Alleged California Recycling Scam: 8 Individuals Arrested

California imposes an additional 5 or 10 cents on bottles and cans, which can be redeemed when returned to a recycling center. This may not seem like much, but the accumulation of nickels and dimes can result in a significant amount of money, especially when bringing in out-of-state containers by the ton. Shockingly, a family from Riverside County has been charged with defrauding the system of $7.6 million by smuggling bottles and cans from Arizona, a state that lacks a recycling deposit program. Over the course of eight months, this family allegedly brought in 178 tons of recyclables across state lines.

The defendants, who are members of the same family, are facing charges including recycling fraud, grand theft, and conspiracy. They were involved in an ongoing scheme that targeted six recycling centers in Riverside County, all of which will also face penalties for their involvement. Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasizes the importance of California’s recycling program in preserving the environment and communities, stating that those who attempt to undermine its integrity through criminal operations will be held accountable.

Furthermore, the investigation resulted in the seizure of additional illegally imported beverage containers worth over $1 million. This incident is not an isolated case, as similar attempts to scam the CalRecycle system using containers from Arizona have been reported. Earlier this year, two business owners in Arizona were arrested for allegedly orchestrating a $10 million scam using bottles and cans from their home state. In 2018, three individuals in Arizona were accused of defrauding the system of $16.1 million. It is evident that these recycling schemes pose a significant challenge to maintain the integrity of California’s recycling program.