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Aluminum Cans Recycled To Date
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This fall, the Million Cans Recycling Contest will bring together elementary schools and scrapyards across the USA—from October to April—as they compete to recycle the most aluminum cans.

Inspiring kids to protect our planet, one can at a time!

Sponsored by leading organizations driving sustainable
aluminum packaging

About the Contest

We connect elementary schools with local scrapyards across the USA to promote aluminum can recycling in a fun and engaging way. It’s a win-win: schools earn money from recycling cans, and producing a can from recycled aluminum uses 95% less energy. Plus, aluminum is 100% recyclable—forever!
Recycling cans is one of the simplest ways to help our planet.
Sign up your school

🚀 How It Works

  • Scrapyard Delivery: Local scrapyards drop off large bins at school parking lots.
  • Take the Pledge: Students commit to recycling and share the message with others.
  • Read & Inspire: Every 3rd grader receives a copy of The Girl Who Recycled 1 Million Cans, reads it to the school, then brings it home to share with family and friends.
  • Fill 'Em Up: Students and the community fill up the bin with empty aluminum cans.
  • Celebrate & Learn: Schools keep the money from their cans, learn about sustainability, and have a blast doing it!
Learn More

♻️🥫=💰

70 Aluminum Cans = $1

35 Aluminum cans per pound
Earn $0.50 per pound


Did you know? Currently, the U.S. recycles only 45% of aluminum cans—we CAN do better!

📚 FREE Books Donated by Our Sponsors

The Girl Who Recycled 1 Million Cans—inspiring young recyclers across the country!

Schools can choose either 2nd or 3rd grade, and every student in that grade will receive a free copy of our recycling-themed book to inspire and educate the next generation of environmental heroes!

Recycle more cans, win more prizes.

Schools keep 100% of the money they raise from recycling aluminum cans.

Scrapyards pay schools directly.

More Schools. More Prizes. More Cans!

Learn More about the Prizes
Top schools will win cash prizes and bragging rights — plus, the more cans you recycle, the more money your school earns. Every can counts toward the contest and your school's fundraising!

$

1st Place

$

2nd Place

$

3rd Place

$

4 Regional winners $1,000 Each

$

Top school in states with 3+ schools

$

Most Valuable Recycler Award for 1 school

Cans Pizza Party

Cans $500 Bonus

All 3rd graders at 50 schools get free books

Recycling Partners & Scrapyards

Become a Recycling Partner

Past Contest Highlights & Results

Take a look at standout moments from past contests — see how schools across the country turned cans into cash, competed for top honors, and made a big impact through recycling!

1,374,100 Cans

Million Cans Recycling Contest
Nov 2023 - May 2024

1,666,210 Cans

2 Million Cans Recycling Contest
Oct 2024 - April 2025

476,385 Cans

Ball's Can-Do Recycling Challenge
Oct 2024 - April 2025

States

Schools

Books Distributed

Cans Recycled

What schools are saying

We LOVE our AMAZING readers and recyclers!
"On behalf of La Vega Elementary, I want to express how truly grateful we are that Jessica, at Recycling is like Magic! (Scrap University Kids) in Bellevue, Washington, found and selected our school to represent all of Texas! We have had the best time working together on this amazing project all year. Yes, it is sticky, stinky, messy, and cumbersome, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Our school district united, we met new friends in the business community, and we hope to continue with our pledge to "never throw away another can again."

Jessica, you have had a tremendous impact in your first year. I cannot wait to read your next books, follow, and support you." - Ms Laura Klander

La Vega Elementary

Texas
"Our school has really enjoyed participating in The Million Cans Recycling Contest. It was great having our students & community all bring in cans to recycle instead of throwing them in the trash can. Hopefully those will have a lasting impact & everyone remembers how easy & valuable it is to recycle.“ - Ms. Taunya Kirsch
4th grade teacher & Environmental Club sponsor

Yankeetown Elementary

Indiana
In a community where recycling isn't usually top of mind, this contest opened our students' and neighbors' eyes to how simple and impactful it can be. Our students had a blast—and so did our community! Nearly every day, families and neighbors dropped off bags of cans, sometimes filling every bin we had.
The best part? We raised money for our school through a project that truly mattered.

I originally thought this program would be tremendously difficult, but I was proven wrong—150%! You all made it possible, fun, and completely doable.

On behalf of Southaven Elementary, thank you. This has been an incredible experience for all of us.”
— Latangla Mills-Green

Southaven Elementary

Mississippi

Contact

Recycling is like Magic!

114 W Magnolia St
Suite # 400-107
Bellingham, WA 98225

Email: sales@recyclingislikemagic.com

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Recycling is like Magic teaches kids that ALL metal can be recycled and has value at local scrapyards. Let’s save the planet one can at a time! 🌎♻️🌟

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