text: what is the purpose of crv? california redemption value, that is. they take 5 cents when you buy a soda or bottle of water, and when you redeem it, they give you 4 cents back. what is the purpose of this absurd thing? well it actually happens in all states. it's supposed to work like this:  you don't own the bottle that the drink is in when you buy it. that's right- you're borrowing it. the 5 cents you pay is for deposit. the state expects you to give it back- to a recycling center, that is. once you do that, they give you your 5 cents back.   your 4-cent back deal is not sanctioned by the state. assumedly, whatever center you give it back to charges 1 cent for the service.  i was thinking as i was answering this question: "why then, does the state not give you the money when you put the bottles in the recycling bin outside your home?" i assume the answer is similar to the 4-cent back answer: that the county, by picking it up, is charging you the 5 cents for the service. why, then, is it required in some places? because the requirement is that you don't put the bottle in the trash, not that you have to use their service to get rid of them.