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Administrative Services

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1. Do I need a business license?

View our business licenses page.

2. Why did I receive this Utility User Tax Bill?

Learn about utility user taxes.

3. Does El Cerrito have a property transfer tax?

No. El Cerrito does not have a property transfer tax, but Contra Costa County has one and it is required by law to be split with the City of El Cerrito.

4. How do I apply for employment with the City of El Cerrito?

You may visit our city website at www.el-cerrito.org, call our job hotline at (510)466-5005, or come to the city offfices at 10890 San Pablo Avenue for employment information.

5. How do I get a parking permit?

Currently you need to come into City Hall and bring vehicle registration and proof of residency if the address on the registration is different than your residence.

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Building Division

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1. Who is responsible for obtaining the building permit?

Building permits can be obtained by the homeowner or a licensed contractor. The person or persons performing the work must obtain the permit. It is a violation of state law if a contractor commences work without first obtaining a permit under his/her state contractor's license. The owner/contractor or an authorized agent is the only legal person who can sign the building permit application. In addition to the above, the City of El Cerrito must verify that the responsible party being issued the permit conforms to the Worker's Compensation Laws of California. Questions regarding this provision can be answered by calling the Building Division at (510) 215-4360.

2. How can a reputable contractor be located?

There are many local reputable contractors. Building contractors applying for permits within the City must be licensed by the Contractor's State License Board. Under this licensing the contractor is bonded and must carry workman's compensation insurance for their employees. When a contractor is selected, ask for references and investigate them. Check with the Contractor's State License Board and the Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the company. The Contractor's State License Board can be reached at (800) 321-2752.

3. What is the Residential Rental Inspection Program?

The Rental housing Inspection Program is intended to assure that rental housing units in the City are maintained in a safe and habitable condition and comply with all codes and standards applicable to rental housing. The City will inspect each rental unit every two years. If the property is in compliance with applicable codes and standards, a certificate of compliance shall be issued to the property owner. For more details, contact the Residential Rental Inspection Help Line at 510 690-8261 or via email.

4. Who do I call to complain about an animal nuisance?

The City contracts with Contra Costa County Animal Services Department for animal control services. Call the County Animal Services Department at 925-335-8300 to report stray, loose, or injured animals, make a nuisance complaint or report animal cruelty. Contra Costa County Animal Services Department

5. Who do I call if I think construction work is being performed without required permits?

Report concerns regarding possible construction work being completed without the required permits, off-hours construction work, or creating an unsafe condition (i.e. attractive nuisances, improperly stored equipment, accumulation of junk and debris) to the Code Enforcement Officer at 510-215-4374. If you want to check to see if the City has issued a building permit for the work, call the Building Division main line at 510-215-4360.

6. How do I report graffiti? Who is responsbile to remove graffiti?

Graffiti on public and private property should be removed in a timely manner. Reporting the physical location and description of graffiti to Code Enforcement (510-215-4374) facilitates removal and gathers information that can help identify trends. If the graffiti is on private property, the Code Enforcement Officer will contact the affected property owner regarding removal.

If the graffiti is on your property, you are responsible to remove the graffiti in a timely manner. Property owners who have been tagged are encouraged to report the graffiti to the Police Department’s non-emergency dispatch line, 510-237-3233. If you can take pictures of graffiti before it is removed, this will assist the Police Department. Please be sure to note the location of the tagging and the date the pictures were taken.

Graffiti is a crime. If you witness a crime in progress (including tagging), or want to report suspicious activity, call the Police Department right away.

7. How do I report an illicit discharge?

Report potential pollution (i.e. trash, oil, soaps, chemicals, etc) on sidewalks, streets, gutters, and creeks to the Public Works Department. Public Works Department Page

8. What does the Code Enforcement Officer mean by "poor property maintenance"?

Property Maintenance –The poor maintenance of a house or building can lead to unsafe conditions for inhabitants as well as the neighborhood. Poorly maintained properties can also affect property values in the area. Some examples of complaints include:
Buildings not in a sanitary and safe condition (i.e. substandard housing conditions)
Un-maintained building including unpainted buildings or buildings with deteriorating paint
Broken window or fence
Accumulation of junk and debris
Attractive nuisances, hazardous pools
Detrimental maintenance of property
overgrown vegetation/landscaping
Abandoned vehicle on private property, including vehicles parked on front lawn
walkways, stairs, driveways in disrepair
Graffiti

9. Who do I report Pool Maintenance concerns to?

To report a “green pool”, contact the Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District at 925-685-9301 Contra Costa Mosquito & Vector Control District

10. What are "illegally placed signs"?

Flyers, posters and other signs are prohibited on utility poles, street sign poles (including stop signs), and on public property (including street medians.) There are also specific regulations regarding signs in commercial & residential areas. Contact the Planning Division at 510-215-4359 for more details.

