How to Recycle Aluminum Cans
Beverage cans made of aluminum. Infinitely recyclable and among the most valuable curbside materials by weight, though the actual US aluminum can recycling rate is only about 43% (2023, Can Manufacturers Institute) - well short of the industry's own 70%-by-2030 target.
Quick answer
Yes, aluminum cans are 100% recyclable and one of the few materials that pays you back. Empty them (crushing is optional) and keep them separate from magnetic steel cans, then use curbside recycling, a bottle-deposit redemption center, or a scrap yard - though not every yard buys walk-in cans, and curbside or redemption is often the more reliable route for typical household amounts. Scrap value runs about $0.65-$0.85/lb (roughly $0.76/lb blended, August 2026), and the 10 deposit states pay 5-10 cents each.
- Recyclable
- Yes
- Recycling code
- ALU
- Typical value
- About $0.65-$0.85 per pound (roughly $0.76/lb blended, August 2026). It takes about 28-32 cans to make a pound, so a full 30-gallon bag (15-20 lbs) is worth roughly $11-$15 - assuming your buyer takes walk-in cans. Many scrap yards want bulk or commercial volume, so redemption or curbside is often the more dependable option for household amounts.
- 1Empty completely and rinse if sticky
- 2Remove plastic lids, pull tabs, and any attached labels
- 3Crushing saves space but is not required for recycling
- 4Keep separate from steel cans (aluminum is non-magnetic)
- 5Store in a dry area to prevent oxidation
- Curbside recycling
- Bottle-deposit redemption centers (10 states)
- Recycling centers
- Reverse vending machines
- Scrap dealers (call ahead - some don't buy walk-in cans)
Aluminum cans can go from recycling bin to store shelf as a new can in about 60 days. Check with a magnet if you're unsure - aluminum is non-magnetic, steel cans are magnetic.
Recycling aluminum uses about 95% less energy than producing new aluminum from bauxite ore. Cans have the highest recycled content of any beverage container, and aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without any loss of quality.
Aluminum cans are valuable, but they take up a lot of space. The average household generates 300 to 400 cans per year, which takes up significant storage space if left uncrushed. The right approach makes collection practical and profitable.
Can Crushing for Space Efficiency
Crushing cans reduces volume by approximately 80 percent. This means you can store five times more cans in the same space, which translates to fewer trips to the recycling center and more efficient collection.
A simple can crusher processes 32 to 40 cans per pound versus 20 to 25 uncrushed. Most yards pay the same per pound whether cans are crushed or not, so this is purely about convenience and space efficiency.
ROI Example: After crushing 500 to 800 cans, you've saved multiple trips worth $10 to $20 in gas and time. The crusher pays for itself and makes collection much more manageable.
Material Identification
Not all cans are aluminum. Steel cans look similar but are worth less and should be separated. The identification process is simple but important.
A strong magnet instantly tells you ferrous from non ferrous. If it sticks, it's steel (worth less). If it doesn't stick, you've got aluminum (worth more). This one tool prevents mixing materials and ensures you get premium pricing for your aluminum.
Value difference: The August 2026 U.S. national average for aluminum cans is $0.72/lb. Steel-can offers are usually much lower and yard-specific, so keep the grades separate and confirm both quotes locally. Mixing them means you get the lower rate for everything.
Collection strategy: Most families find that a can crusher and magnet ($25 to $40 total investment) make aluminum can collection practical. The space savings alone justify the tools, and the value adds up over time. At the $0.72/lb national average, 400 cans (about 13 pounds) are worth roughly $9.36.
- Reusable water bottles
- Glass containers
- Stainless steel bottles
- Refillable aluminum bottles
Accepted
- Soda and beer cans
- Energy drink cans
- Sparkling water cans
- Canned coffee drinks
- Pet food cans (aluminum)
Not Accepted
- Steel food cans (magnetic)
- Crushed cans with liquid inside
- Paint or chemical cans
- Aerosol cans (handle separately)
Estimated value: About $0.65-$0.85 per pound (roughly $0.76/lb blended, August 2026). It takes about 28-32 cans to make a pound, so a full 30-gallon bag (15-20 lbs) is worth roughly $11-$15 - assuming your buyer takes walk-in cans. Many scrap yards want bulk or commercial volume, so redemption or curbside is often the more dependable option for household amounts.
Do I need to remove the pull tabs from aluminum cans?
No, leave the pull tabs attached. They're made of aluminum and get recycled together with the can.
Can I recycle crushed aluminum cans?
Yes, crushed cans are perfectly acceptable and some recyclers prefer them since they save space during transportation.
How can I tell aluminum cans from steel cans?
Use a magnet - aluminum cans aren't magnetic, while steel cans stick to a magnet. Aluminum cans also feel lighter and sound different when tapped.
Are there deposit programs for aluminum cans?
Yes, 10 US states have bottle deposit programs that pay 5-10 cents per can: CA, CT, HI, IA, MA, ME, MI, NY, OR, VT.
Why is the US aluminum can recycling rate only around 43%?
The Can Manufacturers Institute puts the actual 2023 rate at about 43%, well below the near-complete capture some marketing claims imply. Deposit systems do much better than curbside: the 10 deposit states alone account for an estimated 40% of all aluminum cans recycled nationwide, because a cash refund is a stronger incentive than an unlabeled recycling bin.
Will my local scrap yard take a bag of aluminum cans?
Maybe not. Some scrap yards focus on bulk or commercial volume and don't buy small walk-in bags of cans at all. Before making a trip, call ahead, or default to curbside recycling or a bottle-deposit redemption center, both of which are built for exactly this volume.
Recycling centers that accept Aluminum Cans
RecycleFind lists recycling centers that accept aluminum cans. Open a listing for hours, contact info, and directions.