How to Take Aluminum Out of Recycling Bins

It's important that you make sure you're not stealing, before taking any aluminum.

The best motivation to get someone to recycle aluminum, hands down, is money. For this reason many people not only recycle their own aluminum, but attempt to collect as much as they can from others. While recycling bins are filled with aluminum -- from foil to cans -- it's important that you have permission, before just delving into the bin and taking what you want.

Things You'll Need

• Bag/bin

Instructions

1. Contact the owner of the recycling bin. If the bin is at an apartment complex, or outside of a house then you should ask the owner if it's all right for you to take the aluminum that you find. If the owner is paying for recycling service, or if the company that owns the bin makes a profit, then chances are good they'll say no.

2. Transfer the aluminum out of the bin, once you have permission. Bring a bin or bag of your own, to put the aluminum you find in.

3. Take the aluminum and recycle it. Whether you choose local recyclers, or a bigger recycling center doesn't matter, as long as the aluminum is clean and separated from other metals, you should be able to just drop it off.

References

• Recycling Revolution: Recycle Aluminum Cans
• US Environ: Can You Take Recycling From the Recycling Bins