11. What is an "Unpermitted living Space"?

Unpermitted living Spaces such as Garage conversions and unpermitted accessory units often do not meet minimum standards for health and safety. For example, the conversion of a garage to a bedroom without the benefit of building permits often results in unsafe living conditions. Frequently, illegal garage conversions do not meet building or fire codes (such as lack of egress windows, lack of proper electrical service plugs, lack of minimum natural light requirement and other health and safety concerns). They can also adversely affect on-street parking for the neighborhood. The addition of an accessory living unit (such as an in-law unit, etc) without the benefit of building permits often result in unsafe living conditions. Frequently, illegal accessory units do not meet building or fire codes (such as improper plumbing for kitchens and baths, lack of minimum ceiling height, and other health and safety concerns.) Report concerns regarding unpermitted construction to the Code Enforcement Officer at 510-215-4374.

12. Who do I call to complain about vehicles parked on the street for too long?

Vehicles parked on street for over 72 hours, double parked cars, parked cars blocking the sideway, inoperable vehicles left on the street should be reported to the Police Department. Police Department

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City Clerk

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1. How can I get a copy of the City Council agenda?

City Council agendas are posted at City Hall (10890 San Pablo Avenue), El Cerrito Community Center (7007 Moeser Lane), and at the El Cerrito Library (6510 Stockton Avenue). They are also available online. You can subscribe to the eAgenda by contacting the city clerk.

2. Where and when are City Council meetings held?

The City Council meets at 7:00 pm the first and third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall (10890 San Pablo Avenue).

3. How do I apply for a board, commission, or committee vacancy?

To apply for a board, commission, or committee download the application form and submit it to the City Clerk's Office at 10890 San Pablo Avenue.

4. When are City Council meetings televised?

You can watch City Council meetings live on Cable 28 or watch the rebroadcast Thursday of the same week at 12:00 noon, and again the following Monday at noon. Streaming video of meetings is also available 24/7 on the City's Website.

5. How do I request copies of public records?

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, the public may have access to a variety of documents held by the City. Written requests can be submitted to the City Clerk in person, by facsimile to (510) 215-4379 or by contacting the city clerk.Copy fees are $.10 per standard size page. Oversize and bond documents are available at an additional cost.

6. How do I register to vote, vote by mail ballot or change my voter registration?

Voter registration forms are available from the Contra Costa County Election Department, City Clerk Offices, Post Offices, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Questions regarding voter registration or voting by mail ballots should be directed to the Contra Costa County Election Department in Martinez at (925) 335-7800.

7. How do I obtain a passport?

The El Cerrito City Clerk's Office has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Passport Acceptance Facility. We accept applications for new passports and for minor's who need to renew. Adult renewals can be done by mail. Office hours are Monday & Wednesday from 8am - 4pm and Tuesday from 8am - 5:30pm. Visit the Department of State's website, Travel.State.Gov for more information, requirements and policies on passports. El Cerrito Passport Office

8. How do I obtain a marriage license or copy of a birth certificate?

Marriage licenses and birth certificates are obtained through the Contra Costa County Clerk's Office. Contact the County Recorder's Office at 925-335-7900 to apply or visit the County's website for more information. They are located at 555 Escobar Street in Martinez.

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EBMUD Water Utility User Tax (UUT)

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1. Can I pay my bill for the Water Utility User Tax in cash or give it directly to the City?

Yes. You may pay this bill in cash or drop off a check at City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Avenue during regular working hours. Please include the bottom portion of the bill showing your account number with your payment.

2. If I have moved during the billing period will I receive another Water UUT bill and am I being billed for time I was not living there?

These bills are being calculated and sent by EBMUD on our behalf using EBMUD's water billing database. If you moved during the billing period you will be charged only for the time you lived at that address and no further bills will be sent to you.

3. The account holder is deceased. Does the estate still need to pay the Water UUT bill?

Yes. The tax is due for the time the water account was open.

4. Do businesses need to pay the Water UUT bill?

The EBMUD Water UUT applies to all water accounts in El Cerrito, business and residential.

5. Can I pay everything in one lump sum and not receive future billings?

Since the Water UUT is calculated on water usage, the amount due is not known at this time. Subsequent bills will be issued by EBMUD on our behalf utilizing the EBMUD's database.

