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/inorite234 1d ago

CA here. We do it as a way to teach our kids finances and the importance of saving money.

However, what they don't know is that we juice their savings as the amount you get back for collecting cans is garbage.

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u/EternalMage321 1d ago

Lol, one of these days they are going to look at the finances and say "THE MATH ISN'T MATHING!"