Living in a world that is progressively moving towards sustainability, we have become increasingly aware of the importance of recycling in our day-to-day lives. A fun and eco-friendly way to get involved is by recycling cans for money. This is not only a great activity to promote sustainability in our community but also a potential side hustle. It allows you to make a little extra cash while reducing waste. This article will guide you on how you can recycle cans for money near you.
Why Start Can Recycling?
Metal cans are among the most regularly used packaging materials worldwide. These include soft drink cans, beer cans, or food tins. Fortunately, cans generally consist of aluminum or steel, two materials that are continuously recyclable without losing their properties. Hence, the more cans we manage to recycle, the less pollution and energy will be spent on producing new ones.
Understanding Deposits
Most states in the US have Container Deposit Laws, otherwise known as “Bottle Bills.” These bills encourage recycling via a deposit system. Each time you buy a canned beverage, for example, you’re paying a small sum (usually 5 to 10 cents) as a deposit. You can then get this deposit back when you return the empty can for recycling. That’s where your money-making opportunity lies.
Finding Can Recycling Centers Near You
Once you’ve gathered a substantial number of cans, the next step would be to find a recycling center near you to exchange these cans for cash. The recycling center will generally pay you based on the weight of the cans. Several websites and apps can help you find recycling centers in your vicinity. Some popular ones include iRecycle, Earth 911, and Recycle Finder.
Note on Deposit Machines
For those who reside in areas with Container Deposit Laws, note deposit machines are commonly implemented. These reverse vending machines automate the collection and refund of the deposits on beverage containers. You simply insert your used cans into these machines, and it calculates the refund due to you. It’s an easy and convenient method, especially if you’re looking to recycle a substantial amount of cans.
Preparing Your Cans
Before taking your cans to the recycling center or deposit machines, give them a quick rinse to remove any remaining residue. This keeps the cans clean and avoids attracting insects. While crushing your cans might seem like a good idea to save space, that might not be advisable if you’re using a deposit machine, as it needs to scan the cans’ barcodes.
Maximize Your Returns
One way to really increase your earnings is to collect cans from various sources. In addition to your household, you could ask friends, neighbors, or local businesses if you could collect their used cans. Local events, parks, and festivities are also fantastic places for collecting large amounts of cans.
Further, consider organizing a neighborhood cleanup event. Not only will this benefit your community and the environment, but it also has the potential to bring in more cans for your recycling mission. Remember, every can counts. The more you collect, the more money you make.
In conclusion, can recycling for money not only contributes to saving our planet but also provides an opportunity for making some extra cash. So the next time you’re sipping your favorite beverage from a can, think twice before you toss it in the trash. Your pocket and planet will thank you.