6. Why is there a difference in the amount I owe from the UUT current charges?

Previous unpaid balances are reflected in this amount.

7. Whom should I contact if I have a question about my Water Utility User Tax Supplemental Bill?

For questions regarding the tax in general, please contact Mary Dodge, City of El Cerrito Administrative Services Director at 510-215-4312. For questions regarding your account, please contact EBMUD customer service at custsvc@ebmud.com or call 510-287-2174.

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Economic Development

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1. Who can I talk to about how to start up a business in El Cerrito?

There are two organizations that provide a variety of small business resources, the Contra Costa Small Business Development Center and the West Contra Costa Business Development Center.

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Green

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1. How do I report illegal dumping or a spill?

Illegal dumping and/or spills on any El Cerrito street or other public area should be immediately reported to the Public Works Maintenance Division at 510-215-4369. Go to Public Works - Spills & Discharges

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Green Waste

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1. How do I request a free food scraps collection pail?

El Cerrito residents can request their free food scraps pail to be delivered to their home by calling 510-215-4350 or emailing green@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us or stopping into the Recycling Center main offices, located at 7501 Schmidt Lane, during normal office hours.

2. Won't putting food scraps in my green waste bin will attract raccoons and other pests?

Raccoons and other pests are also attracted to food scraps that you currently put in your garbage bin; simply use the same methods (e.g. tied bungees) to keep them out of your yard waste bin as you do currently.

3. What if my neighbor's green waste bin smells or attracts pests?

City staff will take complaints about nuisances resulting from mis-management of compostable materials seriously and will investigate reports about smells or pest issues and take appropriate code enforcement action.

4. What about ants and other bugs?

Exposed food scraps will tend to attract fruit flies, ants, and other insects if left uncovered. There are several ways this manage this problem, including: covering your food scraps with grass clipping or other yard debris, putting your food scraps in paper bags or wrapping them in other compost-safe paper (i.e. brown paper, butcher paper, and possibly newspaper), and putting your food scraps in approved compostable liners or bags (specifics still being determined).

5. Am I required to participate?

The program is a voluntary way to reduce your environmental footprint and the amount of waste you send to the landfill. If you have concerns about your own ability to participate without properly managing bad odors or pests, you may continue to use your garbage bin to dispose of your food scraps.

6. Should I compost everything I can?

Participation in the food scrap composting program is not an all-or-nothing proposition. If you have concerns about particular food scrap items creating a bad odor or attracting pests (i.e. dairy and meat) then please continue to use your garbage bin to dispose of these items.

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Main

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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Police Department

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1. How can I report an abandoned vehicle?

Call the abandoned vehicle hotline at (510) 215-4427.

2. How do I contest a parking citation?

To contest a parking citation you received, complete the Parking Citation Review Form and mail it along with payment to the address on the form.

3. How can I obtain a copy of a collision report?

Call us at (510) 215-4400 and have your case number ready. Please allow 10 to 14 days from the date of the collision.

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Public Works - Maintenance

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1. Who maintains the sidewalk? There is a section of sidewalk that is uplifted at XX address.

The Maintenance Division maintains public sidewalks and performs repairs where city trees have caused damage. To inquire about a repair contact the Maintenance Department.

2. My tree needs to be trimmed. I don't think it's been trimmed for several years.

Trees are trimmed on a rotational schedule. A map is available on our website; however, if you think your tree is a hazard, it can be trimmed as necessary.

3. I like the plants that are growing around the new City Hall. Can you tell me the name of the one that is blonde on top.

That plant's common name is Mexican Feathergrass. But we have found it to be quite invasive.

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Recreation - Aquatics

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1. Is the pool an indoor or an outdoor pool?

The pool is outdoors.

2. How big are the pools?

The competition pool is 25 yards by 25 meters in size. We currently run the lane lines in the yards direction only. There are eight competition lanes and a shallow section that is a little more than one lane wide.

The recreation pool is 25 yards long. It has three 25-yard lap lanes as well as several shallow sections, a fountain, and water slide.

3. How many laps are in a mile?

One mile is 72 laps (one lap of the pool is 25 yards).

4. Do I need to be a member?

No. We are a public pool owned and operated by the City of El Cerrito. All of our programs are available to the public on a fee basis.

5. What types of chemicals are in the water?

In order to keep the water sanitary and safe and adhere to health regulations, we use liquid chlorine (sodium hypo chlorite), hydrochloric acid, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and calcium chloride. At times additional chemicals may be used in order to insure the proper balance of the water. If you have questions about possible allergic reactions to any of these chemicals please contact a healthcare professional.

