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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
"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