I have recently become an active member in the CRV redemption force. It is us, the down trodden, knackered, and confused who participate in the great state of California's Redemption Value. Yes, my friends, you pay the fund with each purchase of glass, plastic, aluminum, and most notably, alcohol. All of this money goes into the fund. Have no fear, it is I that digs through the trash and finds these aluminum and plastic valuables (Not glass because it is too heavy) and returns them at my local safeway for redemption.
I have made about $20 so far and I have some in the back waiting to recycle on tuesday. I have also made it a point to collect cans on my neighborhoods trash day, on my way from work by the beach, and whenever the mood hits me. Also in my journey through the trash I have found valuable pornography,a bunch of books, and a picture of a popular Star Trek TNG character carelessly discarded that I will sumbit amoung the photos:

Update: (6-29-06)
It has been nearly a month since I began collecting CA refundable items, but my succes has not been as good as the very first week. I would collect recyclables from Ocean Beach trash cans on the weekends, and in my own neighborhood on its trashday, but other scavangers had beaten me for two consecutive weeks after my very first. I was drunk the other week so I did not go out. But I did get some cans staying in! Woo! At any rate. I will submit some pictures of my recylables collection and the redemption zone! I have currently made: 21.92, one cent of it being interest!
Don't worry, I haven't given up. I will be going out tonight to once again say hello to all my neighbors as I dig through their trash.