Silver lining in dark economic times: Recycling rates soar

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Last year, 82 percent of the aluminum cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles sold in California were recycled, up from 74 percent in 2008 and 55 percent in 2003, according to state statistics. That's the highest rate since 1992, when 82 percent were recycled amid another recession.

What once seemed like pocket change now seems like valuable extra income, experts say.

California is one of 11 states that charges a fee on beverage containers to encourage recycling. The state charges 5 cents on each glass bottle, aluminum can and plastic container up to 24 ounces, and 10 cents for containers 24 ounces and up. When consumers turn bottles and cans in at recycling centers, they get the money back.

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