Every day, millions of aluminium cans are used and discarded—soft drink cans, beer cans, energy drinks, and more. For many people, these empty cans are simply tossed in the recycling bin or, worse, in the trash. But what if you could turn that waste into extra income?
Used aluminium cans are more than just recyclable—they’re a valuable commodity in the scrap metal market. Whether you’re looking to make a bit of side money, reduce waste, or support environmental sustainability, selling aluminium cans to a local scrap metal dealer is one of the easiest and most rewarding solutions. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from collection to cash payout.
Why Aluminium Cans Are Worth Money
Aluminium is one of the most recycled materials in the world—and for good reason. Unlike plastics or paper, aluminium doesn’t degrade when it’s recycled. This means that aluminium cans can be melted down and remade into new cans endlessly, without any loss of quality.
This recyclability makes aluminium highly desirable in the scrap metal market. Producing new aluminium from raw bauxite ore is expensive and energy-intensive. Recycling existing aluminium saves up to 95% of the energy needed to produce new metal. For this reason, scrap metal yards are willing to pay individuals and businesses for their used aluminium products—especially beverage cans, which are common and easy to process.
The exact amount you’ll earn depends on current market prices, which fluctuate. However, aluminium typically commands between $0.40 and $1.00 per pound in most regions. Prices may vary depending on whether you’re selling to a local scrap dealer, a municipal recycling program, or a private buyer.
Step-by-Step: How to Collect and Sell Aluminium Cans
If you’ve never sold scrap metal before, the process might seem complicated, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Here’s how to turn your used cans into money.
1. Collect Used Aluminium Cans
Start by collecting cans from your home, workplace, school, or local community. You’d be surprised how quickly they add up. If you drink soda or beer regularly, keep a separate bin or garbage bag in your kitchen or garage specifically for used aluminium cans. You can also ask friends, neighbors, or coworkers if they’re willing to give you their cans instead of throwing them away.
Look for cans in public areas too. Parks, stadiums, and event venues are often littered with empty drink cans after busy days. Just make sure you’re complying with local rules or event regulations if you plan to collect from public areas.
2. Clean and Prepare the Cans
Before taking your cans to a scrap yard, it’s important to clean them out. While most dealers don’t require cans to be spotless, rinsing out sugary residue or leftover liquid will help prevent mold, odors, and pests from building up where you’re storing them.
Some scrap yards prefer uncrushed cans because they’re easier to weigh and sort, while others accept crushed cans to save space. Call your local scrap metal yard ahead of time and ask about their preferences.
Use a magnet to make sure you’re collecting actual aluminium and not steel cans. Aluminium is not magnetic—if a magnet sticks, it’s likely steel, which has a much lower scrap value.
3. Store and Transport the Cans
Once your cans are clean and dry, store them in large plastic bags, bins, or even dedicated barrels. Crushed cans take up far less space, allowing you to store more and make fewer trips to the scrap yard. However, as mentioned, always check whether your scrap yard accepts crushed cans before you begin compressing them.
If you collect in large quantities, investing in a can crusher or building a simple DIY crushing station can save time and effort. For transportation, use your car, truck, or trailer to deliver the cans when you’re ready to sell.
4. Find a Scrap Metal Dealer
The next step is to find a local scrap yard or recycling center that pays for aluminium. Use Google or recycling directory websites to search for “scrap metal dealers near me” or “aluminium recycling center.”
When comparing dealers, call around and ask:
- What is your current price for aluminium cans per pound or per kilogram?
- Do you accept crushed cans?
- Do you have a minimum quantity requirement?
- What forms of payment do you offer (cash, check, account credit)?
- Do you require identification to sell?
Make sure to note the name of the person you spoke to and the price quoted, as rates can change frequently.
5. Get Paid for Your Aluminium
At the scrap yard, your cans will be weighed, and you’ll be paid based on the total weight and current market rate. Some places will pay you cash on the spot, while others might issue a check or require you to set up a payment account. Depending on local regulations, you might also need to show photo ID to sell scrap metal.
If you’re selling large amounts of aluminium regularly, some dealers may offer bulk rates or business arrangements.
How Much Can You Earn?
While individual returns might seem small, consistent effort can lead to solid extra income. Here’s a rough estimate:
- 1 aluminium can weighs about 14-15 grams (0.03 pounds).
- There are roughly 33–35 cans in a pound.
- At $0.50 per pound, you’d earn around $0.015 (1.5 cents) per can.
- Collecting 1,000 cans could earn you $15–$20 depending on your local rate.
The real value comes from scaling. Partner with others, collect from events, or make regular rounds in your neighborhood. Some dedicated recyclers make a few hundred dollars per month this way.
Tips to Maximise Your Earnings
- Sort metals properly. Keep your aluminium cans separate from other metals like copper, brass, or steel to avoid confusion and ensure correct payment.
- Don’t mix materials. Cans with plastic or paper labels that can’t be removed may reduce the value of your batch.
- Watch for counterfeit cans. Some cans are lined or mixed with other materials that reduce their aluminium content. Always confirm what your local yard accepts.
- Stay updated on prices. Scrap aluminium prices are tied to the commodities market. Check online or call local dealers to monitor fluctuations and sell when rates are high.
- Make relationships with scrap dealers. If you become a regular seller, you may be able to negotiate better prices or get quicker service.
Environmental Benefits of Aluminium Recycling
Aside from the financial incentive, recycling aluminium helps reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and save energy. According to the Aluminum Association, recycling a single aluminium can saves enough energy to run a laptop for three hours or power a 60-watt light bulb for more than four hours.
When you sell your cans instead of throwing them away, you’re not just earning money—you’re supporting a cleaner, more sustainable world.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering what to do with used aluminium cans, selling them to a scrap metal dealer is one of the most practical and profitable options. It requires minimal effort, helps keep your environment clean, and turns something that many people consider trash into a valuable resource.
Whether you’re looking to make a little extra money each month or simply want to reduce your waste output, aluminium recycling is a smart, sustainable, and financially rewarding habit to develop. Start saving your cans today, and see how quickly your efforts add up—not just in cash, but in the positive impact you can make.
