The Lyapchucks received $12 for their trip to the recycling center.


FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - Are you recycling your bottles and cans for cash? After a recent visit to a new state-of-the-art recycling facility in Fair Oaks, this author had a quick lesson in how recycling can put money in your pocket and back into your community.

According to CalRecycle, 1,339 recycling centers in the state repurchase empty California Redemption Value (CRV) beverage containers. Deposit amounts for these recyclables range from 5 to 25 cents, depending on the container’s type, size and weight. With some exceptions, acceptable materials include glass, plastic and aluminum.

Ivan Pislar and Jacie Leavitt own Simply Recycle in Fair Oaks and Ivan’s Recycling in Citrus Heights.

CalRecycle sets the rates and guidelines for what can be recycled.

Over time, these redeemable deposits can add up to a substantial return rate and help clean up the environment, reducing unnecessary waste in our landfills.

Simply Recycle, located at 4802 San Juan Ave., uses advanced automation technology to eliminate the need to pre-sort, crush, and weigh California Redemption Value (CRV) eligible recyclables. Customers receive deposit vouchers within minutes of dropping off their material, which they can redeem for cash on the spot.

Thanks to a CalRecycle grant, owner/operator Ivan Pislar and his wife, Jacie Leavitt, opened Simply Recycle in November 2024.

Alena Lyapchuk’s four children help drop recyclables into the bin for sorting at Simply Recycle.

The Fair Oaks facility is the only one of its kind in California powered by TOMRA technology. TOMRA is a leader in the recycling industry and is committed to developing long-term sustainability solutions.

The couple also owns Ivan’s Recycling, a conventional and profitable facility they opened in 2018 at 8002 Zenith Drive in Citrus Heights. Leavitt manages the administrative side of both businesses.

An entrepreneur at heart, Pislar got into the recycling business with the encouragement of a friend who owned several recycling centers. After a few years of operating Ivan’s Recycling alone, Pislar grew concerned about his ability to continue handling the physical demands of the job. Additionally, he and Leavitt needed to modify the business’s outdated manual accounting system.

“We knew something had to change,” said Pislar, especially since most customers showed up with a mixed bag of goods that needed to be sorted and crushed. “I finally had to stop helping customers after my back went out.”

The couple began to explore new technology solutions to modernize their business while continuing to provide outstanding service to their loyal customers. Ivan’s Recycling 5-star reviews caught the attention of TOMRA officials, leading to a business partnership and the grant to establish Simply Recycle in Fair Oaks. It took Pislar and Leavitt a year to get Simply Recycle up and running.

Ivan Pislar thanks CalRecycle for the grant he received to open Simply Recycle in November 2024.

Although their two recycling centers operate differently (one is automated and the other is not), Pislar maintains that the new facility was never meant to replace the first one.

“I still love Ivan’s because it brings us steady volume and generates revenue for Citrus Heights recyclers. Without the volume, you can’t pay the bills.”

Pislar sells his material in large bales to two local processing companies: Ming’s Recycling Corp. and Recycling Planet. He assures all customers that 100% of the acceptable material they drop off will be recycled through the processing companies. California residents don’t always know where their recyclable material ends up after being discarded in their bins at home.

What do customers say? Many prefer the convenience of Simply Recycle.

“Most people are shocked the first time they walk in the door because it doesn’t look or feel like their old recycling center,” stated Pislar. “The best part is that no one has to do any sorting. Customers can kick back and let the machines do the work. The kids love watching the machinery and help unload bags into bins.”

Simply Recycle is powered by TOMRA technology. Shown here is the automated sorting and weighing machine.

Pislar hopes that Simply Recycle will inspire more residents to recycle.

“When you stop and consider all the bottles and cans that end up in the landfill, it’s like throwing money down the drain. Every bottle counts,” said Pislar.

For more information about Simply Recycle, visit simply-recycle.com. For general information about recycling, visit calrecycle.ca.gov.