Metal is infinitely recycable! Unlike plastic or paper, which degrade in quality over time, metal can be used again and again to make new, high-quality items.
Scrap Metal
You can typically recycle any quantity of metal scrap at a scrap metal recycling facility and will often be paid to do so, though the facilities are set up to receive relatively large amounts. For smaller quantities, you may find it more convenient to take them to one of the drop-off points listed below.
If you have an item that is mostly metal with some other material you cannot separate (such as plastic), you can typically recycle it. Something that is mostly plastic with just a little metal should not be sent to metal recycling. Contact the recycling facility if you have questions about what they can accept. To ensure that small metal items are recycled, put them inside a larger metal container and crimp it closed.
Large Amounts
Small Amounts
Cans (Aluminum, Tin, Steel)
Do not crush aluminum cans, since the machinery is configured to recognize whole cans. There is no need to remove paper labels from tin or steel cans. Recycle these items through:
- Curbside recycling
- Full Circle Sustainability
- NIA Drop-Off at 19th and Western
- Any of the scrap metal facilities listed above
Aluminum Foil and Food Containers
Aluminum foil should be clean of food residue and balled up to form a mass. Keep it until it's the size of a baseball or bigger to ensure it doesn't fall through the recycling machinery. Recycle these items through:
- Curbside recycling
- Full Circle Sustainability
- NIA Drop-Off at 19th and Western
- Any of the scrap metal facilities listed above
Aerosol Cans
You can recycle empty pressurized cans (such as shaving cream) at the locations listed above for steel cans. However, if there is any product/pressure left, they should be recycled at the Household Hazardous Waste facility.
Barbed Wire
Not all scrap metal facilities will accept barbed wire. You can recycle it for a fee at Greenpoint C&D Processing Center. If you learn of a place to recycle barbed wire for free in or near Topeka, let us know!
