Empty soda cans from the 1990s litter eBay, priced in the $20 range. Above that, a host of “collectible” cans, some even with soda in them, are being offered north of $100. While some these seems unlikely to sell, it should be noted a lot of the $100+ soda cans have multiple offers.
Aluminum Can Prices By State
The value of aluminum can prices are subject to change and will vary from state to state and whether it’s a state with a bottle bill or deposit law. For example, California, Mississippi and Wyoming offer some of the best rates, whereas Delaware and New York offer some of the lowest monetary returns.
To isolate the states with the best rates, the below table compiles the average rate U.S. citizens can expect to earn per pound. This is based on recycling centers in the regions where the data is currently available.
| State | Price Per Pound of Aluminum | State | Price Per Pound of Aluminum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $0.49 | Alaska | $0.23 |
| Arizona | $0.40 | Arkansas | $0.36 |
| California | $1.66 | Colorado | $0.47 |
| Delaware | $0.05 | Florida | $0.43 |
| Georgia | $0.48 | Illinois | $0.38 |
| Indiana | $0.44 | Iowa | $0.24 |
| Kansas | $0.37 | Kentucky | $0.50 |
| Louisiana | $0.49 | Maryland | $0.36 |
| Massachusetts | $0.32 | Michigan | $0.34 |
| Minnesota | $0.35 | Mississippi | $0.53 |
| Missouri | $0.42 | Nebraska | $0.33 |
| New Jersey | $0.43 | New York | $0.28 |
| North Carolina | $0.39 | North Dakota | $0.30 |
| Ohio | $0.45 | Oklahoma | $0.48 |
| Pennsylvania | $0.48 | South Carolina | $0.40 |
| Tennessee | $0.41 | Texas | $0.44 |
| Utah | $0.49 | Virginia | $0.33 |
| Washington | $0.38 | West Virginia | $0.36 |
| Wisconsin | $0.35 | Wyoming | $0.60 |
Where To Find Aluminum Cans To Recycle
The best ways to find aluminum cans to recycle are often just by looking at what’s in front of you or even in a nearby recycling bin. Some of the best places to source cans to get those cents per pound include:
- Home
- Public parks
- Festivals
- Work
Hosting a summer BBQ or a big sporting event? A great way to make money back on the party groceries can be to clean and set aside all of the empty aluminum cans that resulted. Neighbors, family and friends in the surrounding areas may also be willing to hand over any cans that were ready to be thrown in the garbage.
Public parks will often have empty cans littered all over the place. Heading out with a trash bag to collect them will help keep local areas clean while adding to your stash.
Festivals and beverages go hand in hand, so the grounds can be a great area to source a lot of cans during an event, especially along the side of the road.
People love to take a break during the workday to grab a cold beverage from the vending machine. Collectors can check with their employer for permission to take the cans home, and then they can redeem them for cash at one of the acceptable locations.
Top 20 Most Valuable Soda Cans
FAQ
What cans are worth money?
How much money is an empty soda can worth?
What is the value of a soda can?
How much is a pound of can tabs worth?
Are ‘collectible’ soda cans worth $100?
Above that, a host of “collectible” cans, some even with soda in them, are being offered north of $100. While some these seems unlikely to sell, it should be noted a lot of the $100+ soda cans have multiple offers. Apparently if you had kept a can of classic Surge, you could have made some money.
How much is a soda can worth?
And you thought soda was only supposed to be $1. Empty soda cans from the 1990s litter eBay, priced in the $20 range. Above that, a host of “collectible” cans, some even with soda in them, are being offered north of $100. While some these seems unlikely to sell, it should be noted a lot of the $100+ soda cans have multiple offers.
How much is a 25.4 ounce soda can worth?
The 25.4 ounce soda can is however real, although whether anyone will pay $60,000 for one remains to be seen. In 2005, a can sold for just under $50, although it was unclear if it was open or not. Lesson of the day: you should have saved those Surge cans from the 1990s. Link to auction.
Is there a 2020 edition of collectible soda cans?
It’s here and in supplies are limited. The 2020 edition of Collectible Soda Cans is now available for purchase. This is the only collectors guide for soda cans currently available! Over 9000 color images on 328 pages covering over 10,000 cans!