Where Can I Go to Get Paid for Aluminum Cans & Glass Bottles?

Aluminum cans are one of the most popular recyclables.

Though many cities and towns offer recycling programs, some residents prefer to pick up a little pocket change by selling the more valuable types of recyclables themselves.

Recycling Aluminum Cans

Most large cities have a metal recycling facility that will buy aluminum cans as well as other metals from consumers. Reverse vending machines bearing the name "Golden Goat" automatically buy smaller quantities of aluminum cans, typically at a lower price than that paid by scrap yards. Look for these large machines in parking lots of local groceries and strip malls.

Recycling Glass Bottles

Glass can be recycled over and over, but the buying price for glass is low.

The buying price for glass bottles is low, so most recycling companies buy glass only in large quantities. As of 2009, the price of glass ranged from about $10 per ton to about $35 per ton, depending on color.

Local Resources

To find a local recycling center, search regional and local environmental groups online, as many also list buyers of aluminum and other recyclable products. For example, Earth911 offers a search service on their home page, which allows you to search by type of recyclable and location.

References

• "The Houston Chronicle" newspaper: Nonprofit Recycling Business Gives Glass a Second Chance
• Earth911: Find Recycling Centers Widget