How to Make the Most Money from Aluminium Cans - YOU'LL BE SHOCKED!!

[@markmccoy8304]

Hi Matt, I used to make aluminum beer and beverage cans for a living. I haven't read all of the comments so maybe someone has already mentioned this. The body of the can (inside and outside) has a coating from the mill, The top of the can (inside and outside) has a coating from the mill and also has a rubberized compound sprayed onto the surface where it is sealed onto the body, The coating thickness varies, Soda pop cans have a thicker coating than beer cans. The coating can be coloured to suit the customers requirements, which is why some cans have coloured tops. The clear Tab (Ring Pull) typically does NOT have any coating, but the coloured tabs are coated. This is why the clear tabs get a higher price. Best bang for the buck would be to remove the clear tabs and melt the rest into ingots.

[@preettygoood7774]

Can the coating and rubberized compound be cheaply removed, either mechanically or chemically? If so, how so?

[@markmccoy8304]

@@preettygoood7774 I don’t know if there are any mechanical or chemical methods but melting it removes all impurities.

[@geradkavanagh8240]

Saw an interesting video where a beverage can (full with lid popped) was immersed in acid for 24 hours. Came out with no metal and the liquid enclosed in the internal coating.

[@pamthevan7340]

@@geradkavanagh8240 Sodium Hydroxide - AKA Drain cleaner. Believe it or not you can buy it from most DIY places and plenty of larger supermarkets too.

[@dannydoj]

Here in Western Australia and in most parts of the country, we are subsidised 10c for each beverage container including aluminium cans. The bit about tabs is the most interesting for me given that remuneration would be an extra for those. Thanks Mad Matt!

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Daniel I was horrified at getting only 5p a kg, I had to see how much I could get out of a kilo. I wish we were subsidised over here. I have an idea about the silver tabs turning them into more money. Once I've done a few experiments and worked out the facts and figures I'm hoping to make a video about it. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated.

[@geradkavanagh8240]

Same in Queensland, I used to collect, crush and bag cans to take to scrap metal dealer 200km away( helped pay petrol costs.) Once the 10cent per can and a local drop off point came into effect, I no longer have to deal with how to get 100 to 200 kg of crushed cans down to the coast and now getting 10 times amount of money in the process.

[@kentklapstein9879]

In British Columbia, Canada we pay up front 10cents per can. That is paid back if you bring the empty cans back to a depot. The refund is worth far more than the metal.

[@robertdimarcantonio3580]

Bloody Well Done. I moved bales of paper to a recycler Made a friend in Chicago ,Dared me to Scrap for 6 months. Best bet did it for 7 years might start back up. Learning all the time in Buisneeses. Good luck 👍. Keep.up.the Good Work.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Robert obviously just reading your second comment now. If you want me to try anything or ask questions at these mills 'IF' they give me access, just drop me a comment or email. Prices are on the up. I think I did a video about copper prices. I think it was something like Copper to we Buy, Hold or Sell. That will explain the surge in prices expected. Aluminium is also one to watch out for. I believe the reason for the slow increase in price is that manufacturers are using it instead of more expensive metals. I'll hopefully find out more when I visit the mills. Best wishes, Matt.

[@WilliamHaslam-ym1pf]

Great idea!!! I am a teacher that has mostly low income students. If we work collectively like ants, this a great idea to help pay for our freshman class trip. Thank you for sharing

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Hi William, get them working like ants on the cans, but also don't forget ANY METAL has a price when weighed. Get them to pick up any metal, ask their neighbours for metal. Also any old electronics. Copper in the cables, brass in the plugs. If someone is having their bathroom renovated, take the taps off the bath and sink, the old shower is brass as well. Gas boilers. Any metal, just get them bringing it in and as I said any electronics. I'd be really interested how you get on. Hope you'll let me know. Once my health gets a little better I'll record a video on how much I got paid for my cans. Hopefully it won't be too long. I'd love you to stay in contact and keep me updated. Say Hi to all your pupils who are involved, from me. Best wishes Matt. P.S. can you let me know what part of the world you are based as well pleased. Many thanks.

[@user-kh7kk3ww3c]

Just found this video 3 years after it was posted and am amazed. Very educational and the ring pulls, well I checked on ebay and was pleasantly surprised.

