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. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- 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.
How to Prepare
- 1Empty completely and rinse if sticky
- 2Remove plastic lids and other non-aluminum attachments; leave the aluminum pull tab attached
- 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
Where to Recycle
- Curbside recycling
- Bottle-deposit redemption centers (10 states)
- Recycling centers
- Reverse vending machines
- Scrap dealers (call ahead - some don't buy walk-in cans)
Special Instructions
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.
Environmental Impact
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.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Reusable water bottles
- Glass containers
- Stainless steel bottles
- Refillable aluminum bottles
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
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)
Donation & Take‑Back Options
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.
FAQs
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.
Related recycling guides
Recycle aluminum cans
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