How Much Money Can You Get for Aluminum Cans?
Find out how much your aluminum cans are worth and learn the best practices for selling them for cash.
Collecting and recycling aluminum cans offers a tangible way to generate income. This practice provides a financial return and contributes to environmental conservation by reducing the need for new raw materials.
Understanding Aluminum Can Value
The monetary value of aluminum cans is determined by weight, with prices quoted per pound. These prices fluctuate based on global commodity markets, influenced by supply and demand for aluminum. The current national average price for aluminum cans ranges from approximately $0.10 to $0.55 per pound, with an average often around $0.40 per pound. It generally takes about 32 empty 12-ounce aluminum cans to accumulate one pound of material.
The specific payout a recycler receives is affected by the cleanliness and purity of the cans. Contaminants like dirt, liquid residues, or other materials reduce the value, as additional processing is required to prepare them for recycling. To determine current rates, consult local recycling center websites or scrap metal industry reports, as prices vary by region and day.
Where to Sell Your Cans
Several types of facilities accept aluminum cans for recycling, including local recycling centers, dedicated buy-back centers, and general scrap metal dealers. These locations weigh and process the aluminum, offering payment. Find a nearby facility through online searches or local government recycling resources.
Upon arrival at a recycling center, cans are weighed on a certified scale to determine total poundage. The material is confirmed as pure aluminum, meeting quality standards. Payment is issued promptly, often as cash, check, or via ATM. Some regions also operate container deposit programs, where a fee paid at purchase is redeemable upon returning the container.
Preparing Cans for Sale
Proper preparation of aluminum cans enhances their value and streamlines the recycling process. Rinsing cans to remove any liquid residue, such as soda or beer, is an important step. This practice prevents odors and deters pests, while also reducing the risk of contaminating other recyclable materials. Even a quick rinse with used dishwater is sufficient.
While crushing cans can save significant space for collection and transport, making it easier to haul larger quantities, it does not increase the per-pound price. Some modern recycling facilities may prefer cans to remain uncrushed, as flat cans can be misidentified and sorted incorrectly. It is advisable to remove any non-aluminum components, such as plastic rings or straw inserts, to ensure the purity of the metal and secure the best possible price.