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Recycling aluminum cans and plastic bottles is an excellent way to earn money while protecting the environment. If you are looking for a hassle-free way to earn extra cash without any investment or experience, starting a can recycling side hustle could be a great option for you. You will only need a few inexpensive recycling bins, some trash bags, and some free time to get started.
Recycling is a vast industry, and it contributes immensely to the economy. According to the Recycling Economic Information (REI) Report by the EPA, recycling and reuse activities in the United States generated more than $37 billion in wages and over $5 billion in tax revenues. However, you don’t need a recycling center to start making extra money. In this post, I’ll explain how to start a can recycling side hustle. I’ll cover how much you can earn, how the process works, and where you can get paid for your unwanted cans.
Aluminum can prices
Aluminum cans are one of the most commonly used materials for packaging beverages, and they are also one of the most recycled materials in the United States. The prices for aluminum cans are not fixed and can fluctuate based on various factors such as the supply and demand of aluminum, the current market trends, and the location of the recycling center or scrap yard.
Typically, you can expect to receive around 5 cents per pound for aluminum cans at a recycling center or scrap yard. However, the prices can vary significantly from one location to another. It’s always a good idea to check with the centers or scrap yards near you to get an accurate idea of how much you could get for your aluminum cans on any given day.
As of this writing, the average national price for aluminum cans is around 54 cents per pound. However, the prices can fluctuate from as low as 2 cents per pound to as high as $2 per pound depending on various factors such as the quality and quantity of the aluminum cans, the location of the recycling center, and the current market trends.
So, if you have a large number of aluminum cans that you want to recycle, it’s a good idea to do some research and find the recycling center or scrap yard that offers the best prices in your area. This way, you can get the most value for your aluminum cans while also doing your part to protect the environment.
Can you make money selling aluminum cans?
Recycling centers and scrap yards usually pay you per pound of aluminum, which is typically around half the market price for the metal.
However, if you live in a state with bottle deposit laws, you can get paid per can. This means that you can earn significantly more money by recycling aluminum cans. For example, in Michigan, the deposit is 10 cents per can, which can add up quickly if you have many cans to recycle. So, the next time you have empty aluminum cans lying around, don’t just throw them away – consider recycling them for some extra cash!
How to make extra money by selling aluminum cans
Here’s a straightforward guide on how to sell aluminum cans:
Step one: Collect aluminum cans
Recycling cans is an effective way to contribute to the environment. You can start by recycling the cans your household uses, such as soda and beer cans. However, you need to source cans from multiple places to increase your income.
Apart from your home, you can look for cans in public places like parks, beaches, and streets. Ensure you always carry a garbage bag when you go out, as you never know when you’ll come across a litter you can make money from.
If you’re wondering how to make money from these cans, you can take them to a recycling center to exchange them for cash. Some recycling centers also offer incentives for the number of cans you bring in, so it’s worth checking out if there are any such centers near you.
In addition to making money, recycling cans also have a positive impact on the environment. Recycling aluminum cans, for instance, uses up to 95% less energy than producing new aluminum cans. It also reduces the amount of waste in landfills, which can take years to decompose and harm the environment.
So, the next time you come across a can lying on the ground, pick it up and add it to your collection. By doing so, you’ll not only be earning extra money but also helping to protect the planet.
Where to find aluminum cans to recycle
If you’re looking to recycle aluminum cans, here are some places where you can find them:
At home
Collecting cans is a great way to help the environment by recycling and can earn you some extra cash. Did you know that you don’t even have to step outside your front door to start collecting cans? You can do it in the comfort of your own home. Families go through a lot of soft drinks and beer, so you can easily get cans by simply saving them after use.
If you’re not already collecting your cans, starting now is a great idea. Set aside a dedicated trash can to hold all your empty cans and let the rest of your household know about your new can collection project. This way, everyone can contribute to the cause.
If you live in a state with a bottle bill, collecting cans becomes even more important. Bottle bills require a deposit on every bottle or can purchased, which is refunded when the container is returned for recycling. This means that if you’re not collecting your cans, you’re essentially throwing away money.
