Dive summary:

• California Redemption Value (CRV) pays consumers five cents for returning any recyclable drink container, while the program has been successful, it is currently at risk from out-of-state operators who are hauling recyclables into California and collecting the money.
• In 2010, 31 arrests were made for the illegal collection of $3.5 million in redemption funds over several years by hauling in truckloads of cans and bottles from Arizona and Nevada.
• A new bill was signed yesterday to help better identify people who are illegally bringing recyclables in to California and depleting the nearly $1 billion CRV annual fund by $50 to $100 million each year.

From the article:

Since 1986, California has led the country in recycling, largely as a result of the California Redemption Value (CRV) fund that refunds a nickel for nearly all beverage containers that are recycled with in California. While this program has successfully grown recycling programs throughout the state, it is currently at risk of significant depletion from out-of-state rogue operators who are illegally hauling recyclables into California by the tractor trailer load to illegally collect the 5 cent per bottle redemption fee. ..