A California family that earned $7.6 million by recycling cans and bottles in the state has been accused of fraud by California prosecutors. According to a felony complaint filed this month, the family allegedly imported used cans and bottles from Arizona and recycled them in California, taking advantage of the state’s recycling program.
In California, the CalRecyle program offers 5 or 10 cents for each can or bottle returned to one of the state’s 1,200 recycling centres. The program is funded by consumers, and only cans or bottles purchased in California are eligible for recycling. However, the state of Arizona does not have a similar recycling program.
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Prosecutors claim that the family engaged in fraud by importing cans and bottles from Arizona and processing them through different recycling centres in California. By doing so, they reportedly earned $7.6 million over a period of eight months. Now, they could face potential jail time for defrauding the state.
Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that California’s recycling program is meant to protect the environment and communities and is funded by consumers. He emphasised that those who attempt to undermine the program’s integrity through criminal operations will be held accountable. The family members have been charged with recycling fraud, grand theft, and conspiracy.
