How many aluminum cans does it take to make a dollar? This is a question many people ask when considering aluminum can recycling as a way to earn some extra cash. Aluminum cans have become a valuable commodity in recent years, making aluminum can recycling a potentially lucrative endeavor. In this article, we will examine the current scrap aluminum prices and do the math to figure out how many aluminum cans you need to make a dollar.
Current Aluminum Scrap Prices
The price paid for aluminum cans by scrap yards and recycling centers varies based on current market rates for aluminum. According to industry sources, as of October 2022, the average scrap price being paid for aluminum cans is around $0.40 – $0.50 per pound. This can fluctuate though based on market conditions. Generally speaking, the range of $0.40 to $0.50 per pound is typical for aluminum can scrap pricing lately.
Weight of Aluminum Cans
In order to determine how many cans make a dollar, we need to know the average weight of a single aluminum can. According to industry data, a typical 12oz aluminum beverage can weighs around 14 to 16 grams. For the purposes of our calculations, we’ll assume the weight of a can is 15 grams or 0.03 lb.
Cans Per Pound
Now that we know a can weighs approximately 0.03 lb, we can calculate how many cans make up a pound:
1 lb = 453.592 grams
0.03 lb (1 can) = 15 grams
453.592 grams / 15 grams per can = 30.24 cans per lb
Rounding to the nearest whole number, our estimate is 30 cans per pound.
How Many Cans Make a Dollar
Using our estimate of 30 cans per pound and the scrap price range of $0.40 to $0.50 per pound, we can now calculate the number of cans needed to make a dollar:
At $0.40 per lb:
$1 / $0.40 per lb = 2.5 lb
2.5 lb x 30 cans per lb = 75 cans to make $1
At $0.50 per lb:
$1 / $0.50 per lb = 2 lb
2 lb x 30 cans per lb = 60 cans to make $1
So based on current scrap prices, you would need approximately 60 – 75 aluminum cans to make a dollar. This provides a ballpark estimate, though the actual amount could vary slightly in either direction.
Estimating Potential Earnings from Aluminum Can Recycling
To estimate how much money you could potentially make recycling aluminum cans, let’s say you are able to collect and redeem 500 cans:
500 cans / 75 cans per dollar = $6.66
500 cans / 60 cans per dollar = $8.33
As you can see, at 500 cans you would stand to make around $6.66 to $8.33 based on the current scrap market rates. The exact amount will depend on the prevailing prices when you redeem your cans.
Of course, this is just a hypothetical example. The more cans you are able to collect, the higher your potential payout would be. Let’s look at a few more examples:
| # of Cans | Potential Earnings at $0.40/lb | Potential Earnings at $0.50/lb |
|---|---|---|
| 250 | $3.33 | $4.16 |
| 500 | $6.66 | $8.33 |
| 750 | $10.00 | $12.50 |
| 1000 | $13.33 | $16.66 |
| 1500 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
As you can see from the table, the more cans you collect, the higher your potential payout at current scrap prices. Even at just 250 cans you could stand to make $3-4. At 1500 cans, you could make $20-25.
Your actual earnings will vary based on how many cans you are able to acquire and the prevailing scrap prices at the time of redemption. But this at least provides estimates based on current market rates.
Factors That Affect Aluminum Can Scrap Prices
While we used $0.40 – $0.50 per pound in our examples above, aluminum prices fluctuate regularly based on various supply and demand factors. Some of the key factors that influence aluminum scrap prices include:
– Global aluminum demand – Major end markets like construction, automotive and packaging drive demand. Higher demand means higher scrap prices.
– Capacity at aluminum mills and foundries – If smelting capacity is tight, scrap prices tend to rise. More excess capacity leads to lower prices.
– Energy costs – Aluminum production is energy intensive, so higher energy costs push aluminum production costs and scrap prices up.
– Economic growth/recession – Strong economic growth increases aluminum demand, benefiting scrap prices. Recessions dampen demand and prices.
– Inventory levels – High inventory levels of aluminum means less demand for scrap, leading to lower scrap prices.
– Tariffs and trade disputes – Import/export taxes and restrictions can impact aluminum supply/demand balances globally.
– Transportation costs – Higher diesel and gas prices drive up the cost of transporting scrap aluminum.
– Seasonality – Prices tend to rise somewhat during peak construction season in spring/summer. They ease in fall/winter.
So while we used $0.40 – $0.50 per pound in our examples, be aware the actual prices fluctuate regularly. Check current rates in your area when selling your cans.
Tips for Maximizing Your Returns from Aluminum Can Recycling
If you want to start supplementing your income by recycling aluminum cans, here are some tips to help you get the highest returns:
– Crush the cans first – Compacted cans take up less space and weigh more. Some recyclers pay by weight so crushing cans can increase your payout.
– Clean the cans – Make sure to rinse out any liquid or debris – recyclers can reject dirty cans or deduct from the weight.
– Remove plastic/paper labels – Cleansing cans of paper and plastic increases the aluminium purity and weight.
