Where Can You Recycle Aluminum Cans?

Aluminum cans are considered the most valuable beverage containers to recycle. Recycling aluminum cans provides environmental, economic and community benefits.

Environmental Benefits

• A used aluminum container can be recycled and back on shelves in as little as 60 days. Making new aluminum cans from recycled cans takes 95 percent less energy than using virgin materials. According to the Aluminum Association, recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to keep a 100-watt bulb burning for almost four hours.

Economic Benefits

• Aluminum can recycling also has economic benefits, profiting consumers and communities. Each year, the aluminum industry pays out more than $800 million dollars for empty aluminum cans. In 2009, the Aluminum Association introduced the Cans for Causes program to support organizations in their efforts to recycle. The program serves as a resource for groups like Habitat for Humanity, schools, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Rotary clubs and YMCAs to raise money through aluminum can collection.

Curbside Collection

• Communities across the country offer curbside collection of aluminum cans for recycling. Single-stream recycling programs allow you to toss the cans in with glass, paper and other recyclables. Check with your municipality to find out when and how your area collects recyclables.

Local Recycling Centers

• If your community does not have a curbside recycling program, you can bring your items to a local recycling center. Check for locations in the Yellow Pages or at Earth911.com. You can also use Earth911.com to find local community organizations collecting cans for fundraising.

Additional Recycling Tips

• Rinse aluminum products including cans, caps, lids and foil before placing them in the recycling bin. Do not recycle spray cans or cans containing paint or hazardous materials. Contact your waste department to find out how to dispose of hazardous waste.