How to Recycle in California? (Sacramento: appointed, coupons, calculated)

[JP001]

I've been saving up my bottles and cans for over a year now. I've got bags and bags full! So what is the best way to get the most cash out of them?

Do you use the CRV or by weight? Which once typically pulls in more for recyclers with a larger volume of material?

Any advantage/disadvantage to each one? I know the CRV for cans/bottles under 24oz is 5 cents and over 24oz is 10 cents.
How is it calculated by weight?

Obviously I would assume that doing the CRV would take me much longer (rather than by weight) since you have to do each item individually. Right?

So please lets hear some opinions. What works best for you??


Thanks in advance!
-J.

[Twinkle Toes]

Not really sure, but a couple of weeks ago I turned in a bunch of HUGE trash bags of smashed aluminum cans and more HUGE bags of plastic bottles. I've never recycled before, but we go through so many soda cans and water bottles that I thought what the hey. Anyway, I had so much stuff that I thought I would get like $400 or $500. When I got only $82, I was disappointed, but all these people in line behind me thought that was fantastic! LOL Gotta admit though, $82 is better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

[ferretkona]

We go with weight, quicker. To get the most money, get a coupon out of the newspaper Fridays usually have them. Find the coupon that pays the most, all recylers honor any coupon.

[eureka1]

Each community has different resources. Usually there's a section in the front of your phone book with info about recycling. Personally,I've never recycled for money-not worth it. I let the curbside pickup take it all.

[Punkycat]

I recycle all the time, the best way to get the most money I find is to:

1. Weigh the heavier plastics (Gatorade and the larger water bottles etc.)

2. Use the machine for glass and all the thinner, smaller plastic bottles (usually water). The reason is
they are so light there is hardly much weight so I doubt if you would get the 5 cents like you do in
the machine.

3. Get a coupon, find one that has the highest rate. (Most places will accept other coupons.) Also,
some places only accept coupons for aluminum.

4. On the small aluminum cans (like the small red bull) I use the machine. Because again they are
small and thinner and don't weigh as much.

5. Using the machine for all CRV glass is better because glass doesn't pay much per pound.

6. If the recycling center isn't picky, take the plastic caps off of the bottles you put in the machine
and add them to the plastic you are weighing. Depending on their size it only takes about 7-9
caps to equal 1 plastic bottle.

Well I hope this helps, it's good to get the most money for your efforts and every little bit helps. I also recycle for the environment but the money comes in handy a lot of times!

[00molavi]

Originally Posted by Punkycat

6. If the recycling center isn't picky, take the plastic caps off of the bottles you put in the machine
and add them to the plastic you are weighing. Depending on their size it only takes about 7-9
caps to equal 1 plastic bottle.

Brilliant!

[caligirlz]

I find the whole process to be a pain in the ass. The recycling centers in Sacramento are few & far between. They pay based on weight. It is much easier for me to just dump everything into the recycle side of my trashcan & let the city sort, as the amount of $ I'd get is not worth the effort otherwise.