– Sort properly – Keep aluminum separated from other recyclables like steel, glass and plastic. Sorting helps maximize aluminum content.
– Find the best local prices – Call around to different metal recyclers and scrap yards to compare rates and policies.
– Time your redemptions – Try to redeem your cans when aluminum prices are on an upswing for the best payout.
– Store cans properly – Keep cans dry and avoid contaminants like dirt or moisture until you are ready to redeem them.
With some work and planning, aluminum can recycling can be a decent way to make some supplementary income. The more cans you can collect, clean, and compact, the higher your potential payout will be. Be sure to call around for the best local rates, time against market swings, and take steps to maximize the weight and purity of your cans. Every can counts when you are accumulating enough volume to generate dollars. With the right approach, your aluminum treasure can add up over time.
Potential Downsides of Aluminum Can Recycling
While aluminum can recycling can be lucrative if done properly, there are some potential downsides and risks to consider as well:
– It takes significant time and effort – Collecting, crushing, cleaning and transporting cans is labor intensive. The payout may not seem worth it considering the time commitment.
– Storage space is required – Cans take up a lot of space and you may need to store them until you have enough volume to redeem. Make sure you have adequate dry, secure storage room.
– Transportation needs – You’ll need a way to haul large amounts of cans to a recycling center which may require a truck or trailer. Fuel costs could eat into profits.
– Fluctuating prices – Aluminum prices rise and fall regularly so your earnings will vary over time. Don’t assume the current price will always be in effect.
– Injuries – Handling large volumes of aluminum cans poses a risk of cuts from sharp edges. Proper protective gear is recommended.
– Local competition – If too many people are recycling cans in your area, scrap aluminum supply may exceed demand and push prices down.
If aluminum can recycling pays well in your area, the extra money may be worth the effort and risks for some. But be realistic about the costs and challenges involved. Weigh your options carefully in terms of time commitment versus potential profit.
Is Aluminum Can Recycling Right for You?
Determining if recycling aluminum cans is a smart side venture or way to supplement your income depends on your individual circumstances. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
– Do you have ready access to significant volumes of recyclable aluminum cans? If not, collecting enough to make meaningful money will be challenging.
– Can you devote the time and physical effort required for collecting, crushing, cleaning and transporting cans? This is not a passive activity – it requires hands-on work.
– Do you have space to store cans until you have enough volume to redeem? Cans take up a lot of room.
– Is there a scrap metal or recycling center nearby that purchases aluminum cans? Proximity is key to making transport practical and cost-effective.
– What is the current payout rate per pound in your area? Higher rates make aluminum can recycling more lucrative.
– Are there better ways you could invest your time to make money? Carefully consider opportunity cost.
– Can you properly protect yourself from potential injuries that may occur handling cans? Safety gear is a must.
Take time to carefully weigh all these factors against the potential payoff from aluminum can recycling in your area. This will help inform your decision on whether it’s a smart side hustle for you or if your time is better invested elsewhere. If done strategically, aluminum can recycling can be financially rewarding. But it requires diligence and elbow grease. Be sure you are willing and able to put in the work before pursuing this income stream.
Alternatives to Making Money Recycling Aluminum Cans
If you decide aluminum can recycling is not for you, no worries. Here are some alternative ideas for making extra money from home in your spare time:
– Freelancing – Offer your skills online as a freelance writer, graphic designer, web developer, virtual assistant, etc. Freelance gigs are plentiful.
– Online surveys – Companies pay people to take surveys to provide consumer opinions and feedback. Money earning sites include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie.
– Direct sales/MLM – Sell products from brands like Avon, Tupperware, Scentsy etc straight to consumers often as part of a direct selling team.
– Rent out extra space – Use apps like Airbnb to rent out extra rooms or your whole house when traveling.
– Sell crafts/handmade goods – Sites like Etsy or local craft fairs are a way to sell homemade crafts, jewelry, clothing and more.
– Pet sitting/dog walking – Offer pet care services like dog walking, boarding, feeding etc to neighbors when they travel.
– Tutoring – Tutor students of all ages in academic subjects you excel at either locally or virtually.
– Data entry – Do data entry, transcription or administrative tasks virtually for businesses from home.
The options go on from there. Take some time to identify skills you have that could translate into a money making side gig. With a little creativity, there are plenty of ways to generate extra cash without the need to collect and recycle aluminum cans!
The Bottom Line
At current scrap aluminum prices of around $0.40 to $0.50 per pound, you would need to collect, clean and redeem 60 – 75 aluminum cans in order to make $1. The exact amount depends on prevailing prices when you sell your cans. With some work, aluminum can recycling can yield decent supplemental income if you have access to sufficient volumes of cans. However, it does require significant time and effort for collection, storage, transportation and processing. Carefully weigh whether this is the best use of your time vs other money-making alternatives. But for the right person willing to put in the legwork, aluminum can recycling can be a lucrative venture given the right circumstances. Just go into it strategically based on a thorough assessment of time vs reward potential. Every carefully collected and redeemed can brings you closer to your monetary goal.
