Can you make money collecting aluminum cans? Absolutely! You will probably not get rich but you may make a few extra dollars. There are literally millions of aluminum cans discarded every year. You see them along the road, In parks, and other places where people gather. If you could gather all of these you would be set for life. But for a more realistic goal lets start with the ones that are in our area.

The first step to making money collecting aluminum cans is to find a market for your cans. This can be done by contacting local recyclers and scrap metal dealers. Look in the yellow pages under recyclers, or scrap metal dealers to find contacts. Call each one and see if they purchase aluminum cans from the public. If they do find out their prices as well as their requirements for accepting them. Use this info to find the one that would be best for you. Now you have a buyer!

The next step is to find a place you can store them. The garage or shed would probably be the best place as aluminum cans can attract pests such as ants, wasps, and rodents. They can also have plenty of germs and viruses that you can get sick from. You probably do not want this in your living area. You will also need containers to store your cans in. I just use a garbage can for mine but there are other options as well. If you use a small container like a garbage can you may also want garbage bags for easy removal of cans when full. Then you just tie it up and take it down to your buyer.

Once you have a place to store your cans it is time to collect. Before we go out to collect you will need a few tools to help you out. You can find a list at
http://www.squidoo.com/ToolsForRecyclingAluminumCans/
If you just want a quick list.

1. Bag to carry your finds.

2. Trash picking stick or pinchers so you do not have to bend over as much. They also help to reach hard to get areas such as in bushes, and dumpsters, ect,

Another thing to have is sanitary wipes you will come across a lot of germs and these are good to use often. Especially near dumpsters. You may also want to carry a first aide kit in case of injury. Aluminum cans are sharp when torn and can easily cut you. Also be sure to bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing for your environment. I would also suggest long pants and durable shoes if you decide to dumpster dive or go in brush, ect.

Now it is time to collect! Walk around your neighborhood and look along roadsides, ditches, ect. Also visit parks, schools, stores, and other places people gather. Also try going to a place after a big event like a concert or fair. There could be hundreds of them. Another area to check would be near vending machines. When you pick them up be sure they are empty before putting them in your bag to avoid leaks and spills.

Once you are done collecting you can put your cans directly in the storage containers or to save space you can crush them. Either way would probably be fine. Be sure to ask your buyer if they need to be crushed before taking them. If you decide to crush them you could do it with your feet for free or you could invest in a can crusher. Check eBay for different types. I have seen some that do singles and others that can crush multiple ones at once. Another thing to do is be sure your cans are free of dirt and other contaminates. Some places will not take them if they are too dirty. Be sure to ask your buyer about these requirements and separate the ones they do not want.

The last step is to sell your cans! This is the best part for most of us I am sure.If you have a vehicle you can load it up & take them to your buyer. If not you can also use a bike with a bike cart. I do this myself and do fine but you must be in good physical shape. You may find bikes & Bike Carts in the ads below. As a tip I would periodically check your buyers buy rate as prices fluctuate daily. Try to sell them when prices are the highest to get the most money. Keep in mind this is not a way to get rich but you can make some money. It take hard work an dediation to be succesful.