CRV is California Refund Value. This is the amount of money paid to consumers by certified recycling centers in exchange for empty beverage bottles and containers. These centers are in charge of the can and bottle recycling.

The CRV program came into vogue after the passing of the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act in 1986. Since 1987, the Division of Recycling under the Department of Conservation is in charge of evaluating and managing the CRV program. The objective of this Act is to achieve and maintain high recycling rates for each beverage container type included in the program. To enforce this objective, the Division of Recycling provides grants, technological assistance and educational aids.

The California Refund Value is different from, but related to the California Redemption Value. This is the price customers pay for each containers or can when they buy a beverage from any retailer in the State of California. The California Redemption Value is equal to the California Refund Value in most cases, apart from a few exceptions. The CRV program covers carbonated and non-carbonated water, fruit drinks, soft drinks and sport drinks, coffee and tea, malt beverages, beer but does not cover milk, infant or medical formula, wine, and beverages that come in large refillable containers.

The current CRV paid to consumers when they return the containers at authorized recycling centers for can and bottle recycling is five cents for all containers less than 24 ounces and ten cents for all containers greater than 24 ounces.