Friends and family
If you’re looking for a way to gather additional cans for your recycling efforts, consider reaching out to your friends and family. You might be surprised to learn that many people are happy to give away their recyclables, as they simply don’t have the time or energy to deal with them themselves.
By asking around, you can quickly accumulate a sizable collection of cans to take to your local recycling center or redeem for cash. Don’t be afraid to get creative and offer incentives or rewards for those who contribute to your cause – you might be surprised at how much people are willing to help out when given a little extra motivation.
Neighbors
Recycling aluminum cans is an excellent way to help the environment and earn some extra cash. If you are thinking of collecting aluminum cans, then you should consider asking your neighbors first. Many people are not bothered about giving away their aluminum cans and would be happy to give them to someone who recycles them. However, it’s important to understand that you should always ask for permission before collecting the cans.
Going through your neighbor’s trash without their permission is not advisable. This is not only illegal in many states but also considered impolite. Therefore, it’s always best to get permission from your neighbors before you collect their cans. You can simply knock on their doors and ask if they have any aluminum cans that they are willing to give away. You might find that some of your neighbors are already recycling cans but have not had the time to take them to the recycling center.
By asking your neighbors, you are not only helping the environment but also building a good relationship with them. You can even offer to collect their cans regularly, saving them time and effort. Remember, it’s always important to ask for permission first and respect your neighbor’s wishes if they decline your request.
Bars and restaurants
If you’re interested in acquiring aluminum cans in large quantities, one way to do so is to approach bars and restaurants and offer to pick up their empty cans. Bars and restaurants generate many cans and other recyclables, such as bottles, that can be redeemed for cash.
To get started, contact local bars and restaurants and inquire if they would be willing to let you collect their empties for recycling. Some places may be open to partnering with you. Offer the owner a convenient time to pick up the cans.
Additionally, you could consider posting an ad on Craigslist, asking if any local bars or restaurants need someone to collect their empties.
This arrangement is a win-win for both parties, as it allows the establishment to dispose of their unwanted containers while providing you with a source of income.
Events/Concerts/Festivals
If you are looking for more places to find aluminum cans to recycle, outdoor concerts and festivals can be a good option. People who attend concerts and festivals often leave cans on the ground or tables. This can be a good opportunity for you to collect these cans and turn them in for cash.
If you are planning to attend an event, then you can keep an eye out for cans that have been discarded. Alternatively, you can also search for events, concerts, and festivals that are taking place in your area, and get in touch with the organizers to ask if you could collect the cans after the event is over.
Workplace
Many workplaces have a vending machine that dispenses soft drinks, and these machines often generate a significant amount of waste in the form of discarded aluminum cans. However, you can turn this waste into a valuable resource by asking your company’s management if you can collect the discarded cans to recycle them. Most companies would happily agree, as it demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Once you have received permission to collect the cans, setting up a separate bin specifically for aluminum cans is a good idea. You can place a note on the bin that says “aluminum cans only” to ensure people don’t accidentally throw other waste in it. It’s important to check the bin daily, either during lunch or after work, to ensure that it doesn’t overflow or become a nuisance to other employees. Additionally, it’s crucial to inform the cleaning staff that you’re collecting the cans, so they know not to throw them away.
To keep the workplace clean and free of clutter, it’s essential to avoid letting the cans pile up. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to set a specific time each day to collect the cans. This way, you can keep the workplace neat and tidy, make management happy, and continue to collect extra cans for recycling.
Outdoor spaces
It’s unfortunate that many people still litter in outdoor areas, leaving cans and other debris scattered around. However, if you’re looking for some extra cans, it might be worth checking these common litter hotspots. Sidewalks, parks, roadsides, parking lots, and even areas under bushes are all places where you might find discarded cans. Additionally, if you’re near a beach or have recently attended a public event like a street fair or marathon, you’ll likely find even more litter to sift through.
By picking up litter, you’re not just doing a good deed for the environment, but you’re also potentially putting extra money in your pocket. Plus, taking care of your neighborhood and town by keeping it clean and tidy can also boost community morale and make your area a more pleasant place to live. So, remember to be on the lookout for litter and do your part to keep your surroundings clean!
