Beverage Container Recycling City/County Payment Program

The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, known as CalRecycle, administers the Beverage Container Recycling City/County Payment Program under the authority of the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act. This program distributes dedicated state funds to local governments for beverage container recycling and litter cleanup efforts. For fiscal year 2025–26, CalRecycle has allocated $10,500,000 in payments to eligible California cities, counties, or combined city and county jurisdictions to strengthen recycling programs and reduce beverage container litter. The program supports a wide scope of eligible projects. Funding can be used for new or existing curbside recycling initiatives, neighborhood drop-off recycling centers, and public education campaigns that promote beverage container recycling. It also supports litter prevention and cleanup activities targeting beverage containers that will be recycled, as well as cooperative regional recycling efforts involving multiple jurisdictions. In addition, funds may assist local compliance with Assembly Bill 341 Mandatory Commercial Recycling requirements, expand infrastructure for beverage container recycling in businesses, and support recycling access in multifamily residential dwellings. Outreach efforts with a beverage container recycling component are also considered allowable expenses. Eligibility for this program is strictly limited to California local governments, specifically cities, counties, and consolidated city-county jurisdictions, as identified by the California Department of Finance. Other types of organizations, including nonprofits, businesses, or individuals, are not eligible applicants. Eligible applicants must direct funding toward the activities outlined by CalRecycle, ensuring that program resources are applied toward beverage container recycling and litter reduction. Funding distribution is population-based, with cities receiving a minimum of $5,000 and counties a minimum of $10,000. The precise amount awarded to each jurisdiction is calculated according to Department of Finance E-1 population estimates as of January 1, 2025. Payments are awarded directly to eligible jurisdictions for use in the designated activities, and expenditures may not begin until the formal award date. Matching funds are not required for this program, which ensures that all eligible governments, regardless of local revenue conditions, can participate. The funding request process is handled through the City/County Payment and Reporting System (CAPRS). Applications open August 19, 2025, with first-time users required to request access via their CalRecycle Regional Representative before logging into CAPRS. Returning users can log in immediately. The submission deadline is November 18, 2025, and funding requests must be submitted electronically through CAPRS by that date. Customer support for CAPRS access or submissions is available only until 4:00 p.m. on the deadline day. Applicants needing assistance can contact CalRecycle at GrantAssistance@calrecycle.ca.gov or CityCounty@calrecycle.ca.gov. CalRecycle will review applications and issue funding decisions during January and February 2026, with payments distributed beginning in March or April 2026. The grant term will continue until January 5, 2028, at which point all projects must conclude. Final reports are due by February 2, 2028, allowing CalRecycle to assess compliance and outcomes of the funded activities. The recurring nature of this program means applicants can anticipate future funding opportunities aligned with the state’s ongoing recycling and litter reduction initiatives.