How Much Money Can You Get for Recycling Cans?

Empty aluminum cans often hold a hidden value, offering an accessible way for individuals to earn money while contributing to environmental sustainability. Recycling cans not only provides a financial return but also supports the broader circular economy by reducing the need for new raw materials and conserving energy.

Understanding Can Redemption Value

The monetary value of an aluminum can depends primarily on two systems: container deposit laws and scrap metal value. In certain states, a container deposit law, often called a “bottle bill,” requires a small deposit to be paid when purchasing a beverage. This deposit, typically ranging from 5 to 10 cents per container, is then refunded to the consumer upon returning the empty can to an authorized redemption location. This system incentivizes return and ensures a fixed value for each eligible can.

In states without such deposit laws, or for cans not covered by these regulations, their value is determined by their weight as scrap aluminum. This value fluctuates based on current market demand for aluminum. Prices for aluminum cans as scrap can vary, often ranging from approximately $0.38 to $0.75 per pound, though this can change frequently. Factors like global market prices for aluminum and the purity of the material influence the per-pound rate offered by recycling facilities.

Where to Redeem Your Cans

In states with container deposit laws, you can typically return eligible cans to redemption centers, reverse vending machines, or even some participating retailers. These locations are equipped to handle the return of deposit-bearing containers and facilitate the refund process. Some services allow for bag drop-offs where refunds are credited to an account.

For cans redeemed based on their scrap metal value, private scrap metal yards and public recycling centers are common destinations. These facilities purchase aluminum by weight. It is advisable to verify with a specific location if they accept aluminum cans from the general public and what their current pricing is before making a trip. Some centers may specialize in certain types of metals or have specific operational hours for public drop-offs.

Preparing Your Cans for Redemption

It is important to rinse cans thoroughly to remove any liquid or food residue. This step prevents odors and helps maintain the purity of the aluminum, which is important for the recycling process. Cleaning also minimizes contamination, which can impact the overall value of the collected material.

Separating aluminum cans from other recyclable materials like plastic bottles, glass, or steel cans is also beneficial. Most redemption centers or scrap yards prefer pre-sorted materials, and some may even require it. Regarding crushing, policies vary; some deposit centers prefer cans uncrushed to allow for barcode scanning and proper identification, while scrap yards often prefer them crushed to save space during transport and storage. Some locations might have minimum weight or quantity requirements for payout, such as limits on the number of containers that can be paid by count in a single visit.

The Redemption Process

If you are returning deposit containers, they may be counted individually or processed through a reverse vending machine. These machines scan barcodes to identify eligible containers, often crushing them for efficient storage, and then issue a voucher or credit for the deposit value. For scrap metal, your cans will be weighed on a scale to determine their total mass.

Some facilities, particularly for larger payouts, may require a valid form of identification to comply with local regulations. Common payment methods include cash, a check, or a voucher that can be redeemed for cash or store credit at an associated retail location. Certain modern services may even offer direct electronic payments or credit to a digital account.