New rules in California aim to crack down on recycling fraud by preventing out-of-state residents from redeeming large loads for money at state-run recycling centers, NBC reports.
The restrictions require anyone transporting loads of empty plastic or aluminum bottles weighing 25 pounds or more, or loads of glass weighing 250 pounds or more, to document where they are being taken. Violators face fines up to $1,000 per offense.
Fraudulent recycling of glass bottles from out of state is costing Massachusetts tax payers millions of dollars, CBS reported in July 2013. Those returning certain used glass bottles in Massachusetts receive a 5-cent refund, but, according to the news service, there is virtually nothing stopping people from bringing in bottles from other states and depositing them in the Massachusetts system.
Neither of the neighboring states of Rhode Island and New Hampshire offers refunds.