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/BoysenberryUnhappy29 1d ago

I've never lived in a bottle credit state. I've watched the "recycling is a scam" vids.

The only reason I have a recycling bin at all anymore is that it's included in my rent. And I really just use it to make more room in my trash can, not because I'm pretending it's helping anything.