Aluminum Can

The most commonly used individual serving container. Please leave the pull tabs on.

Size	CRF Fee	Deposit/Refund
0 – 1L	2¢	10¢

How to Recycle Aluminum Cans

When recycling your aluminum cans, ensure that they are fully empty, and do not crush or flatten them. Leave the tabs on, as they can be recycled alongside the can. Bring your aluminum cans along with your other ready-to-drink beverage containers to a Return-It depot to get your refund.

Aluminum cans can be recycled at all depots, including Express, Express & GO, and Express Plus locations. 

To find a nearby location to recycle your aluminum cans, visit return-it.ca/locations.

Aluminum Can Deposit Refund

In BC, a deposit is charged for each ready-to-drink beverage container that is purchased. This deposit is returned in full when you bring back the empty container for recycling. Aluminum cans are issued a 10-cent refund alongside all the other accepted beverage containers part of the Return-It system. 

For a full listing of all containers that can be returned to a Return-It Depot visit https://www.return-it.ca/beverage/products/. 

How to Obtain Your Refund

If you sign up for Express, you can put all your empty containers inside clear, transparent bags (no larger than 90L in capacity). Simply bring the bag(s) to an Express location near you, label them, and drop them off. The funds will be issued to your Express account within 10 business days. To redeem the funds, you will need to log in to your Express account. 

If you are using over-the-counter depots to return your containers, you will receive your refund in cash at the time of return. 

What Happens to Recycled Aluminum Cans

More than 80% of the cans sold in BC are returned for recycling. These cans are baled, melted and back on the shelf again as cans within 6 weeks. This saves a lot of raw material, plus it takes 95% less energy to manufacture a new can from recycled aluminum than it does to make it from brand new material.