Should You Crush Cans After Use? Here’s How to Recycle Metal Properly

Recycling cans is a no-brainer for keeping your home’s green score high, but properly recycling aluminum foil, soda cans and steel is also important since making recycling mistakes can put unneccesary strain on the system at large. 

Metal products are some of the most recyclable materials and more than 90% of the products made from steel can be recycled, according to the American and Iron Steel Institute. Since metals are nonrenewable natural resources (they can’t be replaced as quickly as they’re used), they’re limited in supply, which is why it’s important to recycle your cans. 

That’s why recycling metal cans and doing it the right way is paramount for lowing your carbon footprint. Knowing what to do with cans after use and discarding them correctly will keep your local exchange humming along. Here’s how to recycle your metal cans, and what not to do. 

For more, here’s what to know about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

What types of metal cans are recyclable?

All metal cans are recyclable, but examples include:

• Beverage cans, like soda and beer, including the tabs
• Paint cans
• Canned goods
• Aerosol cans

Cleaning metal cans

Don’t do this: Toss cans into the recycling bin before cleaning. If foods or liquids are left in the cans, they can contaminate an entire batch of recyclables.

Do this instead: Make sure all cans are clear of liquids or foods that could be left in the container. You can do this by rinsing the can when you’re finished with it. 

Also, ask your local recycling center to see if you need to remove the paper labels from the can or if it’s part of their process.

What to do with the lids

Canned goods: Don’t remove the lid only halfway before placing it into the recycling bin. Instead, completely remove the lid from the can and place it inside the can (after rinsing).

Aerosol cans: Lids on aerosol cans are typically plastic, so you should remove those before putting the cans into the bin. The plastic lids should go with other plastic recyclables.

What else should I do?

• Avoid puncturing aerosol cans to remove the remaining liquid.
• Make sure all paint is either dry or completely rinsed out before recycling. If you have leftover paint or other hazardous waste, take it to a drop-off center near you.
• Don’t crush aluminum cans before recycling because they can contaminate the batch.

For more recycling information, here’s how to properly recycle plastic and the right way to recycle paper and cardboard.