[@buentaste]

Better late than never 😊

[@wisewoman7906]

When I saw "aluminium" I knew it would be from a European viewpoint; and then I heard your speech and I knew. :) Very cool. Here in the States, you need a large box truck full of cans (thousands) to make it worth even taking it to the collection site. I just give my empties to a neighbor who doesn't mind doing all that work.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

My Welsh accent gave it away. I hope my accent isn't too strong. I've had many people from all over the world comment or email. Parts of Australia have a subsidy from the Government to make it worth their while. Canada runs the same deposit scheme as some states in the U.S. We get a pitiful 5p per kg. What originally started out as a video, how to get the most from a kg of soda cans, has now taken quite a big leap. I don't know whether you have seen people making Aluminum (I hope I spelt that the correct North American way) ingots? I found out last week that there are many different types of Aluminum. As Aluminum is an alloy they could, for example, add more tin and zinc to one mix, maybe more tin less zinc to another. People who melt these ingots are using different types of Aluminum making it difficult for analysts to even put a price on them, they probably are almost worthless. After lockdown has finished here in Wales (England, Scotland and Northern Ireland all have their separate rules for lockdown) I am hoping to visit an Aluminum Mill where I will hopefully be allowed to video and interview one of the Directors. There seems to be a big blank in peoples knowledge of what happens to the scrap after you drop it off at the yard and where it goes, what happens to it, how do they separate the materials and how do they resmelt it. Fingers crossed they will allow me in and not only will I get my answers but hopefully whoever watches the video will get their questions answered. I've written an essay, almost a book in response to your comment...lol. Many thanks for your comment, I appreciate it very much. Stay safe. Matt.

[@criticallook5162]

You haven't factored in your labor. That in itself will land you in the poor house. :

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

I understand where you are coming from. Perhaps look at it another way, if you were to watch a football match or film, you could sort your cans out while you're watching the TV, or you could watch the TV and not do anything resulting in no money at all. As you say if you factor in the labour costs and you were doing this day in day out then yes you would end up not only in the poor house but on the streets. Scrapping is a full time job for quite alot of people, but to me it's just a hobby. I enjoy taking things apart trying to work out how they work. I do it more for the enjoyment than financial gain. Many thanks for another interesting comment. Matt.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Hi Critical Look. I just released a new video. Copper Do we Buy, Sell or Hold. Please be aware I had another mini stroke not many days before recording, that's why I'm a bit out of it in the video, plus I've got to take one more tablet to try and control my symptoms so it makes me a bit spaced out. I'd be interested in your views, if you watch it from start to finish. I mention it to you as your comments have made me think alot and you are honest and straight to the point with your comments which I like.. Best wishes, Matt.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Hello again. I recently found out alot of information regarding aluminium (Aluminum). I'm hoping after this lockdown to visit an Aluminium Mill and maybe other metal mills as time goes by. With the different types of Aluminium if they are melted into an ingot that puts a big question mark over how much they are worth as different types of aluminium have been used to make that ingot. Fingers crossed one of these mills will allow me in and we can all have the answers we have been looking for, plus an even more insightful look into the understanding of this metal. Hope you are safe and well. Missing your Critical Look on my latest Copper videos!!! Speak soon. Matt.

[@MGZig]

👍👍

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@MGZig Thank you. Stay safe. Matt.

[@robk1310]

Where I live, there’s a 5 cent deposit on aluminum cans and glass and plastic bottles, when you purchase beer, soda, etc. When you return your cans and bottles to the redemption center, you get your 5 cents back. So here, you can collect bottles and cans and turn them in for 5 cents each. But we do remove the ring pulls on cans for aluminum scrapping.

[@samboheena]

i would never consider working on a can so much. wow. why do you spend the time to shred up the can? we're getting 50c per pound (about $1.10 per kg) in texas

[@michaelsherk7313]

I’ve only started collecting and have been using a can opener sideways to pop the top since the top and body are made from two different alloys. I never realized there was such a market for the ring pulls! Thanks much for the info!! Nice work! Also, I think it might be Canada Dry that has a green ring pull.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Michael if they are green you'll definitely get a good price for them on Ebay. with the silver ring pulls I might have an idea how to make them different colours. When I've got everything together I'll make a video. If it works then we are all going to benefit, if it doesn't you can all have a good laugh at my expense. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@nightscrapperuk13]

Hi matt liked and subscribed to your channel. I myself collect aluminium cans .I also collect the ring pulls .but I never thought of cutting the top and bottoms of so it's clean aluminium. from now on ill be following your method. What a great video and very informative m8 👍

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Hey buddy, been thinking of you after watching your videos. I;m not fully up to date, but i'm getting there. Any chance you can email me when you've got time? [e-mail]

[@irishgoldstacker8018]

I sighed with you Matt when you said "5 pence per kilo". But that is some clever working out with the top and bottom of the cans. I never thought of that.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Cycle Scrapping thanks for your comment, Ian pointed out my mistake with my maths, but as you will see in the next video I've made sure that has been corrected

[@thatolddragon5560]

This would be a perfect job for a person with an OCD disorder! who in their right mind would have or take the time out of their day to cut aluminum cans into strips?

