Enhancing the recovery of aluminium beverage cans with new recycling initiative

Every Can Count U.S., and Replenish has introduced a new community-focused recycling initiative called Cans for Cash to enhance the recovery of aluminium beverage cans. The program was first launched in Blytheville, Arkansas, and plans to expand with four additional Circularity Centres across Florida, Illinois, and Mississippi.

Image Source: Every Can Counts

Cans for Cash initiative

Cans for Cash targets communities located near major waterways that have limited or no access to recycling. This initiative is designed to increase recycling rates, reduce litter and landfill waste, and stimulate local economies by providing cash incentives to participants who recycle empty aluminium beverage cans.

"The Cans for Cash program is a self-sustaining recycling model and will help fund future recycling efforts. The city of Blytheville is honoured to work with Replenysh and Every Can Counts U.S. on this critical circularity project. Activating our recycling potential, igniting a circular economy, and improving recycling behaviour has been a goal of our city for years. This partnership gives our city a strategy that we hope produces big recycling gains for every resident in our community. Our new Cans for Cash Circularity Center will increase consumer awareness and incentivise a recycling model that can be easily replicated in communities across America," said Blytheville Mayor Melisa Logan.

Promoting a circular economy in action

Cans for Cash was launched on America Recycles Day to showcase how aluminium beverage cans contribute to sustaining the U.S. recycling system and promoting a circular economy. Residents of Blytheville who bring empty aluminium beverage cans to the Circularity Centre will receive a digital payment of $0.30 per pound.

"This is an impact-driven program that will increase recycling and access points near major American waterways. This partnership will also make significant investments within local communities that lack curbside recycling," said Scott Breen, Senior Vice President of Sustainability at Can Manufacturers Institute.

Payment rates will differ by community and may fluctuate based on the market value of scrap aluminium. Any additional revenue generated from the scrap value will be allocated to the city to support local community initiatives.

Replenysh - the circularity platform

Replenysh, the circularity platform behind the initiative, will oversee the ongoing technology and network operations for Blytheville's Cans for Cash program. It will also monitor the centre's performance and provide an impact report to track the initiative's results.

“Many communities today are underserved by recycling and are looking for a solution they can trust. We are excited to be working with Every Can Counts U.S. as the circularity partner to provide much-needed recycling infrastructure to cities and their residents,” said Mark Armen, Founder and CEO at Replenysh. “The City of Blytheville can now leverage our tools and network to monetise materials and drive value to residents in a new way. As we expand these Cans for Cash Circularity Centers to additional states, we also will capture more high-quality feedstock for U.S. industry.”

Recycling aluminium on a global scale is 95 per cent less carbon-intensive compared to primary aluminium production. Community members can bring PET #1 plastic bottles for recycling at the Cans for Cash Circularity Centre, although payment is only provided for recycled aluminium.

Blytheville residents who bring used aluminium beverage cans to the Cans for Cash Circularity Centre will have their cans weighed on-site and receive a digital receipt via email with details of the total amount. Participants can choose to receive their payment through various methods, including digital gift cards, PayPal, or direct deposit to a bank account. This cashless system ensures a safe, secure, and efficient processing experience for all involved.