Certified Recycling Centers

Operators of recycling centers redeem CRV beverage containers from:

The general public
Other certified recycling centers
Dropoff or collection programs
Community service programs
Curbside programs

Operators must be certified for each recycling center location they operate.

Requirements of Certified Operators

Post at your recycling center or processing facility:
- Your certificate
- The certification sign or decal
- Hours of operation as required
- Prices paid for all materials you accept
Accept all beverage container types indicated on your application.
Properly inspect all materials you accept and redeem.
Keep proper receipts and logs of material accepted and redeemed.
If you move or change the ownership
- Request to decertify in writing and
- Submit a new application to recertify
If you are closing your business, submit a written request to decertify with the effective date of decertification.
Inspection and Signage Requirements

How to Apply

Recycling Center Training Videos

Recycling centers can train staff on how to comply with the law.
Viewable on smartphones, too.

Program News

Learn about the new precertification training and exam requirements for recycling centers and processors.
Recycling Center Informational Sessions – SB 1013 and SB 353, taking effect January 1, 2024

Notices

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

Handling Fees
AB 7 (8X) Implementation and Update on Proportional Reduction Payments
Proportional Reductions in Payments FAQs
Regulatory changes to the Shipping Report form DR-6

Official Notices

Get Email Updates About BCRP Certified Operators

See all CalRecycle lists and previous messages.

You must notify CalRecycle in writing if you change:

Your organization or business name
Your type of organization
- Must decertify and submit a new application
Names of the contact person, partners, or corporate officers
The agent for service of process (corporations only)
The method of operation, including changing the type of equipment or staffing
Your business or mailing address
Your business or residence telephone numbers
Your business’s status from certified to operational or if you choose to decertify

The list above does not include all requirements of the law.

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 Certification Section at (916) 324-8598.

How to Apply

Steps to becoming a Certified Recycling Center

Once you choose your certification category, fill out the appropriate application
Before mailing your application, make sure you have done the following:
1. Attend the Precertification Training
2. Passed the exam
3. Obtained a voucher
4. Complete all items on the application form
5. Enclose all required supporting documents with the applications
6. Provide the appropriate original signature(s) and initials on the application form
7. Mail the application with all required supporting documents to:
  CalRecycle/Division of Recycling
  Beverage Container Recycling Program
  Certification Unit
  1001 I St, MS 10C
  Sacramento, CA 95814-3533

Application Review Process

CalRecycle has 30 working days to review your application initially.
If your application is incomplete, you will get an email detailing what you need to complete your application.
- Many applicants require a certification interview to allow CalRecycle to determine if your application is complete. CalRecycle staff will call you to schedule this meeting.
Once your application is complete, CalRecycle has 60 more days to further review your application.
Upon approval of your application, CalRecycle will email:
- A notification of approval
- Your certificate showing:
  - The certification number and
  - Expiration date
Operators of recycling centers will later be mailed a sign or decal that identifies them to the public as certified operators.

FAQs for Precertification for Recyclers and Processors

When to Start Operations

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 CalRecycle of the actual date you began operations by submitting a completed Operational Date Notification.