This FAQ contains the answers to the most common questions raised by users in our customer satisfaction survey. It is updated regularly to address emerging questions and reflect improvements to the BOTTLEBANK program. Thank you for helping us build a more sustainable future!
BOTTLEBANK is a convenient, mobile recycling program designed to simplify the redemption of California Redemption Value (CRV) deposits. Using theBOTTLEBANK CA app and pre-purchased blue bags, you can drop off your recyclables at designated locations and receive electronic refunds directly to your account.
The blue bags are specially designed to streamline the recycling process, ensuring accurate sorting and refunding. They are embedded with special technology that allows Californians for the first time to deposit all their bottles and cans in one bag, rather than processing bottles and cans one by one. However, we understand concerns about their cost and availability and are actively exploring ways to make bags more affordable and accessible.
Switching to a weight-based system helps process recyclables faster. However, we’ve heard your feedback about perceived discrepancies in refunds. BOTTLEBANK is working on reinstating a count-based option and will update customers once it is approved and implemented.
These fees are set by third-party payment processors – not BOTTLEBANK – and are similar to the fees many retailers charge when you use your bank card. We are committed to transparency and are exploring ways to minimize fees to make recycling more accessible for everyone.
We don’t like fees either. That’s why, in response to your feedback, we are waiving any new processing fees in 2025! We are on a mission to make recycling accessible to everyone and put more money back in your pockets.
If you feel your refund is incorrect, please contact our customer support team through the BOTTLEBANK app. We’re also investigating refund discrepancies and working on comparison statistics to improve accuracy.
BOTTLEBANK is at the forefront of innovation in recycling. During a short period, we needed to test new bag technologies to make recycling easier and ensure they met our stringent quality standards, which required a limited amount of double-bagging to process counts and refunds accurately. We acknowledge concerns about increased plastic use and are working on alternatives, including more durable or reusable bags.
Our website locator has a filter by service option to find a full list of current locations. You can also filter location by day and time to help you plan your drop-offs more conveniently.
Currently, BOTTLEBANK requires blue bags that use advanced RFID technology –empowering our customers to deposit all their bottles and cans at once rather than the old method of turning in each can or bottle individually. However, we are exploring options for allowing personal bags with barcoded labels, providing a more cost-effective and flexible solution.
Operating hours and locations are based on demand, operational resources, and our retail partners’ preferences for hours and availability. We’re working toexpand hours, add weekend availability, and bring more locations online tobetter serve customers. We invite you to join us in asking your favourite retailer to have BOTTLEBANK open longer or host a new location – we’re eager to better serve you.
BOTTLEBANK keeps millions of containers out of landfills by encouraging recycling through a convenient platform. We’re actively exploring ways to reduce plastic in our own operations to more quickly meet our sustainability goals
We value your input! Please complete our survey, use the feedback feature in the BOTTLEBANK app, or contact our customer service team. Your suggestions directly influence improvements to the program.
Yes, we’re actively exploring opportunities to expand to additional cities. Stay tuned for updates as we work toward bringingBOTTLEBANK to more communities.
BOTTLEBANK bags are available at participating locations like Safeway andGrocery Outlet. Our website locator has a filter by service option to find a full list of current retailers. We are also working on making bags available for purchase directly at drop-off locations for added convenience.
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