Why You Shouldn’t Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling

Recycling aluminum cans is an easy way to reduce waste and support sustainability, but how you handle those cans before recycling them can significantly impact the process. While it may seem like a good idea to crush your cans to save space, doing so can interfere with the recycling process in certain situations. Here’s what to know.

Why Do People Crush Aluminum Cans?

One of the main reasons people crush aluminum cans is to save space. A crushed can takes up significantly less room than an intact one, allowing you to fit more into a recycling bin, bag, or container. For households that generate a lot of recyclables, this can seem like a practical way to manage waste efficiently.

Crushing cans can also make transportation easier for those who bring recyclables to a local center or grocery store. Smaller, compact cans are less likely to spill or tip over, which makes the task of handling recyclables more convenient. Despite these practical reasons, crushing cans isn’t always the best choice.

Should You Crush Aluminum Cans Before Recycling?

The answer depends on where and how the cans are being recycled.

For single-stream recycling systems, where all recyclables (paper, plastic, metal, etc.) are collected in one bin, crushing cans is generally discouraged. Recycling facilities use sorting machines that separate materials based on their shape and weight. Crushed cans can confuse these machines and may be improperly sorted, often with non-recyclable materials. This can lead to the cans being sent to a landfill instead of being recycled.

The rules might differ if you’re participating in a deposit redemption system or using a curbside program that collects cans separately. Some facilities accept crushed cans without issue because the material is manually sorted or processed in a way that bypasses the complications of single-stream recycling. However, checking with your local recycling program is always a good idea to determine whether crushing cans is allowed or recommended.

Can I Redeem My Deposit If My Aluminum Can Is Crushed?

Many states have a container deposit system where consumers can redeem their cans for a small refund. These programs often require cans to be intact and uncrushed for accurate processing. Machines like reverse vending systems rely on the size and shape of the can to confirm its eligibility for a deposit refund. A crushed can may be rejected because the machine cannot recognize or scan it properly.

Some deposit centers allow crushed cans to be manually counted, but this can slow down the process and may not be guaranteed. To avoid issues, it’s best to leave your cans intact if you plan to redeem them for a deposit.