California Code of Regulations
Title 14 - Natural Resources
Division 2 - Department of Conservation
Chapter 5 - Division of Recycling
Subchapter 6 - Recycling Centers
Article 1 - Requirements for Recycling Centers
Section 2500 - Operation Standards
Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024
(a) With the exception of recycling centers which meet the criteria for grandfathering, all certified recycling centers shall operate in accordance with all of the following requirements:
(b) A recycling center which is staffed and is not a reverse vending machine shall have an employee present during its posted hours and shall display a sign having a minimum size of two feet by two feet (576 square inches) informing the public that the recycling center is open for business. Where local zoning or ordinance restricts the size of the sign to less than two feet by two feet, the sign shall be the maximum size allowable. Where the physical location of the posted sign restricts the size of the sign, a sign varying from the specifications contained in this section may be posted if requested in writing and approved in writing by the Division. The sign shall contain, at a minimum, the word "OPEN" in lettering at least 10 inches in height.
(c) An operator of a recycling center who does not accept all types of redeemable beverage containers may continue to do so and shall be certified as a recycling center, provided all of the following conditions are met:
(d) A recycling center which meets the criteria to be grandfathered shall make payments in accordance with section 2535 of these regulations.
(e) Each certified recycling center which does not utilize a reverse vending machine shall post the following near the certification sign provided by the Division and in a conspicuous location which can be easily seen by the public:
* Refund is not paid for packaging, contamination such as dirt or moisture, nor beverage containers not properly labeled with the California redemption value message.
* This recycler will discount the refund value, and may discount scrap value for loads of containers which include nonredemption material.
* The consumer has the right to:
Figure 9.
(f) Each certified recycling center utilizing a reverse vending machine shall post the following on each machine near the certification sign provided by the Division:
(g) The operator of a certified recycling center shall maintain records and submit reports regarding redemption activities in compliance with Article 3 of this subchapter.
(h) Notwithstanding section 2060(e) of these regulations, if all of the requirements of section 2525(k) are met, a certified recycling center may collect, and pay refund value for, empty beverage containers at a church, school, business where beverages are consumed, or other community service organization.
1. Renumbering and amendment of former section 2500 to section 2000, and renumbering and amendment of former section 2080 to section 2500 filed 6-12-91 as a change without regulatory effect pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 91, No. 46).
2. Amendment filed 12-9-91; operative 1-8-92 (Register 92, No. 25).
3. Amendment of subsections (a), (d) and (f)(2)(B) and new subsection (h) filed 5-21-93; operative 5-21-93 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 93, No. 21).
4. Amendment of subsection (a)(4), repealer of subsections (c)(4) and (d) and subsection relettering, and amendment of newly designated subsection (e)(2)(B) filed 10-19-93; operative 10-19-93 (Register 93, No. 43).
5. Amendment of subchapter heading and section filed 10-7-94; operative 10-7-94 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 94, No. 40).
6. Amendment of subsection (f)(3) filed 7-10-2001; operative 8-9-2001 (Register 2001, No. 28).
7. Amendment of Figure 9. filed 12-3-2002; operative 1-2-2003 (Register 2002, No. 49).
8. Change without regulatory effect amending subsection (e)(2)(B) filed 3-29-2004 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2004, No. 14).
9. Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-54-20 (2019 CA EO 54-20), dated April 22, 2020, which suspended certain minimum hour and time of operation requirements for recycling centers, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Note: Authority cited: Sections 14530.5(b) and 14536(b), Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 14501(i), 14515.6, 14538, 14571, 14571.3, 14572(a), (b) and (c) and 14572.5, Public Resources Code.