:
- Reporting and
- Paying processing fees and/or CRV

If you have any questions regarding registration, contact the Registration Unit at (916) 323-1835 or reg.crvlabeling@calrecycle.ca.gov.

Contact Information

Registration Product Determination CRV Labeling

General Questions
(916) 323-1835

Registration Fax
(916) 319-7400

Reg.CRVLabeling@Calrecycle.ca.gov

Participant Management

General Questions
(916) 323-1837

Participant Management Fax
(916) 319-7600

Email: DORClientServices@calrecycle.ca.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the administrative fee?

The administrative fee is a 1.5% rebate retained by the distributor. When submitting reports using CalRecycle’s online reporting system DORIIS, this amount is automatically deducted from the total amount due.

What is the CRV amount the beverage distributor pays to CalRecycle?

For containers made of aluminum, glass, plastic or bimetal, the redemption payment made by beverage distributors is:

5¢ for each beverage container less than 24 ounces and
10¢ for each container 24 ounces or greater.

Effective January 1, 2024, wine or distilled spirits packaged in a box, bladder, or pouch containers, regardless of size, will have a redemption payment of 25¢ per container.

See the current rates.

My company is a beverage manufacturer. Why do I have to pay processing fees on some containers but not aluminum?

When the scrap value received by recyclers for a material type is lower than the actual cost to recycle, the recycler receives a processing payment.
CalRecycle pays certified recycling programs the processing payment – the difference between the cost to recycle materials and the scrap value.
With aluminum, the scrap value received by recyclers is greater than the actual cost to recycle.

For questions about determining processing fees, contact (916) 323-5778.

How much are the processing fees for beverage manufacturers?

Processing fees vary depending on the beverage container material type and the year in which you are reporting.
For the most current rates, refer to the Historical Reporting Rates.

I don’t manufacture beverages. Why is my company a beverage manufacturer?

The term beverage manufacturer includes entities that introduce filled beverage containers to California’s market.
This includes companies that:

Hold a license to manufacture alcoholic beverages
Fill non-alcoholic beverage containers in California
Import filled containers from other states and countries into California

The law includes stipulations that specifically identify the beverage manufacturer as the out-of-state company named on the Certificate of Compliance or Direct Shippers Permit issued by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control pursuant to Section 23661.3 and 23671 of the Business and Professions Code.

What other California agencies should I contact?

Manufacturers of beer and other malt beverages are required to submit their product label to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) prior to its sale in California to determine if the product complies with specific content labeling requirements.
Contact:

Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
Business Practices Unit
3927 Lennane Drive, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 419-2500

Senate Bill 235 (Chapter 769, Statutes of 1991) requires every rigid plastic packaging container in the law sold or offered for sale in the state to meet criteria as of Jan. 1, 1995.
Contact:

CalRecycle
Rigid Plastic Packaging Container Program
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 341-6717

Proposition 65 passed as a ballot measure in November 1986. It requires warnings for exposure to chemicals known to the State, which cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. For alcoholic beverages, including beer and malt products, warnings must be provided at the point of sale. Contact:

Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
Proposition 65
1001 I Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-6900

If you produce bottled water, you must contact the Food and Drug Branch of the Department of Health Services to obtain a license to distribute it in California.

For information on license fees depending on production quantities, contact:

Department of Public Health Services (CDPH)
Food and Drug Branch
1500 Capitol Avenue MS7602
Sacramento, CA 94234-7320
(916) 650-6500
www.cdph.ca.gov

The requirements listed above do not cover every aspect of the law. It is the responsibility of the beverage manufacturer and distributor to read and understand the statute and all applicable regulations. Failure to comply with the statute and/or regulations may result in fines and possible civil penalties. If you need clarification, please call the Industry Services Section at (916) 323-1837 or (916) 323-1835.