Bonus: Antique cans
If you often visit garages or barns, you might have noticed some old cans lying around. While most of these cans might be trash, there are some antique collectible beer cans that could be worth a significant amount of money. Collectors often seek out these cans, and their value can range anywhere from $35 to $1,000 each. So, if you stumble upon such cans, you could get lucky and make a handsome profit by selling them.
A note on collecting litter safely
Collecting cans from your home or family members is simple. Just gather them in a bag and take them to a recycling center or store to exchange for cash. However, if you’re planning on collecting cans from public spaces or events, it’s important to take some safety precautions to ensure you’re not risking yourself.
First, wearing gloves when collecting cans or other recyclables from public spaces is important. Unfortunately, people often discard hazardous materials like broken glass or syringes alongside their litter, so protecting your hands from potential injuries is important.
In addition to wearing gloves, it’s also a good idea to wear long-sleeved clothing and suitable footwear like boots. Avoid wearing sandals or anything with open toes, as you never know what you might step on while collecting cans.
When searching for cans in public spaces, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards. For example, be careful when collecting cans in parking lots and always be mindful of traffic. Never collect litter in the dark, as seeing potential hazards and other dangers can be difficult. Instead, try to collect cans during the daytime when it’s light out.
Overall, collecting cans to recycle for cash can be a great way to earn some extra money while also doing your part to protect the environment. Just be sure to take the necessary safety precautions to stay safe while collecting cans.
Step two: Check if your state has a bottle deposit law
When it comes to recycling cans, it’s always a good idea to check if your state has a bottle bill in place. A bottle bill is a legislation requiring beverage distributors to pay a deposit on certain containers, which is refunded to the consumer when they return the empty container for recycling. This means that in states with a bottle bill, you can earn money for aluminum cans and other containers like glass bottles and plastic bottles.
Currently, ten states in the United States have a bottle bill in place. Each state has its own specific requirements for which beverages and containers are covered, so it’s important to check the details for your state. For example, in some states, the bottle bill only covers carbonated beverages, while in others, it covers all non-alcoholic beverages.
By taking advantage of your state’s bottle bill, you can increase the money you earn from recycling your cans and other containers by quite a lot. Not all states have a bottle bill, so if you are lucky enough to live in one of these states, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to earn some extra cash while also helping the environment.
Bottle redemption laws are in place in ten states across the United States. The states with these laws are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Oregon, and Vermont.
In California, money can be earned for any container made of glass, plastic, or bi-metal, excluding refillables. This includes beer, malt, wine, and distilled spirit coolers.
Connecticut accepts any glass, metal, or plastic container, including cans, bottles, jars, and cartons. Beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, and bottled water can earn money, but containers larger than three liters containing non-carbonated beverages and HDPE containers are excluded.
Except for dairy products, Hawaii accepts any container up to 68 oz. made of aluminum, bi-metal, glass, or plastic. Money can be earned from all non-alcoholic drinks, beer, malt, and mixed spirits.
Iowa allows for the return of any container made from glass, metal, or plastic, including cans, bottles, jars, and cartons. Money can be earned from beer, wine coolers, wine, liquor, carbonated soft drinks, and mineral water.
In Maine, containers made from metal, glass, or plastic that are four liters or less are eligible for redemption. All beverages except for dairy products and unprocessed cider can be redeemed.
Massachusetts accepts any container made of glass, metal, plastic, or a combination, excluding biodegradables. Money can be earned from beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, and mineral water.
Michigan allows for the redemption of containers less than one gallon made of metal, glass, paper, or plastic. Money can be earned from beer, wine coolers, canned cocktails, soft drinks, carbonated and mineral water.
New York accepts any container made from less than one gallon of glass, metal, aluminum, steel, or plastic. Money can be earned from beer, malt, wine products, carbonated soft drinks, soda water, and water that doesn’t contain sugar. Hard cider and wine are excluded.
Oregon accepts any glass, metal, or plastic container, including cans, bottles, and jars. Beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, and bottled water can earn money, except for wine, distilled liquor, dairy products, milk substitutes (like plant-based milk), and infant formula.
In Vermont, any container made from glass, metal, paper, plastic, or a combination can be redeemed for money. Money can be earned from beer, malt, mixed wine, liquor, and carbonated soft drinks.
