If CRV stands for California Refund Value, why do recyclables specify the price in Oregon and Hawaii?

Question

If I was in Oregon, would I still ask for my "Califronia" Refund Value? Why do I offen see "California CRV"? Isn't that redundent?

Answer 1

They specify the return value for the item if returned in each state.

Oregon started the recycling program and all items were a fixed price of 5 cents. California copied the program, but they decided to have different rates for different items - so they needed to list the value on the item. Oregon doesn't allow for water bottles or juice bottles to be recycled (and they don't collect a deposit when they sell them either), so manufacturers were asked to print the refund amount on the bottle if it was allowed - so consumers would understand the ones they had to pay the deposit on and those they could return. They do the same of other states and simply print all of the return values on the bottles to keep the labeling standard (and so that they can be returned in neighboring states like Oregon or California more easily).

And yes, if you purchase a bottle in California but return it in Oregon, you will not get your full deposit back. By the same token, you can buy it in Oregon and return it in California and earn more for the same bottle. But not enough to make it profitable if you factor in transportation.

Answer 2

Each state sets their own recycle value. In california you pay CRV when you buy a can or bottle. Its basically a tax. So when you recycle it you get your "tax" back. Other states are different.