How to Become a Certified Operator

Once you determine your category for certification, fill out the appropriate certification application and send it with other required supporting documents to:

CalRecycle/Division of Recycling
Beverage Container Recycling Program
Certification Unit
1001 I St, MS 10C
Sacramento, CA 95814-3533

Before mailing your application, make sure you have done the following:

Attended the Precertification Training, passed the exam, and obtained a voucher.
Completed all items on the application form.
Enclosed all required supporting documents with the applications.
Provided the appropriate original signature(s) and initials on the application form.

Be sure you read and understand the Requirements of Certified Operators.

The Application Process

CalRecycle has 30 working days to initially review your application.
If your application is found to be incomplete, you will be sent a letter telling you what is needed to complete your application.
If your application is complete when received, or completed after notification, CalRecycle has an additional 60 calendar days to further review your application and to conduct any on-site program reviews as necessary. If you have never been certified by the Division, a program review is required.
Upon approval of your application, CalRecycle will mail a notification of approval along with your certificate showing the certification number and expiration date and an operating manual. Operators of recycling centers will later be sent a sign or decal that identifies them to the public as a certified operator.

For Recycling Centers and Processors:

It is important to consider this review schedule because you cannot act as a certified operator until your application is approved.
Once your application is approved, you are required to begin operating within 60 calendar days or the certification number will become invalid and you will have to reapply.
- Within five (5) days of the date you began operations, you must notify the Division of the actual date you began operations by submitting a completed Operational Date Notification.

Some details for applying as a Community Service or Dropoff or Collection Program may differ from those outlined above for Recyclers and Processors.