Metal Food Cans
What Should I Do With It?
Metal food cans made of tin-plated steel are widely accepted in almost all curbside recycling programs. However, detached can lids should not be tossed into your bin loosely because their small, thin profile often prevents them from successfully making it through the sorting process. To ensure your cans are actually recycled and do not contaminate other materials, always make sure to rinse out any remaining food and liquid before recycling them.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.