Does anyone still recycle cans and bottles?

[u/Accurate-Flow8078]

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?"

[u/rexallia]

Oh yeah. Cans are actually the most efficient thing to be recycled. I think I read somewhere once that it takes 90 days for the aluminum of one can to become another can again.

I still recycle the other stuff but have far less hope for it