6. Do you have lockers?

Yes. Each locker room is equipped with plenty of lockers. They are coin operated ($.50) or you may use your own lock. Lockers are for day use only. Lockers or belongings left over night may be discarded.

7. Are my belongings safe at the Swim Center?

There are so many different people and groups that use the Swim Center on a regular basis that it is difficult for our staff to keep an eye on everyone’s belongings. You should never bring anything of value to the Swim Center and what you do bring is only safe in a properly secured locker. The City of El Cerrito is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

8. How old is a senior? How old is a child?

For our purposes, a senior is at least 60 years old, and a child is 1 year up to 17 years old. For family swim and recreation swim, children under 1 year old are admitted at no charge.

9. How old do you have to be to participate in lap swim?

You must be 14 years old and older. Lap swim is a time designed for adults.

10. Why do nonresidents pay more than residents?

Residents or their landlords pay property taxes that help the city to subsidize our programs and operations, therefore nonresidents pay a 25% surcharge for our classes and passes.

11. Who is considered a resident?

Residents live within the city limits of El Cerrito. If your postal zip code is 94530, you are an El Cerrito resident.

12. It’s hot outside today. Can I come swimming?

If there is a scheduled family / recreation swim (for kids) or lap swim (for adults), then you are welcome to swim during those times. In order to serve the needs of the whole community, our pools are programmed seven days a week with a variety of activities. We cannot cancel prescheduled programs because it is hot outside and others may wish to use the pool. We do offer recreation swim seven days a week in the summer.

13. It’s raining and cold. Is the pool still open or are swimming lessons still happening?

Yes. The only weather that closes the pool is thunder and lightning or anything that prevents the lifeguard from seeing the bottom of the pool.

14. What is the difference between family swim and recreation swim?

Both family swim and recreation swim are times that the recreation pool is open for free play. During family swim times, an adult in the water must accompany all children. This is a quieter time and is designed for families with younger children. The water slide is available for use only during recreation swim.

15. Why don’t you allow my child to wear flotation devices?

We believe, as do most public pools, that children are most safe in the water under the close supervision of their parent or other responsible adult. When a child is wearing a flotation device, we believe that parents develop a false sense of security and do not supervise their child as closely as they otherwise would. In addition, children may feel more confident in the water than they should. Although our pool has shallow enough areas that everyone can stand up, that does not mean that they are safe. When children lose their balance, even in very shallow water, it is very difficult for them to regain it. We have taught thousands of children and adults how to swim without the aid of flotation devices; if anything flotation devices teach poor body position and unwarranted confidence in an environment where caution should always be exercised.

16. What temperature are your swimming pools?

The Recreation Pool is 82-84 degrees and the Competition Pool is 79-81 degrees.

17. Why do you have so many rules?

The main reason behind all of our rules is safety. It may seem like we have a lot of rules but swimming pools are full of hazards and we don’t like people to get hurt.

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Recreation Department

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1. What are the Community Center hours of operation?

The Community Center is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

2. Where is the Community and Swim Center located?

7007 Moeser Ln.
El Cerrito, CA 94530

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept check, cash or charge (Visa, Mastercard or American Express).

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Residential Rental Inspection Program

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1. What is the purpose of the Residential Rental Inspection Program?

In 1991, the El Cerrito City Council adopted rules and regulations to implement the rental housing inspection program which is codified in Section 16.30 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code. The purpose of the program is to assure that rental housing units in the City are maintained in a safe and habitable condition and comply with all codes and standards applicable to rental housing.
Section 16.30.040 of the El Cerrito Municipal Code (ECMC) requires that each rental unit in the City be inspected every two years. If the property is in compliance with applicable codes and standards, a certificate of compliance shall be issued to the property owner.

2. What are the steps of the Rental Inspection Program for an owner?

Property Owners will receive an information packet in the mail containing: an informational letter, an owner information sheet, and a property survey. The owner information sheet requests current owner / property manager information plus additional details of properties owned. The property survey is intended to collect information to assist the City of El Cerrito with developing an assessment of the rental stock and housing needs of our community. Once these forms have been received by the City, the owner will be scheduled for inspection in approximately 30 days. Once units have passed inspection, a certificate of compliance will be issued, which will be valid for 2 years.

