 | Getting Started
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he Great Aluminum Can RoundUp is an easy and fun way to earn funds for your group while doing something to help the environment. Your RoundUp will turn aluminum cans into cash and at the same time reduce litter and solid waste in your community, save energy and conserve natural resources.
America's aluminum can recycling industry includes a national network of more than 10,000 locations that pay for empty aluminum beverage cans. That means it's easy and convenient to RoundUp cans for cash. A RoundUp can be conducted at any time, in any community, requiring nothing more than time, creativity and motivation. There is nothing to sell, except the idea of saving and recycling aluminum cans.
The most important elements in your RoundUp will be the students in your school or the members of your organization, their families and the community. So, you're already on your way!
Starting your RoundUp is as easy as 1-2-3:
Once you've decided to conduct a RoundUp, you must rally your group to recruit participation from family and friends.
Set a goal and determine the amount of money you want to earn.
Contact several local recycling centers (look in the yellow pages, call a local soft drink bottler or beer distributor, or call a local state recycling coordinator) to determine their hours of operation, what they pay for aluminum cans and whether they prefer the cans to be crushed. Also, check on the availability of special rates for non-profit groups and whether the center has a pick-up program.
That's it. You are ready to RoundUp!
on Aluminum Can Recycling
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What are the best places to collect used aluminum beverage cans for recycling?
Look for cans where people consume beverages -- apartments, stadiums, swimming pools, restaurants, schools, bowling alleys, parks, playgrounds, cafeterias and college campuses. Cans are also found near such work areas as offices, construction sites and wherever vending machines are located. You can also establish collection routes in your neighborhood or with local merchants. Ask merchants to place a box or bag near snack bars or vending machines with a sign reading "Please Recycle Your Aluminum Cans Here" and include your group's name, your goal and a contact name and telephone number.
How should I store my cans before taking them to a recycling center?
Make sure your cans are clean and dry. Most recycling centers will deduct ten percent from the purchase price for dirty or wet containers. Many recyclers store their collections in plastic bags. Crushing cans by stepping on them will help you save storage space. Also, remember to keep the pull-tabs on your cans because they weigh more and help you earn more. Keep your collection in a secure place -- indoors, if possible. Used cans are valuable. Don't transport loose cans in a vehicle open to wind and weather.
What brands are sold in aluminum cans?
All major beer brands and most soft drinks are sold in aluminum cans. In fact, virtually all of today's canned beverages are aluminum. However, if you are not sure, place a magnet on the side of the cans. Remember, a magnet will not stick to aluminum.
I've heard that I can save my ring pull tabs from beverage cans to help needy youngsters get treatment time on kidney dialysis machines or to purchase guide dogs for blind persons. What's the story?
Unfortunately, this story is a false rumor. According to the National Kidney Foundation, no such programs have ever existed, although rumors to the contrary have persisted for many years.
What if some of my cans are steel, instead of aluminum?
At your recycling center, your cans will be run through a magnetic sorter. You will be paid only for aluminum cans. Virtually all beverage cans are aluminum. However, most food can are made from steel.
What happens at the recycling center?
At most locations, you may drive directly to the equipment that will process your cans. After you hand your used cans to the operator, you can watch him/her place them onto a conveyor system. Stray steel cans or other debris are discarded. The aluminum cans are weighed on a manual scale (or electronically, in some cases) and you are paid on the spot. Your cans are then automatically blown by a high pressure air stream into a 40-foot storage trailer.
Aren't there any charitable groups to whom I could donate my cans?
Absolutely! For instance, Boy and Girl Scout troops have recycled cans since 1970, when can recycling got started nationally. Americans of all ages have recycled cans to buy zoo animals in Dallas, to send handicapped children to summer camp in Wisconsin, to help restore the Statue of Liberty and to help train American athletes for the Olympic games. In a number of cities, fire fighters accept donated cans at firehouses and use the proceeds from recycled cans to fund programs to help child burn victims.
on Recycling Aluminum Cans
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nce you have set your RoundUp fundraising goals and have determined the amount local recyclers are paying for aluminum cans, you'll have an idea of how many cans you'll need to collect. The next step is to decide how you will spend your proceeds. This will be important for getting people interested in your program. If you have a specific cause, it can become a rallying point for participation.
Following is a summary of the contents of this kit that will help you come up with innovative ideas to motivate your community to save each and every can it uses.
Use Your Imagination provides general tips to keep your RoundUp going over an extended period of time. The more imaginative you can be, the more enthusiasm you can generate and the more cans you will collect!
Growing Interest focuses on the public relations aspect of conducting a RoundUp. Make your RoundUp "big news" and you will likely reap the rewards of bigger collections of cans.
Success Stories tells how groups have mixed a good cause with motivated participants and effective community relations to have a successful RoundUp.
Fun Facts gives you information about aluminum cans communicated in interesting, easy-to-understand factoids. These can be used on your promotional materials or over loudspeakers at events to generate interest.
The Activities Booklet provides game ideas, handouts and other suggestions for engaging all age levels in your RoundUp. The more fun people have with your project, the more likely they will be to participate.
