How to Recycle Aluminum Rims

If you have old aluminum rims, your local recycling collection center may accept them.

Aluminum is one of the metals that is most recycled in the United States, usually in the form of aluminum cans. In 2009, about 57 percent of them were recycled. One of the reasons that aluminum is recycled so often is that the metal is infinitely recyclable--meaning it can be recycled over and over again without damaging the metal's structure. If you have other aluminum items that you want to recycle, it won't be as easy as recycling cans at your local supermarket, but you do have plenty of options for recycling them.

Instructions

1. Contact your local garbage hauler to find out whether you can leave your aluminum rims on the curb with the rest of your recycling. Since curbside recycling is the easiest way to recycle the goods you don't need anymore, it's worth a call or email to your hauler to find out. Often haulers place a sticker on the top of the recycling bin, stating what you can place in the bin. Garbage haulers also maintain lists of acceptable materials on their websites.

2. Find a local recycling collection center if your curbside garbage hauler does not accept aluminum rims with your household recycling. Most cities or counties maintain a collection center for recycling, so a good place to start is to check your city or county website. You can also use Earth911's searchable nationwide database to find recycling collection centers near you. Call the center nearest you to find out their hours and what they accept.

   Since aluminum is such a valuable metal, a collection center may pay you for the amount of aluminum you've brought in at the same rate used for aluminum can recycling. If possible, choose the center that offers payment for metals in order to offset the cost of bringing your goods to the collection center.

3. Collect your aluminum rims and any other aluminum products you want to recycle, and drop them off at the collection center of your choice. Since metal theft is a problem in some parts of the country, some collection centers require that you show a picture ID and proof of residency to drop off materials. Be sure to bring along the appropriate identification so you don't have to make more than one trip.

References

• The Aluminum Association: U.S. Aluminum Can Recycling Rate Reached 57.4 Percent in 2009

Resources

• Earth911: Find Recycling Centers