Children deeply want to help make our world a better place but are not often given the opportunity to do so. The Million Cans Recycling Contest gives them the platform to become recycling superheroes at their school and in their community. Becoming a recycling superhero is something that any child can become regardless of their age. Being good at something instills confidence which lends itself to a variety of life opportunities.

We start with the states that have the lowest recycling rates—because that’s where we can make the biggest difference. Every can counts, and by focusing our efforts where the need is greatest, we’re helping build momentum for a cleaner, greener future.

Our mission is to increase the aluminum beverage container recycling rate from 43% to 85% within the next 10 years. This will be accomplished in a two-step process that first brings States with low recycling rates inline with the national average, and then raise the national average to 85%. We have therefore targeted elementary schools in these states to participate in the Million Cans Recycling Contest. The results speak for themselves.