Step three: Recycle your cans for cash
Once you’ve collected your cans, you can exchange them for cash at various recycling centers. Many places are willing to pay for them.
Where to recycle aluminum cans
If you’re looking to sell aluminum cans, consider these places:
Grocery stores
If you reside in a state with a bottle bill, it is highly likely that your nearby grocery store or supermarket has recycling machines. These machines are designed to collect and process various recyclables, such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles.
Typically, these machines are behind or in the store’s parking lot. Ask the store staff if you’re unsure whether your local store has a recycling machine. They will be more than happy to provide you with information about the availability and location of these machines.
Once you’ve loaded all of your recyclables into the machine, most stores will issue you a slip of paper as a token of your deposit. You can then take this paper to the cashier and redeem it for cash or store credit. This process not only helps to keep the environment clean but also gives you a chance to earn some extra money. So, next time you’re looking to recycle your cans or bottles, don’t hesitate to check with your local grocery store or supermarket and take advantage of these recycling machines.
Gas stations and convenience stores
If you live in a state with bottle deposit laws, you can earn cash by recycling your cans and bottles. One of the easiest ways to do this is by visiting your local gas station or convenience store. Many of these establishments offer bottle redemption programs, which allow you to exchange your empty containers for cash.
To take advantage of this opportunity, simply ask at your nearby gas station or convenience store to see if it offers bottle redemption. Some locations may have specific requirements, such as only accepting certain types of containers or limiting the number of items you can return at one time. However, many places will be happy to help you recycle and earn extra cash.
So, the next time you’re looking for a convenient and eco-friendly way to dispose of your empty cans and bottles, don’t forget to check out your local gas station or convenience store’s recycling program.
Recycling centers
If you reside in a state without a bottle bill, you can still recycle your aluminum cans and earn some extra cash by taking them to your nearby recycling center. Most recycling centers pay for the aluminum cans based on their per-pound value, which is determined by the current market rates.
To locate a local recycling center, simply type “recycling center near me” on your preferred search engine, such as Google. The search results will provide a list of nearby centers where you can recycle your aluminum cans.
You can also use Earth911.com to search for recycling centers near you. By entering your zip code and the type of item you want to recycle, such as aluminum cans, you can quickly locate the nearest recycling center. Additionally, you can view the address, opening hours, and phone number of each center to help you plan your visit.
Scrap metal centers
If you have a pile of cans lying around and you’re looking for a way to dispose of them, taking them to scrap metal centers is a great option. Not only will you be helping the environment by recycling, but you can also earn some extra cash. Scrap metal centers typically pay you per pound for the cans you bring in.
If you’re unsure where to find a scrap metal center near you, a quick online search can help. Simply go to your preferred search engine, like Google, and type “scrap metal center near me”. The search engine will provide a list of local recycling centers where you can take your cans. Make sure to call ahead to confirm their hours of operation and any specific requirements they may have.
Bottle and can redemption centers
If you want to earn extra cash and live in a state with bottle deposit laws, then you’re in luck! By returning cans, bottles, and other beverage containers to redemption centers, you can receive a refund on your deposit. These centers are typically located conveniently and are easy to find online.
To get started, open up your preferred search engine, such as Google, and type in “bottle redemption center near me.” This will generate a list of nearby centers where you can bring your containers to receive cash in exchange for your deposit. It’s a great way to help the environment and earn some extra money at the same time!
How much do you get for recycling aluminum cans?
How much money you make from recycling cans depends on a few key factors:
- Number of cans: The more cans you have, the more money you can make.
- The market price for aluminum: The current price of aluminum affects how much you’ll earn from recycling cans.
- State bottle deposit laws: States with bottle deposit laws typically offer higher payouts for recycling cans.
If you live in a state with bottle deposit laws, like California or Michigan, you’ll generally earn more for your cans. The amount you receive per can vary weekly and between states.
For example, in Missouri, aluminum is bought at $0.30 per pound, whereas in states like California and Michigan, the rate is fixed at $0.10 per can by law, making recycling more profitable there.
If we crunch the numbers, in Missouri, cans typically fetch around $0.013 per can, considerably less than the $0.10 in some other states. This difference can boost your earnings from a modest $3.90 per hour to a substantial $30 per hour.
