Packaging recycling
How to Recycle Aluminum Foil & Trays
Household aluminum foil, pie plates, roasting pans, and takeout trays whose local acceptance differs from aluminum cans.
Check local acceptanceLast reviewed September 9, 2026
Quick answer
Clean aluminum foil and trays are recyclable only where the local program accepts them. Remove food, keep the material dry, and ball small pieces of foil together so they are easier to sort; heavily greasy or food-baked foil belongs in trash.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
How to Prepare
- 1Scrape off food and rinse when needed
- 2Dry the material
- 3Ball clean foil pieces together into a larger mass
- 4Keep plastic or paper lids separate