Another question about aluminum can prices

[fiatboy]

Ok, I know this question has been asked before, but I'd like it answered a little differently. How much are you guys and gals getting paid per can when you turn them in? When I'm out looking for aluminum cans, it helps me to know how much a can is worth in dollars, not per pound. I know prices are approximate and fluctuate, but I'm still curious. Thanks everyone!

 

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[pepperpump]

Hey Fiat, I don't think anyone gets paid per can but if you break it down, a cn is about 1 penny or 1 1/2 of a penny. Hope this helps!
Pepperpump

 

[whitesid]

depends how much they pay for it.
a can regular size can weighs .59 oz. with that you can do the math. i think at .65 per pound it comes out to 2 cents, but i cant really remember.

 

[fiatboy]

Thanks guys. I just wanted to make sure that when I see a can and think a penny (at minimum), my math is correct and I'm not getting ripped off at the recycler.

 

[schramm]

Fiatboy,It depends on what state your in and if they have deposit fees when you purchase the can initially.

I used to think that most states charged a deposit fee,until I started reading these posts and seeing the various states that ONLY pay for cans at the scrap price.Now I am convinced that very few states have an organized recycling program to encourage recycling by making you "buy" the can to give you an extra incentive to keep them out of the landfills.

As far as per can value,I know there are 31(dry) standard 12 oz. size cans to a pound.So for a can to be worth $.02 the scrap price would have to be at least $.62/pound.

I know in Cali the state charges $.05/can under 24 oz. & $.10/can over 24 oz.The recycling centers are required to pay you at least this amount when you redeem them and they must(by law) count them out individually if you request and don't want to be paid by the pound.

However if you choose to go this route you forgo any scrap value that the aluminum contains,you are only compensated for the deposit you paid at time of purchase.

So even if you think the center is crooked and you don't trust their weights you still end up ahead selling the cans by the pound,because you will get more than the redemption value.

@ $.05/can X 31/cans/pound you would get $1.55/pound,but some centers pay up to $2.05/pound.Most of them only pay $1.75 .

But even at the high of $2.05/pound,that is only $.50/pound scrap value,When I see alot of you getting between $.55-$.65/pound cans .

I can't figure why some of the midwest and east coast states are getting between $.15 & $.45/pound more than here Any ideas?

 

[Cynangyl]

They are all 5 cents here in Oregon....deposit paid.

 

[pepperpump]

Hey schramm, I think it has a lot to do with the scrap yard themselves and if they are honest. It all comes down to money and how much they want to keep. Perfect example, there is one scrap yard here in northern va called Davis Industries. They always pay anywhere from 10 to 50 cents less but I think this is based on location. They are the only major yard that takes anything and everything metal and buy it from you. I figure they know people won't travel to different yards to get better prices with gas like it is so they lower the payments and make more money. I as well as others I know that scrap think they are crooks but what are we going to do, drive another 30 miles for a few bucks only to burn it up in gas? I won't. Comments?
Pepperpump

 

[fiatboy]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I had no idea things varied so much regionally. Gas is a factor, as is competition among recyclers. Basically, I'll take what I can get, so long as I'm not being blatantly ripped off. I'm saving cans indefinitely, but knowing all this keeps up the motivation. I really don't plan on cashing them in any time soon---perhaps when they're overtaking my house, but at this point I only have about 9 pounds, so I have a long way to go. Living near a bunch of alcholics and diet coke addicts helps. haha. Again, thanks for the replies. You have all been most helpful.

 

[Rumblebelly]

one other thing you can do to help with scrap yard prices is call the ones around you first. This will save time and lead you in the right direction to bigger pay outs. I have 4 in my area. I only use 1 mainly, friendly scale operators, give cash or checks, and usually pay out better. They are not the closest yard to me.

Also check for the price breaks. Some give larger amounts over certain weights.

We also get a pennysaver paper weekly here and sometimes one of the scrap yards have coupons giving you .03 cents more per pound over 50 pounds and .05 cents more per pound over 100 pounds.

a little research will help you make more money. Then like in the coin roll hunting, bring the guys in doughnuts or candy ... or my favorite Peanuts (in the shell) $5.00 for a 5 pound bag. If you go there regularly, this really makes life easier for you, especially if you're new. These guys usually haven't read self help books or find ways to make their personalities better. They're out in miserable weather, deal with bad people. If you don't have your metals separated the way they want it, they'll tell ya, not always very nicely. Be good to those guys and it really goes a long way.

hope this helps
Rumblebelly

 

[fiatboy]

Thanks, rumblebelly

 

[coincollector101]

Thanks Fb I was Just thinking this Question and Stumbled on your Topic
I think im going to start collecting cans.

Have you looked up scrap yards around here?
Im thinkin theres one in Middletown im not sure though.

CC

 

[fiatboy]

Thanks Fb I was Just thinking this Question and Stumbled on your Topic
I think im going to start collecting cans.

Have you looked up scrap yards around here?
Im thinkin theres one in Middletown im not sure though.

There is one in Middletown, but I've never been. I have sold scrap to a few dealers in Dayton, but it wasn't cans, but steal and iron.