Can you recycle drinks cans?

Aluminium drinks cans are the single most valuable item in your recycling bin and can be back on the shelf as a new can within about 60 days. Every UK council collects them. Empty, rinse briefly, and you can leave them whole or crushed — check if your council has a preference (most don't mind). The UK's deposit return scheme, due October 2027, will add a refundable deposit to cans.

Tips

• Rinse out sticky residue
• Don't put cans inside other containers — keep items loose

Which bin does it go in?

Recycling bin — empty and rinse

Background: Recycling symbols explained.

Also searched as: beer cans, coke cans, aluminium cans, fizzy drink cans.