Given this significant difference, it’s understandable that some people may travel to more lucrative states for recycling instead of staying local.
Let’s delve into the earning potential in more detail.
Prices offered at recycling centers and scrap yards
If your state doesn’t have bottle deposit laws, you’ll need to take your aluminum cans to a recycling or scrap metal center. These places pay you based on the weight of your cans.
The price of aluminum fluctuates with market demand. Check the current price before you cash in your cans, which you can easily find on the iScrap App. Currently, aluminum cans are priced at $0.64 per pound.
Knowing the market price helps you judge if the offer from the center is fair. Usually, they pay about half the market price, give or take a few cents.
Don’t settle for low offers. Negotiate for a better price, armed with knowledge of the market rate.
If you’re not paid immediately, always get the offered price in writing. This ensures you’ll get the agreed-upon price, even if payment is delayed due to fluctuating aluminum prices.
How much money can I earn at scrap yards and recycling centers?
The price for aluminum cans is currently $0.64 per pound. It takes about 31 empty cans to make one pound, each weighing around 14.9 grams.
In simple terms, you’ll need many cans to earn good money.
For instance, if you aim to make $10 from recycling cans, you’d need roughly 15.625 pounds of aluminum, which equals around 485 cans (specifically 484.375).
Prices offered in bottle bill states
As mentioned before, there are 10 states with beverage container laws. If you live in one of these states, you’ll get paid for each can you recycle, which can add up to significant earnings.
The amount you get per can varies depending on where you live. Here’s what you can earn in each state:
- California: 5¢ for containers under 24 oz., and 10¢ for containers 24 oz. or larger.
- Connecticut: 5¢
- Hawaii: 5¢
- Iowa: 5¢
- Maine: 15¢ for wine and liquor containers, and 5¢ for others.
- Massachusetts: 5¢
- Michigan: 10¢
- New York: 5¢
- Oregon: 10¢
- Vermont: 15¢ for liquor containers, and 5¢ for others.
How much can I get for cans with bottle bills?
The amount of money you receive from recycling your cans and bottles varies depending on the state you live in and the number of containers you have. In states that have a bottle bill – a law that requires a minimum refundable deposit on certain beverage containers – you are likely to get more money for recycling your containers compared to states that pay per pound.
For instance, in a bottle bill state that pays $0.05 per container, you would need to recycle 200 cans to make $10. However, in a state that pays $0.10 per container, you only need to recycle 100 cans to make the same amount. As you can see, the payout is much higher in bottle bill states.
On the other hand, in a state with no bottle deposit laws, you would need to recycle 485 cans to earn $10, which is significantly more than in a bottle bill state. Therefore, to maximize your recycling profits, it’s important to consider the state you live in and the recycling laws in place.
How many aluminum cans do you need to make $100?
If you’re looking to earn some extra cash by recycling aluminum cans, it’s important to know how many cans you’ll need to reach your goal. The number of cans required will depend on where you live and the amount offered per container. In states with bottle deposit laws, you can earn anywhere from $0.05 to $0.10 per container. If you live in a state where the deposit is $0.05, you will need to collect 2,000 cans to earn $100. However, if you live in a state with a $0.10 deposit, you only need to collect 1,000 cans to reach the same amount.
If you don’t live in a state with bottle deposit laws, you’ll need to be paid based on the weight of the cans. The current market value for aluminum will determine how much you’ll be paid per pound. To earn $100, you’ll need to determine how many pounds of aluminum you’ll need. To do this, you can divide $100 by the current market value for aluminum.
For example, if the market value is $0.64 per pound, you’ll need 156.25 pounds of aluminum to earn $100. Since 31 cans equal one pound of aluminum, you’ll need to multiply the number of pounds by 31 to determine how many cans you’ll need. In this case, 156.25 x 31 = 4,843.75, which means you’ll need about 4,844 cans to earn $100.
How many cans does it take to make $1,000?
Earning extra cash can be challenging, but collecting and recycling cans is one way to make some money. However, the amount of cans you would need to collect to make a significant amount of money varies depending on your location and the current market value for aluminum.