3. Are Section 8 units exempt from the City's Rental Inspection Program?

The owner of Section 8 unit(s) will need to provide documentation with current dates stating their units are under Section 8. Landlords find it easy to send in the monthly voucher or stubs from the payments they receive from Section 8. The stubs must show the current date, address and unit. Once RRIP receives this documentation, we can exempt those units from the program. Any other units not under Section 8 will still need to be inspected.

4. I can't make the date of inspection, can I re-schedule?

Changes to a Residential Rental Inspection Program inspection can be made only if owner gives 72 hours notice before scheduled inspection. The inspection can be re-scheduled for a date that doesn't exceed the two week period from when the original inspection was scheduled for. If it is less than 72 hours notice, the inspector will still arrive at the unit and a "no show" will be noted in the failed items letter, and a new inspection will automatically be re-scheduled.

5. What do you look for during an inspection?

The Residential Rental Inspection Program inspection normally takes 15-20 minutes. The program's scope includes interior unit conditions as well as exterior conditions such as parking lots, driveways, landscaping and accessory structures, fences, walls, trash enclosures, swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. The inspector will also check for electrical work and fire hazards. The owner or owner's designee must accompany the inspector during the inspection. A designee must be 18 years or older to give the inspector access to the unit. Tenants are welcome to be present during the inspection. All units will be inspected in one day or, in cases of large complexes, over a series of pre-scheduled days. The inspector's focus is identifying substandard maintenance conditions that do not meet the minimum standards established by local and state laws.

6. What happens if violations are noted during the inspection?

After a Residential Rental Inspection Program inspection, property owners will be issued a notice listing specific code violations found in each unit, as well as any exterior code violations. The notice will provide a specified time period in which the violations are to be corrected. The inspectors are available to answer any questions regarding the required repairs the property owner or owner's designee may have to help them successfully complete repairs. The inspector will return on the stated correction date and re-inspect the property to verify compliance.

7. What if the violations aren't corrected within the time period provided?

Regarding the Residential Rental Inspection Program, iIf, upon re-inspection, the property owner has not complied with the notice, then the City will initiate code enforcement action. The purpose of the enforcement action is to ensure that the property is brought into compliance. Typical enforcement action includes, but is not limited to, assessment of administrative citations, charging of re-inspection fees, and actual abatement of the violation(s) by a contractor hired by the City. All costs for abatement are billed to the property owner. Clearly, it is in the property owner's best interest to correct all of the violations within the specific timeframes listed on any notice issued.

8. Will the property owner receive documentation of the Residential Rental Inspection Program results?

The property owner or agent will be furnished a copy of the inspection report. Additionally, a "Certificate of Compliance" will be sent once all items have either been approved or corrected.

9. What if violations of the Residential Rental Inspection Program occur during the two-year period?

If staff receives a complaint about conditions at the property, an inspection will be conducted. Staff will also conduct inspections if exterior violations are noted. If corrections are not made within the time allowed by the ordinance, or if the violations identified are caused by deferred maintenance or immediately affect the health and safety of the residents the property will be inspected immediately. The owner will have to pay the inspection fee for the remaining units left to be inspected, plus any citations or abatement costs.

10. Is a business license required for rental property in El Cerrito?

Yes. If you have rental properties in the City of El Cerrito, you need to have a business license. Any questions regarding business licenses are directed to the Administrative Services Department. business licenses information

11. Who do I contact about the Residential Rental Inspection Program?

Telephone: 510-690-8261
Fax: 510-690-8201
Mailing Address: 3020 El Cerrito Plaza #407 El Cerrito, CA 94530

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Solid Waste and Recycling

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1. Can I recycle food scraps in my green waste container?

Yes, all food scraps and food soiled paper are now accepted via the weekly green waste collection program - for complete details see our recycling information.

2. Is the El Cerrito Recycling Center still open?

Yes, El Cerrito's long-time drop-off Recycling Center is still open (in an interim configuration at the end of Schmidt Lane) while a new Recycling and Environmental Resources Center is being constructed.

3. Where do I recycle?

For a complete list of where to recycle what, visit Contra Costa recycling.

4. Can i drop off styrofoam at the recycling center?

Yes, hardblock, white styrofoam is accepted at the Recycling Center during business hours.

5. Do you do buy-back (pay out) for cans, bottles, cardboard and/or paper?

The El Cerrito Recycling Center does not do buy-back for any recyclable materials. Go to www.bottlesandcans.com to search for a facility near you that redeems California Redemption Value (CRV) glass, plastic and aluminum beverage containers. Or go to http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/cd/recycle/options/all.htm for a Contra Costa County database of recyclers by item.