REDEEMING QUALITIES RECYCLING THOSE CANS AND BOTTLES HELPS YOUR WALLET AND THE ENVIRONMENT.

Byline: Melissa Lambarena

Staff Writer

A nickel here, a dime there -- it all adds up.

At a time when prices for gas, groceries and other necessities are creeping steadily upward, many people are recycling empty bottles, cans, jugs and jars -- coming away with cold, hard cash to help ends meet.

"I recycle to make a few extra dollars. It helps pay for insurance and gas -- they're expensive," said Angela Kleftogiannas of Canoga Park.

"I come in every Sunday and Tuesday, usually two times a week. I think everyone should do it for the money and environment. It's a win-win."

State officials say recycling increased 7 percent in 2007, when the California Refund Value increased from 4 to 5 cents for containers smaller than 24 ounces and from 8 cents to a dime for larger containers. The CRV is paid by consumers when they buy beverages from a retailer and is refunded if they redeem the containers at a recycling center.

And officials with rePLANET, which operates 64 recycling centers at supermarkets and convenience stores in Los Angeles County, says volume is up 10 percent over last year.

"This increase tells us that the incentive works -- but that we also need more opportunities to recycle in our towns and cities, especially more grocery store-based recycling centers," said Chuck Riegle, vice president of Corona-based TOMRA, the parent company of rePLANET.

"Historically, our biggest redemption amount was $1,000. It is not uncommon to have customers show up with $300 to $400 of beverage containers at our sites in L.A."

The recycling refund is paid by the pound -- 10.5 cents for glass, 92 cents for plastic and $1.57 for aluminum. The rates are set by the state, which decides how many containers are equivalent to a pound.

"There is no limit to the amount of money you can make. Some people come in every three days. I would say it could amount to $120 a week," said Kelli Solare, who works at a rePlanet center at Victory Boulevard and Fallbrook Avenue in West Hills.

According to the state Department of Conservation, California leads the nation in recyling, turning in 14.6 billion containers in 2007.

"I do it not only for the money, but because it is good for the planet," said Steve Landen of Canoga Park, another patron of the rePlanet center.

"Every morning I take a walk and I pick up stuff along the way. It's good exercise, and a good cause. I come in every two weeks. The most I have made in one visit is $200."

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(1 -- color) Agoura Hills resident James White and his children, Jonathan, 9, and Rachel, 12, deposit some cans at a recycling site in West Hills recently. California leads the nation in recycling.

(2 -- color) Traffic is lively at this recycling center West Hills. Officials say recycling increased 7 percent in 2007, when the California Refund Value increased to 5 cents.

Evan Yee/Staff Photographer

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