Elementary students across the country are back on the hunt for aluminum cans. The Million Cans Recycling Contest, which began Oct. 1 and runs through April 30, 2027, teaches children one lesson meant to last a lifetime: never throw an aluminum can in the trash. Along the way, students learn that recycling aluminum protects wildlife, conserves energy, strengthens local communities, and supports American manufacturing jobs.听
The contest started in 2023 with just eight schools, five of which are still competing: Yankeetown Elementary (Ind.), Lewisburg Elementary (Ky.), Rich Pond Elementary (Ky.), Our Mother of Perpetual Help School (Pa.) and La Vega Elementary (Texas).听
In the last three years, students have worked together and recycled more than 6.5 million cans, keeping more than 188,000 pounds of aluminum out of landfills. This year, 49 schools are returning, and 23 new schools are joining in with the goal of recycling at least 4 million cans.听
Kids kick things offby reading The Girl Who Recycled 1 Million Cans, then take the pledge to never throw another can in the trash. All year long, students take turns wearing the Million Cans superhero capes when bringing cans to the recycling bin.听
Teaching kids why recycling matters is where a circular economy starts, according to Jessica Leary, executive director of The Ball Foundation. 鈥淭he Million Cans Recycling Contest gives students a hands-on way to see that cycle for themselves,鈥� Leary said. 鈥淏y building those habits early, we鈥檙e helping raise a generation that sees aluminum not as waste, but as a resource worth keeping in circulation.鈥�听
Schools keep every dollar from the cans they recycle, plus any prize money they win. Last year, Fairplain Elementary in West Virginia used its can money听to buy a new playground. It was the school鈥檚 second year in a row recycling the most cans per student, making it a two-time winner of the Million Cans contest. This year, Fairplain is paying it forward, donating its cans to help its former vice principal, Andrew Hupp, build a playground at his new school, Gilmore Elementary.听
Principal Andrew Hupp told The Jackson Star & Herald at the start of the contest that 鈥渢he very best part [has been] having people and businesses reach out to show their support 鈥� our bin at the school is half full already. Our staff, kids, and parents are so positive about this can contest.鈥�听
The Million Cans contest is made possible through the generous donations and support of several partners. Local scrapyards and metal recyclers supply can collection bins to schools, pick them up once full, and pay schools for every pound of aluminum. Local businesses and families drop offcans to provide extra funds for their school. Industry leaders like The Ball Foundation, Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) members, Constellium, and Nucor, along with sustainability partners nationwide, fund the books, superhero capes, prizes, and celebrations that keep students excited all year long.听
鈥淭he Million Cans Recycling Contest is a great way to help students see how small actions can make a big impact,鈥� said Roxi Sharif, director of sustainability at CMI. 鈥淏y collecting and recycling used aluminum beverage cans, students are learning valuable lessons about a circular economy while making a real difference in their communities. CMI members are proud to sponsor the contest once again and volunteer with local schools. We鈥檙e excited to see what these young recyclers accomplish in the school year ahead.鈥�听