A Citywide Model for CRV Redemption

San Francisco BOTTLEBANK

Jul 15, 2024

About
the project

San Francisco BOTTLEBANK is California’s most advanced citywide CRV bag drop program. Operated by Our Planet Recycling and supported by Innovabin’s platform, the system redefines convenience, safety, and accountability in container redemption.
Residents across the city use uniquely barcoded bags to collect eligible containers at home, then scan and drop them off at over 15 staffed Drop Spot stations. Innovabin’s backend handles the logistics: bag registration, weight tracking, refund calculation, and full reconciliation with regulations. This model eliminates cash handling, reduces fraud, and expands access to underserved communities—making San Francisco a case study for modern CRV reform.

Project Highlights

Learn more at bottlebankca.com
Some figures based on program reporting and estimates
June 2025

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Drop Spot stations in active rotation

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CRV bags processed since launch

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active registered users on the platform

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hours

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hours

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or less to receive your digital refund

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$

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paid out as CRV to customers

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Significant cost savings vs. traditional buyback centers

Why it works

For Municipalities

Scalable, Transparent Infrastructure
Drop Spots are digitally monitored with complete traceability of bag registration, CRV volume, and refund history—providing built-in support for CalRecycle audits, local reporting, and public transparency.

Equity-Driven Design
The mobile, bag-based model expands access to underserved neighborhoods and transit-reliant communities. Residents no longer need cars to access redemption services.

Reduces Street Litter & Informal Collection
By creating structured, convenient drop-off points, the program helps reduce sidewalk clutter, bottle hoarding, and scavenging activity in public spaces.

No Construction or Permitting Required
Drop Spots can be deployed quickly in existing public spaces, with minimal setup and no costly infrastructure investment.

Positive community perception Demonstrates environmental responsibility and community engagement — without a big operational lift..

Equity-Driven Design
The mobile, bag-based model expands access to underserved neighborhoods and transit-reliant communities. Residents no longer need cars to access redemption services.

No Construction or Permitting Required
Drop Spots can be deployed quickly in existing public spaces, with minimal setup and no costly infrastructure investment.

Positive community perception Demonstrates environmental responsibility and community engagement — without a big operational lift..

Equity-Driven Design
The mobile, bag-based model expands access to underserved neighborhoods and transit-reliant communities. Residents no longer need cars to access redemption services.

No Construction or Permitting Required
Drop Spots can be deployed quickly in existing public spaces, with minimal setup and no costly infrastructure investment.

Positive community perception Demonstrates environmental responsibility and community engagement — without a big operational lift..

For Retailers

Regulatory Compliance Without the Burden
Retailers located in CRV convenience zones can partner with BOTTLEBANK to fulfill their redemption obligations without operating a full buyback center on-site.

No Cash, No Containers, No Customer Conflicts
Eliminates the security and operational risks associated with in-store redemption—including spills, theft, and confrontation.

Supports a Cleaner In-Store Experience
With CRV activity redirected to nearby Drop Spots, retailers maintain tidier entrances and improved customer flow.

Opportunity for Branded Visibility
Retailers can co-locate Drop Spots near their stores and promote sustainability messaging or loyalty campaigns.

No Cash, No Containers, No Customer Conflicts
Eliminates the security and operational risks associated with in-store redemption—including spills, theft, and confrontation.

Supports a Cleaner In-Store Experience
With CRV activity redirected to nearby Drop Spots, retailers maintain tidier entrances and improved customer flow.

Opportunity for Branded Visibility
Retailers can co-locate Drop Spots near their stores and promote sustainability messaging or loyalty campaigns.

No Cash, No Containers, No Customer Conflicts
Eliminates the security and operational risks associated with in-store redemption—including spills, theft, and confrontation.

Supports a Cleaner In-Store Experience
With CRV activity redirected to nearby Drop Spots, retailers maintain tidier entrances and improved customer flow.

Opportunity for Branded Visibility
Retailers can co-locate Drop Spots near their stores and promote sustainability messaging or loyalty campaigns.

For the Public

Fast, Contactless Redemption
Residents drop off barcoded bags at staffed sites in under 30 seconds—no lines, no cash, no sorting. Refunds are processed digitally and securely.

Citywide Access, No Car Required
Drop Spots are placed throughout San Francisco, especially in areas with high foot traffic or limited car access. The program is inclusive by design.

Trusted, Transparent Payouts
Users receive notifications and refunds via the BOTTLEBANK app or through mailed checks. Every transaction is trackable, accurate, and secure.

Multilingual Education & Support
BOTTLEBANK’s user experience is designed to be accessible to all residents, with multilingual instructions, responsive customer service, and in-person support at Drop Spots.

Fast, Contactless Redemption
Residents drop off barcoded bags at staffed sites in under 30 seconds—no lines, no cash, no sorting. Refunds are processed digitally and securely.

Citywide Access, No Car Required
Drop Spots are placed throughout San Francisco, especially in areas with high foot traffic or limited car access. The program is inclusive by design.

Trusted, Transparent Payouts
Users receive notifications and refunds via the BOTTLEBANK app or through mailed checks. Every transaction is trackable, accurate, and secure.

Fast, Contactless Redemption
Residents drop off barcoded bags at staffed sites in under 30 seconds—no lines, no cash, no sorting. Refunds are processed digitally and securely.

Citywide Access, No Car Required
Drop Spots are placed throughout San Francisco, especially in areas with high foot traffic or limited car access. The program is inclusive by design.

Trusted, Transparent Payouts
Users receive notifications and refunds via the BOTTLEBANK app or through mailed checks. Every transaction is trackable, accurate, and secure.

For Recycler Operators

Streamlined Logistics
Bag tracking, weight recording, and refund calculation are fully automated—reducing manual labor, paperwork, and errors.

Audit-Ready by Default
The system logs every bag movement and transaction, creating an always-on digital paper trail that supports fast, confident audits.

Labor & Cost Efficiency
Compared to traditional buyback centers, BOTTLEBANK requires fewer staff, lower security costs, and less on-site infrastructure.

High Participation, Low Risk
Operators benefit from a growing network of loyal users, steady redemption volume, and fewer issues related to contamination, fraud, or tampering.