If you live in a bottle bill state where you get $0.05 per container, you would need to collect 20,000 cans to earn $1,000. On the other hand, if you live in a bottle bill state where you get $0.10 per container, you would only need 10,000 cans to earn the same amount.
If you live in a state without bottle deposit laws, you will get paid by weight. To earn $1,000, you would need to collect 48,438 cans. To calculate the number of pounds you need, divide $1,000 by the current market value for aluminum. If the current market value for aluminum is $0.64, then you would need 1,562.5 pounds of aluminum to earn $1,000. Since 31 cans equal one pound, you would need to collect 48,437.5 cans, which means you would need about 48,438 cans to earn $1,000.
However, collecting that many cans can be daunting. Therefore, if you’re looking for other ways to make extra money, try exploring some side hustles that could help you earn $1,000 or more a month.
When is the best time to sell aluminum cans?
If you are looking to cash in on your aluminum cans, it is important to keep in mind that the timing of your visit to the recycling center or scrap metal center can affect the amount of money you receive. Typically, Monday, Friday, and the weekends are busier days for these centers as individuals tend to clear out their homes during these days. As a result, getting your cans weighed and processed may take longer, which can be frustrating if you are short on time.
However, if you plan your visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, you are more likely to get in and out of the center quickly. These midweek days are typically less busy, and you can expect shorter wait times. By taking advantage of these less busy days, you can efficiently recycle your aluminum cans and get a fair price for them.
How many aluminum cans does it take to make $20?
If you live in a state with bottle deposit laws, you can earn money by recycling aluminum cans. In a state where you get $0.05 per container, you would need 400 cans to earn $20. If your state offers a higher deposit of $0.10 per container, you only need 200 cans to make the same amount. However, if you live in a state that does not have bottle deposit laws, you will be paid by the weight of the aluminum you recycle. In this scenario, it would take 969 cans to earn $20.
To calculate the amount of aluminum needed to earn $20, divide $20 by the current market value of aluminum. For example, if the current market value of aluminum is $0.64 per pound, you would need 31.25 pounds of aluminum to earn $20. Since there are approximately 31 cans per pound of aluminum, you would need to recycle around 969 cans to make $20.
Therefore, the amount of cans needed to earn $20 varies depending on the state you live in and the deposit amount. If your state doesn’t have bottle deposit laws, you will need to recycle a certain amount of aluminum by weight to earn $20.
How can I get money for aluminum cans?
You can earn cash from aluminum cans by taking them to a scrap yard or recycling center. They’ll pay you based on the weight of the cans. If you’re in a state with bottle deposit laws, you can also exchange your cans for money at grocery stores, gas stations, or bottle redemption centers, getting paid for each can you return.
Is aluminum recycling profitable?
Selling aluminum cans can bring in some money, but it takes a lot of cans to make hundreds or thousands of dollars. For most people, collecting that many cans isn’t practical. If you’re aiming for that income level, exploring other side gigs is a better bet.
However, if you reside in a state with a bottle bill, you may need fewer cans to turn a profit, making it potentially more lucrative. While making hundreds or thousands of dollars from recycling cans is challenging, it’s a simple way to earn some extra cash from items you’d otherwise toss out.
Why is the price of aluminum cans so low?
In recent years, recycling in the United States has experienced a significant slowdown, primarily because China, a significant importer of our recyclables, has reduced its demand for recycled materials. This has created a challenging situation for aluminum rollers who rely on recycled aluminum to turn a profit.
The decline in manufacturer demand has led to a drop in prices, making it increasingly difficult for recyclers to sustain their businesses. As a result, the recycling industry is facing a major setback, with many recyclers struggling to stay afloat in the current market conditions.
The bottom line
You can earn cash by recycling aluminum cans. Simply drop them off at local recycling centers or scrap yards. In states with bottle deposit laws, you can also redeem them at bottle redemption centers, grocery stores, or gas stations.
While it won’t make you rich, recycling aluminum cans is an easy way to earn extra money. You can collect cans from restaurants, workplaces, friends, or even the streets.
Whether you live in a state with bottle deposit laws or have many cans to recycle, you can increase your earnings.
That’s all there is to it – turning junk into money through aluminum can recycling!