Recycling no longer waits on the fringes of our rapidly globalizing society. Today, it is no longer merely a question of preserving Mother Nature, but it has also become a means of earning some extra money. In fact, one of the most common household items you can recycle for money are aluminum cans. But where should you take these cans? Let’s find out.
Before we get into the specifics, it is important to understand why we should participate in recycling programs. Recycling helps in conserving our natural resources, reusing valuable materials, and reducing pollution. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, meaning that it can be reused again and again without losing its properties. When you recycle an aluminum can, it could be back on the shelf as a new can within 60 days. How efficient is that!
Local Recycling Centers
The most tried and true place to recycle cans for money is at your local recycling center. One easy way to find these is by using online resources or local directories. Recycling centers usually pay a certain amount per pound or per can. While this might not seem like much at first, it adds up when you bring in a large load. Gathering a bag full of cans from your home, neighborhood, or local businesses can help you make a decent amount.
Can Redemption Centers
In some states, there’s an added incentive to recycling cans: the Bottle Bill. The states that have passed this legislation allow consumers to redeem their cans at Can Redemption Centers for a certain amount. To take advantage of this, you will need to be in one of the ten states that have a Bottle Bill: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont. The redemption values in these states range from $.05 to $.15 per can.
Cash Recycling Machines
Another viable option to consider are cash recycling machines. These machines automate the process of buying back your cans and bottles. All you need to do is insert your items, and the machine will sort them and calculate how much you’re owed. These machines can often be found at larger grocery stores or can redemption centers. Always be sure to check if your items are clean and empty before you bring them in, as most machines won’t accept anything that is too dirty or filled with liquid.
Scrap Metal Dealers
Scrap metal dealers are another option worth considering when looking to exchange your cans for cash. They often pay a higher rate than recycling or redemption centers because they deal in bulk. If you have a large quantity of cans at hand, approaching a local scrap metal dealer might fetch you a better price. Be sure to check the current market price for aluminum scraps before going, though, as prices fluctuate frequently.
Online Platforms
Finally, don’t forget the power of the internet. Various online platforms, like Recycler’s World or eBay, let you sell scrap metal directly to buyers. If you have a large collection of aluminum cans, this might be a great way to get the fairest price in the market.
In summary, while it might seem negligible, recycling aluminum cans can provide some extra cash. Whether it’s through local recycling centers, can redemption centers, cash recycling machines, scrap metal dealers, or online platforms, you have numerous options on where to take your cans for money. Not to mention, you will be playing a part in preserving our environment for future generations. So, why not start today?