The practice of collecting and selling aluminum cans to metal recycling facilities is an excellent way to make some extra cash while helping the environment. Aluminum is the most recyclable of all materials, as more than 90% of it can be reused, and the process of recycling saves more than 90% of the energy used to produce new metal. The following guide offers some useful tips on how to collect and sell these cans successfully. 

A Guide to Recycling Aluminum Cans

1. Clean Them

Aluminum cans are usually used to hold sticky beverages such as soda or beer. If you collect cans that have residue inside them, they could attract insects, leading to an infestation inside your home. If the cans become too congealed, it may also be difficult for professionals to recycle them. Thoroughly rinse the cans out and drain them completely by turning them upside down and letting them dry before you put them in a bag or bin. 

2. Crush the Cans

Once they're clean and empty, place your cans on a flat surface and press them down with the palm of your hand to crush them flat. They'll still be recyclable; in fact, it will be even easier for professionals to process them. This tactic will also save a lot of space, so you can carry two or three times as many cans in the same container when you visit the scrapyard.

3. Wear Gloves

Picking up discarded cans on the side of the road or pulling them out of your family's trash cans is an excellent way to expand your collection quickly. You'll also significantly reduce your carbon footprint by recycling more items. However, these cans could be contaminated with bacteria or have exposed metal that can cut you. Always wear gloves while collecting cans, and never look through garbage with your hands. 

Once you've collected your cans, take them to T&S Automotive in Thomasville, NC. This metal recycling company pays in cash for fair prices, making your recycling efforts easy and rewarding. They also accept car parts and other forms of scrap metal. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (336) 882-7989 to ask about their metal recycling methods.