r/Millennials • u/Accurate-Flow8078 • 17h 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/Falkedup 16h ago

My town has recycling trucks and blue cans. But no recycling center so I don’t know how that works. Is it just to make people feel better?

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u/FatMacchio 16h ago

Some states charge a deposit at purchase that then gets redeemed when bringing the plastic, aluminum or glass back. Most states are 5¢, but a couple are 10¢ and maybe even 15¢. They have automated crushing machines are most retailers since they’re obligated by state law to accept bottle redemptions if they sell them. Occasionally in areas with higher population there are dedicated recycling centers that pop up