♻️ Easy Drop-Offs & Fast Payouts

California Aluminum Can Recycling Prices

Green glass bottle accepted for recycling at Ivan’s Recycling
Aluminum can accepted for recycling at Ivan’s Recycling
Plastic bottle accepted for recycling at Ivan’s Recycling
Our Pricing

California Recycling Program Rates Recycling Centers (RC)

Material Type
Refund value per segregated pound
WDS-Multi-Layer Pouch"
$
8.25
#6 PS (Polystyrene)
$
5.47
WDS - Paperboard Carton
$
3.79
#4 LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
$
1.98
Aluminum
$
1.65
#1 PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
$
1.47
#2 HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
$
0.63
#5 PP (Polypropylene)
$
0.55
#3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
$
0.48
Bi-metal
$
0.41
WDS-Bag-in-Box
$
0.41
#7 Other Plastic
$
0.31
Glass
$
0.102
📍How it works
  1. Collect your CRV beverage containers
  2. Visit one of Ivan’s Recycling Locations
  3. Drop them off — get paid and feel good

Contact us if you have any questions

💰 Why Recycle With Ivan’s
Fast drop-off process

Our streamlined system lets you unload and recycle your bottles and cans quickly.

Competitive CRV refund rates

On Tuesdays, we offer $0.10 more per pound for aluminum cans.

Friendly local service

Recycling made personal. Our friendly team is here to help you every step of the way with a smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are California Aluminum Can Recycling Prices Based On?

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The amount depends on CRV eligibility, container size, material type, weight, and the current posted center rate. California CRV is generally 5 cents for eligible containers under 24 oz and 10 cents for eligible containers 24 oz and up.

For larger loads, many materials are processed by weight, so the final payout may not look like a simple container count. Check the current posted rates before visiting when the exact amount matters.

Factor
How it affects aluminum cans
CRV size rule
5 cents under 24 oz; 10 cents 24 oz and up
Per-pound rate
Applied to accepted sorted aluminum by weight
Tuesday bonus
Ivan's advertises +$0.10 per pound on Tuesdays
Final payout
Depends on weight, eligibility, sorting, and current posted rates

How Much Do Recycling Centers Pay for Aluminum Cans?

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The amount depends on CRV eligibility, container size, material type, weight, and the current posted center rate. California CRV is generally 5 cents for eligible containers under 24 oz and 10 cents for eligible containers 24 oz and up.

For larger loads, many materials are processed by weight, so the final payout may not look like a simple container count. Check the current posted rates before visiting when the exact amount matters.

How Is the Aluminum Can Recycling Price Per Pound Calculated?

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Recycling centers calculate the final refund by checking CRV eligibility, sorting material type, weighing or counting containers, and applying current posted rates. The CA CRV label matters because it helps confirm that the deposit can be refunded.

Container condition also matters. Empty, sorted, label-visible containers are faster to process, while mixed bags, broken glass, or missing labels can slow down the calculation or affect refund eligibility.

Factor
How it affects aluminum cans
CRV size rule
5 cents under 24 oz; 10 cents 24 oz and up
Per-pound rate
Applied to accepted sorted aluminum by weight
Tuesday bonus
Ivan's advertises +$0.10 per pound on Tuesdays
Final payout
Depends on weight, eligibility, sorting, and current posted rates

Can You Sell Aluminum Cans for Money in California?

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Residents, families, offices, event teams, and local businesses can bring eligible aluminum cans to a recycling center for refund handling. A normal drop-off does not need to be complicated when containers are sorted and marked for CA CRV.

Whole or crushed containers can be accepted when the material and CRV mark are still clear. Empty, separated loads help Ivan's Recycling move faster from sorting to payout.

Is It Worth Recycling Aluminum Cans?

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Aluminum cans recycling cuts container waste, keeps useful material out of landfills, and helps customers recover CRV deposit money. It also keeps homes, garages, break rooms, and business storage areas from filling up with empties.

For many customers, the benefit is both practical and environmental. A cleaner load means a cleaner space, a smoother visit, and less waste in the local community.

Benefit
Small bag
Large sorted load
Cash back
Recovers deposit
More noticeable payout
Convenience
Quick if nearby
Worth planning around hours
Cleanup
Clears a small pile
Clears storage or event waste
Environmental value
Keeps cans from trash
Bigger impact with sorting

Can Aluminum Cans Be Crushed Before Recycling?

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Containers should be empty, clean enough to handle, and easy to identify. The CA CRV label should remain visible because that mark helps confirm refund eligibility.

Crushed cans or bottles can be accepted when identification remains clear, while glass should be kept unbroken whenever possible. Sorting aluminum, plastic, and glass before arrival usually speeds up the visit.

What Affects the Current Recycling Price for Aluminum Cans?

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Prices are affected by California CRV rules, material category, weight, sorting quality, contamination, and current posted rates. Aluminum, PET plastic, HDPE plastic, glass, and bi-metal do not all carry the same value.

The cleaner and better sorted the load is, the easier it is to process. Rates can change, so customers should check Ivan's pricing section, Google listing, or contact the center before a large drop-off.

How Much Is One Can Worth When Recycling?

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The amount depends on CRV eligibility, container size, material type, weight, and the current posted center rate. California CRV is generally 5 cents for eligible containers under 24 oz and 10 cents for eligible containers 24 oz and up.

For larger loads, many materials are processed by weight, so the final payout may not look like a simple container count. Check the current posted rates before visiting when the exact amount matters.

Container size
California CRV refund
Under 24 oz
5 cents
24 oz and up
10 cents