California CRV Fees and EBT: What You Need to Know

CRV (California Redemption Value) charges cannot be paid with EBT benefits. This is a common point of confusion at checkout.

Why CRV Is Excluded

• CRV is a deposit/recycling fee on beverage containers, not a food item
• SNAP (EBT) benefits only cover eligible food products for human consumption
• Deposits, taxes, and fees on non-food items are explicitly excluded

Practical Impact

When purchasing beverages with EBT:

1. The product price (water, juice, soda) is EBT-eligible
2. The CRV amount (5¢ for <24oz, 10¢ for ≥24oz) must be paid separately
3. Sales tax on the beverage (if applicable) also requires separate payment

Getting Your CRV Back

The CRV is refundable when you return empty containers to certified recycling centers. This redemption is a separate transaction unrelated to EBT.

Bottom Line

Budget for CRV + tax as out-of-pocket costs when buying beverages with EBT in California.