Recycling CansRecycling cans is a very straightforward process that can be done in any location because metal is very recyclable. There are really only two varieties of metal cans, aluminum and steel (sometimes called a tin can).
Aluminum Can or Steel CanDepending on your location, you may need to tell the difference between an aluminum can and a steel can. Aluminum is commonly used for beer and soda containers as well as some cat food cans. Steel is used for soup, vegetables, tuna, etc. If you are unsure, give it the magnet test. A magnet will stick to a steel can and not an aluminum can. Now What?Now that you know what type of metal you have, you can figure out the best way to recycle it. This is where it matters at what location you reside. In Michigan, we have a bottle law that includes carbonated beverages. We take our beer and soda cans back to the store for a deposit. Our steel and occasional aluminum cans go to the recycle bin with the plastic bottles. If your state doesn't have a bottle law you will probably have a lot more aluminum to recycle. Most curbside recyclers will take steel and aluminum cans. You just need to find out how they want them. Some require that steel cans have the labels removed, both ends removed and the can flattened. An aluminum can is flattened easily with a can crusher. If you have a lot of aluminum, it pays to have a crusher. Can crushers are not expensive, but it can be time consuming. We had one when we lived in South Carolina. You would be surprised at the number of cans that will fit in a garbage bag when they have been crushed. If you have a lot of aluminum cans, crush them and save them up to sell at the scrap yard. Quick note about scrap yards, don’t mix your cans with other aluminum items you may be recycling. Different forms of aluminum sell for different rates. If it is all mixed together, you are paid at the lowest going rate. No matter where you are recycling cans, or how you get them there, you need to make sure they are clean. I like to collect them next to the sink. When I am ready to run the dishwasher I rinse cans. Your dishwasher will wash better if you run the water until it is hot. So instead of just letting that water go down the drain, use it to rinse your cans. That pretty much covers recycling cans. Steel and aluminum cans don’t get much chance to be reused. I do keep a few tuna cans that have been washed and the labels removed to be used as votive holders for power outages. Oh yeah, and I use a green bean can for a scoop in the cat food bag. I do use a soup can for a grease trap on the gas grill, but other than that, they all go to the recycle bin.
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