Do steel cans go in curbside recycling?

Yes. Steel (tin) food cans are accepted in nearly every curbside program in the US. Rinse them out, and you can leave the paper label on; it burns off during processing.

How do I tell a steel can from an aluminum can?

Use a magnet. Steel cans are magnetic and stick to it; aluminum beverage cans do not. Steel cans are also heavier for their size and are usually used for soup, vegetables, and pet food.

Should I leave the lid on or take it off?

Tuck the cut lid inside the can and pinch the top slightly closed. That keeps the sharp lid from falling out and protects sorting workers, while still letting the magnet capture both pieces.

Metal recycling

How to Recycle Steel Cans

Food cans made of steel with tin coating. Magnetic and highly recyclable.

RecyclableFELow per can but steady: scrap steel/tin cans pay roughly $0.03–$0.06 per pound. The real win is free curbside recycling, which keeps endlessly-recyclable steel in use.Updated Jun 2026

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Quick answer

Yes, steel (tin) food cans are 100% recyclable and accepted in almost every curbside program. Rinse them, leave the label on (it burns off in processing), and tuck the lid inside. Steel is magnetic, which is how recyclers sort it, and it can be recycled endlessly with no loss of quality.

Recyclable: Yes
Recycling code: FE
Typical value: Low per can but steady: scrap steel/tin cans pay roughly $0.03–$0.06 per pound. The real win is free curbside recycling, which keeps endlessly-recyclable steel in use.

How to Prepare

1Empty completely and rinse to remove food residue
2

How to Recycle Steel Cans

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Recycling centers that accept Steel Cans

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How to Recycle Steel Cans

Quick answer

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Recycling centers that accept Steel Cans

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