The Recycling Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching children that they should never throw aluminum cans in the trash. Through our Million Cans Recycling Contest, students learn that aluminum is recyclable forever and that it has real value. Millions of cans have already been collected and recycled by students across the country. Together, we can make our planet a better place!
The Recycling Society connects elementary schools with scrapyards across the country to create sustainable recycling programs that make a difference in the lives of children and the communities they live in. Best of all, schools keep 100% of the money they earn from the cans they collect and recycle!
About the Million Cans Recycling Contest
We launched the Million Cans Recycling Contest in November 2023 with just 8 incredible schools—and they recycled 1.3 million aluminum cans! In 2024, the contest grew to 36 schools and together they recycled over 2.2 million cans.
Now in our 3rd year, the contest has officially become a core program of The Recycling Society, with 54 schools across 14+ states competing to recycle the most cans from October 1st to April 30th each year.
We focus on states without a deposit program and show students, teachers, families, and communities how fun, easy, and impactful recycling can be—thanks to the amazing support of our local scrapyard partners.
With the help of generous donors, we can continue expanding this program each year—bringing hands-on recycling education to the communities across the USA that need it most. 🌎💚🥫
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Books Distributed
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Total Cans Recycled
Our Winning Formula
Your donation helps us bring hands-on recycling education to more students across the USA. With your support, we can teach kids how easy it is to recycle at school with the help of their local metal recycling partners — and inspire the next generation of recycling superheroes! ♻️💚🦸♀️
Education +
We teach students why recycling aluminum cans matters.
“We turned cans into a brand-new playground.” — Fairplain Elementary, WV 🛝♻️
“We’ll take any can from anybody and together this community can build an amazing playground for very deserving children,” Principal Tonia Carpenter said.
“The community doesn’t have a lot of places for families to go, play together or take the kids to play. So it will also be used for that because our school grounds are open for public use. It will have picnic tables, they can have picnics and all kinds of wonderful things,” she said.
Those interested in dropping off their cans can visit the school and drop them off at the RJ Recycling drop-off spot. The competition ends in April.
Yankeetown Elementary to receive $3,000 for part in Million Cans Recycling Contest
Our school has really enjoyed participating in The Million Cans Recycling Contest. It was great having our students & community all bring in cans to recycle instead of throwing them in the trash can.
Hopefully those will have a lasting impact & everyone remembers how easy & valuable it is to recycle.“ -Taunya Kirsch 4th grade teacher & Environmental Club sponsor at Yankeetown Elementary.
La Vega Elementary School students collecting cans to make Earth cleaner
On behalf of La Vega Elementary, I want to express how truly grateful we are that Jessica, at Recycling is like Magic! (Recycling Society) in Bellevue, Washington, found and selected our school to represent all of Texas!
We have had the best time working together on this amazing project all year. Yes, it is sticky, stinky, messy, and cumbersome, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Our school district united, we met new friends in the business community, and we hope to continue with our pledge to "never throw away another can again."
Jessica, you have had a tremendous impact in your first year. I cannot wait to read your next books, follow, and support you." -Laura Klander Assistant Principal La Vega Elementary
Help us Turn Students into Superheroes
Your donations buy books, pizza, ice cream, and more for schools across the USA. 🍕📚 Every $1 helps us teach more kids about the importance of recycling. ♻️✨
Stories Create Superheroes
Kids learn about recycling through fun books, cartoons, and coloring pages — along with hands-on activities. ♻️📚✨
Here’s what our amazing donors are saying! 💚 We hope you’ll consider supporting the Recycling Society today so we can continue growing and reaching more students every year.
