Turning In Your Aluminum Cans: How to Make Money From Recycling
Have you ever wondered what happens to the beverage cans after you discard them? More often than not, these cans, if not properly recycled, end up cluttering the environment. What’s more, thrown-away aluminum cans are money down the drain. In this article, we’ll explore how you can turn in cans for money.
The Potential in Aluminum Cans
First, it’s important to understand the value behind aluminum cans. Not only is aluminum 100% recyclable, but it also requires significantly less energy to recycle compared to producing new aluminum. That’s why many cities and recycling centers offer a cash incentive to encourage the collection and recycling of aluminum cans.
Collecting Aluminum Cans
Start by collecting cans around your household; you’ll be surprised how they add up. Consider reaching out to friends, family, and neighbors for their cans. You can also pick cans off the streets or from public waste bins, but always make sure you’re not breaking any local laws or regulations.
Sorting and Preparing the Cans
Once you have a sizable collection, the next step is preparing them for recycling. Some recycling centers accept wholesale delivery of cans, but you’ll likely get more money if you sort and clean your cans before handing them over. Remove any non-aluminum materials, like plastic rings or bottle tops, and wash out any remaining liquids.
Profiting From Your Cans
With your cans cleaned and sorted, it’s time to take them to the recycling center. Bring them in a bag or a bin — anything that makes transportation easier. Then, you’ll weigh your cans. A good rule of thumb is that roughly 24 cans make up a pound, and the national average pays about 35 to 50 cents per pound. This rate can vary based on your location and the current market for aluminum.
Typically, the recycling center uses cash exchange machines that weigh the cans and dispense cash based on their weight and the current rate for scrap aluminum. The advantage of these machines is that they’re efficient and reduce any chances of human error.
Final Thoughts
Turning in cans for money is a win-win situation. You get to clean up the environment while making some extra cash. More than that, it’s a sustainable practice that supports the circular economy. So, the next time you finish a canned beverage, remember that there’s value in every can!