Ways of Recycling Aluminum Cans
Recycling aluminum cans helps the environment, conserves energy and makes money. A combination of these factors has spurred recycling efforts. According to the Can Manufacturers Institute, 53 million pounds of aluminum cans were recycled in 1972. In 2011, that number has grown to 1,612 million pounds, earning Americans one billion dollars. The cans are recycled and the money earned in several ways.
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Charities
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According to The Aluminum Association, donating aluminum cans to charities offers many benefits. Besides the environmental and energy benefits, the charity can sell the cans, thus producing income for its charitable purpose. Two organizations cited are The Boy Scouts and Habitat for Humanity. Both organizations used recycling as a revenue source and a way to attract volunteers who are drawn by the program. The Aluminum Association and Habitat for Humanity have been partners since 1997. As of 2011, over 1,000 Habitat local groups recycle with the proceeds going towards building homes. Habitat distributes bins, sponsors events and involves the community in the recycling effort.
Curbside Pick-Up
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If available in your area, place all your aluminum cans in an approved container at your curb. Many cities, towns and municipalities provide curbside pick-up for recycling, which includes aluminum cans. According to the Can Manufacturers Institute, aluminum cans are less than 20 percent of the items collected curbside. Due to the value of aluminum, those cans generate up to 70 percent of the scrap value. As the most valuable item collected, aluminum cans pay for the collection of other items that need to be recycled but do not bring enough money to support collection.
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Recycling Centers
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If there is no curbside pick-up in your area, locate the nearest recycling center and take your aluminum cans. These recycling centers are usually operated by local governmental agencies as either the sole means of recycling, a supplement to curbside pick-up or to provide a means to recycle for those residents who live outside the curbside pick-up area. Make sure when delivering the aluminum cans that they are sorted separately and deposited into the correct receptacle.
Selling Cans
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Making money recycling aluminum cans requires several steps. First, the cans must be collected. They can come from personal use, from asking friends to save cans or from other sources like collection bins. To minimize the expense of transporting the cans, they must be stored until there are enough of them to justify a trip to redeem them. Crush the cans so they will take up less space. This can be done with your foot or a device that crushes cans. According to the Can Manufacturers Institute, as of 2011, one can is worth a penny. Locate a recycling center that pays for cans. When you have enough saved, take the cans and collect your money.
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References
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