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Recent Press Releases

2 New Arrests in $10 Million, Interstate Recycling Fraud Case

Mar 8, 2023

LOS ANGELES – Two Arizona business owners arrested this morning for recycling fraud and grand theft face extradition to California as part of the California Department of Justice’s ongoing investigation of a recycling fraud plan to defraud California’s beverage container recycling program. Agents believe the suspects were part of a ring that brought more than nine tons of empty beverage containers from Arizona to Los Angeles for fraudulent redemption.

Mattress retailer penalized $68,916 for recycling violations

Aug 16, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Los Angeles retailer 101 Design Furniture and Mattress faces $68,916 in penalties after failing to collect and submit consumer mattress recycling charges used to recycle old mattresses and reduce illegal dumping.

Agents break up suspected $10 million Arizona-to-California bottle and can recycling fraud scheme

May 25, 2022

Six people face felony recycling fraud and grand theft charges connected to a suspected multi-state scheme to defraud California’s Beverage Container Recycling Program. Investigators believe the suspects illegally smuggled over nine tons of empty bottles and cans from Arizona to the Los Angeles area to fraudulently redeem recycling deposits. Since consumers outside of California do not pay California Redemption Value (CRV) deposits on beverage purchases, those containers are not eligible for CRV redemption.

Confused about recycling? California just made it easier with a new life hack for what to recycle and how to get it recycled

Apr 21, 2022

SACRAMENTO –Recycling just got simpler for Californians thanks to a first-ever way to find the dos and don’ts for local recycling programs in all 58 counties. The community-specific information at the new iRecycleSmart.com website and database helps residents and businesses understand how to get truly recyclable items recycled and take part in the state’s new food and yard waste recycling program.