Making recycling more convenient, efficient, and accessible
The San Francisco BOTTLEBANK program provides a streamlined, mobile, and cashless way for residents to redeem their CRV deposits while supporting a cleaner, greener city. This innovative bag drop program eliminates many of the challenges associated with traditional recycling centers by offering a more convenient alternative.
When consumers in California purchase beverages in a bottle, glass, or can, depending on the size of the container, they are paying a five to ten-cent California Redemption Value (CRV) deposit, and now twenty-five cents for boxed wine and other liquor in pouches or bladders. The San Francisco BOTTLEBANK™ mobile CRV pilot program provides an easy way to get deposits back using CRV redemption blue bags with QR codes tied to individual participants’ BOTTLEBANK™ accounts.
The program is designed to increase recycling rates of plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass bottle beverage containers that have a CRV label and then return those deposits directly to participants. Anyone can participate in the program by signing up for a BOTTLEBANK™ account.
Learn more about how this program got started.
How BOTTLEBANK works
- Bag it: Participants collect CRV-eligible bottles and cans in special blue BOTTLEBANK bags available at participating retailers.
- Drop it: Bags can be dropped off at one of the convenient BOTTLEBANK locations throughout San Francisco. Each bag has a unique code that is scanned at drop-off.
- Get paid: CRV refunds are processed and deposited directly into participants' accounts within 72 hours via the BOTTLEBANK app.
Program updates and improvements
- No Processing Fees – Processing fees are waived through December 31, 2025, to further encourage participation.
- News and Updates - Check out the latest from BOTTLEBANK here.
Program benefits
- Convenient and efficient: Eliminates long wait times at traditional recycling centers.
- Eco-friendly: Encourages recycling and reduces waste sent to landfills.
- Secure and reliable: Participants can track CRV refunds in real time through the BOTTLEBANK mobile app.
- Supports a Circular Economy: Increases recycling rates and improves access to CRV redemption services.
How to participate
- Download the BOTTLEBANK app: Available on Apple and Android Apple and Android
- Find a drop-off location: A list of participating sites is available here. Check a location that's open nearest to you.
- Get BOTTLEBANK bags: Blue BOTTLEBANK bags can be picked up at participating retailers. New customers get a free starter pack of bags.
- Drop off bag: Bring your bag(s) with CRV containers to a mobile site, and an onsite attendant will scan and process your bag(s).
- Redeem: Get paid 72 hours after your bag is processed. Once your bag of CRV-eligible containers is dropped off, refunds are processed and credited directly to users' accounts.
Additional resources
BOTTLEBANK Locations: Find a site near you
Sign Up for the BOTTLEBANK App: Apple, Android
Learn more: www.bottlebankca.com
