Recycling & Disposal Guide: Aluminum & Soda Cans

Recycling Options:

✅ Curbside Recycling: Most aluminum cans, including soda and beverage cans, are widely accepted in curbside recycling programs. Follow these steps:

• Empty & Rinse: Ensure the can is free of liquid or residue.

• Crushing (Optional): Some programs accept crushed cans to save space, but others prefer them intact for sorting efficiency.

• Keep the Tab On or Collect Separately: Some charities, like the Ronald McDonald House Charities, collect aluminum can tabs for fundraising.

✅ Bottle & Can Redemption Centers: If your state has a bottle deposit program (like California, Michigan, or New York), you can return aluminum cans for a cash refund.

✅ Scrap Metal Recycling Centers: Large amounts of aluminum cans can be taken to scrap metal recyclers for additional monetary compensation.

Disposal Considerations:

⚠ Do Not Place in Trash: Aluminum is highly recyclable and should never be discarded in regular trash. Recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy required to make new aluminum from raw materials.

⚠ Avoid Contaminants: Do not recycle aluminum cans with excessive food, grease, or non-removable plastic linings.