How to Recycle Aluminum for Money

Make money and help the environment.

Recycling aluminum benefits the economy, the community and the environment and can make you money. Aluminum can be recycled over and over again. Recycled aluminum will make it back to the product market within 60 days after recycling. Any type of aluminum is recyclable. Schools, organizations and sport teams commonly use this as a method to raise money. There is no out-of-pocket expense. You will simply need to set up a designated area for receiving the aluminum and then transport it to the recycling station.

Things You'll Need

• Containers or bins
• Plastic bags
• Transportation

Instructions

1. Locate recycling centers in your area. Each center may have a different pay scale. Choose the center that offers you the most money by the pound and has a convenient location. Recycling centers pay on the spot and will normally give you a check you can take to a local bank and cash.

2. Place your collection bins in strategic places. Place your containers outside any places where beverages are consumed. Post signs on the containers reading "Please recycle." Place the containers outside office buildings, on playgrounds and beaches, near spots where family functions are held, near apartments and in vending machine areas. Get permission before placing the containers outside businesses, government offices or buildings or private areas. According to, "A Recycle Revolution," you should print flyers, place newspaper ads or make phone calls to get the word out.

3. Visit construction sites to see whether aluminum products have been tossed out. Construction sites usually throw away excess material and demolition supplies that have been removed from the structure. Aluminum is cashed out by the pound. Heavy materials found on construction sites can bring hundreds of dollars when cashed out.

4. Prepare your cans and aluminum parts to take to the recycling center. Put yourself on a schedule for picking up what you have collected and for taking it to the recycle center. Make sure cans are clean and dry. Recycle centers deduct from the weight of your items when they are wet. The best way to present cans is to stand the can upright and step on it. This will flatten the can and ensure that no liquid remains in the can.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not take aluminum without permission.

• Do not enter restricted areas.

References

• Recycling-Revolution: Recycle Aluminum Cans: A Fundraiser That Benefits Everyone
• Earn Money Recycling: Making Money From Recycling Aluminum
• Can Central: Getting Started: Turn Aluminum Cans into Cash

Resources

• Recycling Program: City of St. Louis
• The Aluminum Association
• Earth 911: Get Money for Recycling