Sorry. Had to do something there.

As of the first of the year, California began paying five and ten cents for beverage containers < 24 oz. and > 24 oz., respectively. For the time being, customers were still paying only four and eight cents at the register for the same containers. If recycling was not up to 75% by July first, the extra pennies got tacked on. They got tacked on.

As I understand it, the R in CRV stands for redemption. As in, you can redeem your container for the deposit you put down against it. Stop killing the earth and you get your money back. Soon after this was implemented, I remember a machine outside our local Williams' Bros. (later Vons) that you could put cans and bottles in and receive change back. It was broken often. Today, I drove probably 20 miles trying to find a recycling center that was A) open, B) accepting glass, plastic, and aluminum, and C) not sporting a 30 minute line. All for $6.25. I probably spent half that in gas. Most of the recycling centers around here have within the last year gone to a 4:30 closing time, including the self-serve parts. I'm sure this works well for most working individuals.

Look California: it's a tax. Call it a freaking tax and give me some easier way to get rid of my bottles. I actually do not want to throw them away. I even save my plastic grocery bags to take back to the store for recycling. But don't tell me "we're taking your money so you will come get it back" and make me jump through flaming hoops to get it. That's just dumb.