Where Have All the CRVs Gone?

Due to the reduced availability of convenient CRV redemption sites and the lack of accurate online information, it is difficult for resident consumers to redeem CRV fees. Response: Based on the experience of City staff, the City of Tustin disagrees with this finding. The City of Tustin has received less than five (5) inquiries from residents since January 2018 regarding the location of CRV redemption centers in Tustin. There continues to be one permitted redemption facility in Tustin, Evolution Recycling #5 located at 1022-1112 Walnut Avenue. CalRecycle’s website also lists 12 in-store redemption locations in Tustin. Staff has received no resident feedback that the grocery stores do not accept CRV containers.

Because redemption site locations have diminished in number, waste haulers are the beneficiaries to the CRV fees paid originally by resident consumers. Response: Based on the experience of City staff, the City of Tustin disagrees with this finding. The City has not been advised by any residents that the closure of local redemption sites has impacted their ability to obtain CRV.

CalRecycle is attempting to improve CRV redemption and reduce CRV recyclables from landfills and are offering financial incentives to do so. Orange County and its cities are not fully taking advantage of the grant or pilot program opportunities available through CalRecycle. Response: The City of Tustin partially agrees with this finding. For many years, the CRV redemption program worked well. It is unfortunate CalRecycle could not find a way to modify its program to ensure continued success. Instead, municipalities are expected to sustain a State program through grant funding. Mayor Austin Lumbard  Mayor Pro Tem Barry W. Cooper  Letitia Clark  Ryan Gallagher  Rebecca “Beckie” Gomez 300 Centennial Way • Tustin, California 92780 • www.tustinca.org The Honorable Erick L. Larsh September 21, 2022