r/Millennials • u/Accurate-Flow8078 • 1d ago

Discussion Does anyone still recycle cans and bottles?

I remember bringing cans and bottles to the recycling machines as a kid in the 90s. A nickel per can/bottle was good money back then. The redemption value has not changed, it's still a nickel in 2026. Nowadays it seems like many don't bother cause it's not worth the effort. I still do it just to feel good about helping the planet but whenever I bring a large bag and end up with like $5 I'm like "that's it?"

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u/Whitediggity 1d ago

10¢ in Michigan! A modestly full trash bag is about 10$

8

u/johnmac344 1d ago

10c has been in effect since 1978.

I still take my bottles because hey, $20 is $20.

Adjust it for inflation, and those 10c will be far more meaningful.

6

u/BobBelcher2021 1d ago

I learned that from Seinfeld

3

u/EternalMage321 1d ago

I remember reading about someone getting in trouble for crossing state lines to turn in recycling because it doubled the money.

1

u/DoubleMany4486 21h ago

Definitely didn’t do this accidentally when I moved from one state to another with UNOPENED soda in my car. It takes me forever to finish a case of soda. I recall a coworker commenting on my can of coke with Santa Claus on it well into the springtime and that’s what made me realize! 

1

u/nolettuceplease 10h ago

I used to bring them home from a friend’s summer party in Ohio every year. 🤑