Every Can Counts U.S. and Replenysh have teamed up to conduct a new community-driven recycling program to increase the recovery of aluminum beverage cans.
The Cans for Cash program, which began in Blytheville, Arkansas, plans to open four additional circularity centers in Florida, Illinois and Mississippi in the near future. This program focuses on communities near major waterways that have limited or no access to recycling. Its goal is to increase recycling rates, reduce landfill waste and litter, and improve local economies through direct cash payments to those who recycle empty aluminum beverage cans.
“This is an impactful program that will increase recycling and access points near major U.S. waterways. In addition, it will make significant investments in local communities without curbside recycling collection,” commented Scott Breen, senior vice president of Sustainability for the Can Manufacturers Institute, the trade association behind Every Can Counts U.S. “Our innovative model combines technology, community involvement and the high market value of used aluminum beverage cans, generating benefits such as direct payments for program participants.”
Cans for Cash was launched on America Recycles Day as a way to demonstrate how aluminum beverage cans sustain America’s recycling system and promote the circular economy in action. Blytheville residents who bring empty cans to the Circularity Center will receive a digital fee of $0.30 per pound of cans (0.4 kilograms). Fees will vary by community and are subject to change based on the market value of recycled aluminum. Additional revenue from the scrap value will go to the city to support local initiatives.
Replenysh, the circularity platform charged with implementing the program, will manage the technology and network operations in Blytheville, as well as monitor the results of the Cans for Cash Circularity Center through an impact report.
Globally, aluminum recycling generates 95% less carbon emissions than primary aluminum production. In addition to empty aluminum cans, community members can bring #1 PET plastic bottles for recycling, although payment will only be offered for recycled aluminum.
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