According to state prosecutors' recent complaint, eight family members living in Riverside County are alleged to have committed fraud against the state. Their alleged scheme was to bring used bottles and cans from Arizona, a whopping 178 tons' worth, over the course of eight months, and then recycle them in California.
The recycling hustle apparently raked in a mind-blowing $7.6 million in profits for the family. On top of that, investigators stumbled upon "illegally imported beverage containers" worth an extra $1 million.
Now, the family finds themselves tangled up in a serious legal battle that could mean facing lengthy prison sentences.
From Yahoo News:
When someone purchases a plastic or aluminum bottle in California, they typically pay an extra 5 to 10 cents in "California Redemption Value," or CRV, which the consumer can get back by returning the items to one of the state's more than 1,200 recycling centers. Arizona has no such program.
"California's recycling program is funded by consumers, and helps protect our environment and our communities," Bonta said. "Those who try to undermine its integrity through criminal operations will be held accountable."
In the criminal complaint, prosecutors accused family members of unlawfully conspiring to commit grand theft and defrauding the California recycling program on a "chronic and ongoing basis" by seeking reimbursement for out-of-state containers and containers that had already been redeemed within California.
Felony grand theft in California is punishable by up to three years in state prison. Redeeming out-of-state containers to the degree the family is accused could increase the sentence by another three years.
Court documents did not identify an attorney for the defendants, who have not been convicted of a crime.
Last year, six people were charged in a similar Arizona-to-California recycling operation that prosecutors said netted more than $10 million by fraudulently redeeming more than nine tons of empty beverage containers.
At least 93 people in California were convicted of recycling fraud between 2010 and 2019, according to a report by the nonprofit Consumer Watchdog.
Who would've thought recycling cans could lead to such huge profits?
Though their actions are undoubtedly wrong and fraudulent, you've got to hand it to them for their determination in making millions. Personally, I get thrilled if I walk away with just $7 from recycling my cans...
