Four local CVS locations are included in an enforcement action from the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery related to deposits on recyclables.

The action is part of an effort from the state agency known as CalRecycle to ensure consumers have access to convenient recycling options.

The action against CVS Health Corp. stems from an investigation of CVS stores located in so-called “convenience zones” that are required to redeem California Redemption Value beverage containers in store or pay a $100-a-day fine.

Such zones are not serviced by recycling centers.

CalRecycle found that 81 of the 848 CVS retail stores refused to redeem CRV beverage containers in store and failed to pay the daily fee.

“Today’s action sends a message that we will hold retailers accountable for refunding consumers their nickel and dime recycling deposits,” said Jared Blumenfeld, California Secretary for Environmental Protection. “Everyone must do their part as we work to protect our environment and ensure that all Californians have convenient access to recycling.”

The enforcement action seeks to recover $1.8 million in $100-a-day fees that the 81 stores had failed to pay as of Oct. 31 and an additional $1.8 million in $100-a-day civil penalties. The action also seeks to recover CalRecycle’s administrative costs of investigating and pursuing the action.

The local stores that are part of the action, as well as the penalties they face, include:

4077 W. Clinton Ave. in Fresno, $21,200

1107 N. Willow Ave. in Clovis, $21,200

6800 N. Milburn Ave. Fresno, $21,200

1395 E. Prosperity Ave. in Tulare, $21,300

CalRecycle filed the enforcement action against the retail chain on Dec. 5. As part of the administrative law process, CVS is entitled to an evidentiary hearing presided over by a hearing officer or administrative law judge.

“California has one of the highest recycling rates in the nation because of our shared commitment to the environment,” said CalRecycle Director Scott Smithline. “Retailers face financial consequences if they do not fulfill their legal takeback requirements. This $3.6 million action is part of our ongoing enforcement of the bottles and cans program that includes intensified inspection efforts and ongoing recycling fraud crackdowns.”