Find places to recycle metal cans and packaging near you
Empty steel and aluminium food tins, drinks cans, clean trays and household metal packaging.
Other names include aluminium cans, drink cans, food tins, steel packaging, tin cans.
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How to recycle metal cans and packaging
Empty and rinse cans. Put lids inside the can when safe, then squeeze the top slightly so the lid stays in.
- Possible recycling routes
- Bring banks and recycling pointsHousehold waste recycling centres
Prepare metal cans and packaging for recycling
- Empty and rinse containers
- Remove loose plastic film
- Leave labels attached
What must stay out
Keep these items separate and check the site rules before you travel.
- Paint and chemical tins can need a hazardous waste route
- Foil-lined pouches are not plain metal
- Large scrap metal uses a separate site container
Types of site to check
These site types can list metal cans and packaging. Each provider sets its own limits and access rules.
- Bring banks and recycling points
Small public recycling sites with separate containers for selected materials. They are often in supermarket, council and community car parks.
- Household waste recycling centres
Council-run sites that accept many types of household recycling and waste. Local rules can cover booking, proof of address, vehicle permits and charges for some DIY waste.
Collection and take-back services
These services may offer another route when a local site does not list the item.
- Recycle Now
UK recycling guidance with an item directory and a postcode-based recycling locator.
Related item guides
- Aerosol cans
Empty household aerosol cans such as deodorant, air freshener and furniture polish cans.
- Aluminium foil and trays
Clean kitchen foil, foil trays and aluminium takeaway containers.
- Scrap metal
Household metal items such as pots, pans, tools, pipes, shelving and metal furniture parts.
Questions about recycling metal cans and packaging
- Where can I recycle metal cans and packaging?
- Enter your postcode in the local finder to search bring banks and recycling points and household waste recycling centres near you. Check the provider page before you travel because item lists and access rules can change.
- How should I prepare metal cans and packaging for recycling?
- Empty and rinse cans. Put lids inside the can when safe, then squeeze the top slightly so the lid stays in.
Sources for this guide
- Simpler recycling: household recycling in England
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reviewed 14 August 2026
- Recycle an item
Recycle Now · Reviewed 14 August 2026