Tri-CED’s Buy Back Recycling Center
Tri-CED is a certified California Redemption Center dedicated to sustainability and community empowerment. At our Buy-Back Recycling Center, we offer cash refunds for aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, and other containers labeled with the CRV symbol. Operated by local youth, our center serves over 70,000 customers annually, contributing more than $3 million to the local economy. By recycling 2,500 tons of materials each year, we play a vital role in reducing waste and promoting environmental responsibility.
What is CRV?
CRV (California Redemption Value) is a fee consumers pay when purchasing certain beverage containers, such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles . They can redeem eligible containers at certified recycling centers for a cash refund.
The CRV program helps reduce litter, conserve resources, and promote environmental sustainability by ensuring that beverage containers are properly recycled.
Buy Back Center Rules
Please review the Buy Back Center rules before visiting. Thank you for helping us maintain a smooth and efficient process!
Read the Rules
Eligible Containers
Only beverage containers that were purchased within the state of California are eligible to be redeemed for a CRV refund.
Learn About Eligible Containers
Free E-Waste Recycling
You can drop off old electronic waste (E-Waste) for recycling. Review which items are accepted to ensure a smooth drop-off.
View Accepted E-Waste ItemsBuy Back Center Rules & Acceptable Items
Separate Your Items By Material Type
Separating your CRV containers by material type—glass, plastic, and aluminum—helps us process your items more efficiently and accurately. It speeds up your visit, ensures fair and correct payments, and helps us keep the recycling stream clean and effective. Thanks for doing your part to support a smoother, greener operation at Tri-CED!
Daily Load Limits (CRV Redemption Only)
To comply with California State law, Tri-CED cannot accept loads exceeding the following daily limits per person/vehicle. Loads above these limits will be refused in their entirety – no partial acceptance.
- Aluminum: 100 lbs
- Plastic (#1–7): 100 lbs
- Glass (all colors): 2,000 lbs
- Bag-in-a-Box (e.g., wine, juice): 50 lbs
A load is defined as all material transported in one vehicle, and no portion of an over-limit load can be accepted.
Redemption Options: Per Container vs. By Weight
Customers may choose to be paid by count (per container) for up to:
- 50 Aluminum
- 50 Plastic
- 50 Glass
Containers must be eligible for CRV, clean, empty, and whole (though crushed is okay if the CRV label is clearly visible). We cannot accept containers that are excessively dirty, contain liquids, or are missing the CRV label.
CRV Price List as of January 01, 2025
NOTE: We only accept containers that are 100% eligible for CRV.
Paying by Count
We pay by count only if the consumer brings a maximum of 50 containers (25 wine and liquor) per material type. Payment rates are: 5¢ for containers under 24 oz, 10¢ for containers over 24 oz, and 25¢ for wine and liquor bottles. For more details, visit CalRecycle Beverage Container Basics.
For larger quantities, please refer to the per-pound pricing below.
| 100% CRV Items | Price January 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Aluminum 100% CRV | $1.66 lb |
| Glass 100% CRV | 10.1¢ lb |
| Plastic - #1 PET or PETE 100% CRV | $1.46 lb |
| Plastic - #2 HDPE 100% CRV | 67¢ lb |
| Plastic - #3 PVC 100% CRV | 48¢ lb |
| Plastic - #4 LDPE 100% CRV | $1.98 lb |
| Plastic - #5 PP 100% CRV | 56¢ lb |
| Plastic - #6 PS 100% CRV | $5.45 lb |
| Plastic - #7 OTHER 100% CRV | 31¢ lb |
| Bimetal 100% CRV | 43¢ lb |
| Wine/Liquor - Mulit-layer Pouch | $4.35 lb |
| Wine/Liquor - Bag-in-box | 38¢ lb |
| Wine/Liquor - Paperboard Carton | $4.26 lb |
Little Free Library
We’re proud to offer more than just recycling! Stop by our Little Free Library, where you can take, leave, or exchange books – completely free of charge! Whether you’re looking for a new book to enjoy or have a book you’d like to pass on, our Little Free Library is open for all.
The Little Free Library Organization is a global movement that promotes literacy and a love of reading by providing free book exchanges.