[@RndomFX]

in the U.S. we get .10/can deposit to return it. which equals $6.70 / 67 cans or per kg. you can however remove the tabs and sell those separately for the ebay money. you can also theoretically remove the tops and the bottoms as the automatic returns just scan the bar code which is on the outside of the can. so, you would get the money for the tabs, the metal from the tops and the bottoms and still the .10/can deposit.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Bob, it's fascinating how every country works it differently. Both the US and Canada are subsidised. They did try one of those scanners in a supermarket in the UK years ago, but unfortunately some people found a way round of getting multiple amounts for a can so they stopped it. Really appreciate your comment, fascinating.

[@jeffflanagan2814]

Where?

[@davidbohrer5052]

Exemplary analysis my friend. just a thought if I may, where I live on the west coast of The United States, small companies that used to buy aluminum have gone out of business. This however does not affect the larger regional recycling companies. Aluminum still has value. Because local communities offer no way to sell ones aluminum cans, it occurs an entrepreneur could buy quantity of cans from locals, perhaps even paying a small bit more, 6 or 7 pence for example, and process the cans with a small crew and actually realize an economic profit. fun to think about anyways. I look forward to more of your videos. Thank you.

[@ramblingman8992]

The scrapyard i use in my part of the UK pays the same per kilo for ali cans as it does for cast or extruded. In other words, they pay the same top price regardless. It is always worth calling a few yards to check.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

I'm lucky with my yard they pay different prices for different aluminium. Clean, extruded etc. I know some people just get one flat rate. Also I only have one scrapyard in my area and they are fair and give good prices so I am lucky. As you say, in other areas it is best to shop around for the best prices. Thanks for your comment.

[@philldownes8685]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 no your not lucky, the price is normally the same . you dont need to go cutting them up. the price is already the same as other aliminum. . 60 p per kilo ... at 5p you just got ripped to bits..

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@philldownes8685 Phill I'll reply fully in one of your other comments. Thanks. Matt.

[@ronheydon117]

Thanks for the price break down. Always wondered what the price would be across the pond. In the USA some states strongly request that you recycle certain used up material, ie; metal cans, cardboard, plastic, etc. In Iowa, we pay .05 cents per container of pop, beer, etc. We can buy boxes and bags at our redemption centers, for sorting the empty metal cans/ plastic bottles. Bags are marked for 240 cans, earns you $12 dollars for the bag. About 90 1/2 litre bottles will fit in the bag, and about 45 full size litre bottles will fit. i read that the tops are worth more money, cause they are all dense metal. i have thought about melting down the metal cans that i don't get enough money for, then sell it to a local business who uses the metal for their end product. Have you thought about melting down the metal cans ?

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Ron I've had many subscribers from the U.S. saying about deposits on cans, but not in so much depth and detail. Thank you, that has brought real clarity. With melting down the cans or any metal into ingots, I would say, wait until I film a video that I am trying to get permission for at the moment. I recently found out there are many different types of Aluminium (Aluminum). when people melt them into ingots they are mixing these different types of Aluminium. This makes them worth not alot of money. I am hoping to visit an Aluminium Mill soon, (if they allow me in) and I would like to fill in the big blank from what happens to our scrap when it is dropped off at the yard, where does it go, how is it separated, and remelted into the final product. Some Aluminium could have more tin content or zinc or both. If they allow me in to video and interview, that will answer my questions and many peoples questions as well. I would like to visit other metal mills as well to understand the process there. Fingers crossed they'll allow me to interview them. Many thanks for your highly informative comment. Much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@jamesshupe1248]

What a breath of fresh Air to watch your video. Thank You, God Bless and stay safe! Now I need to work it all out in U.S. and find where I can sell all of the parts. Sure makes me appreciate my Brothers (and Sisters) in other Countries. Your Wonderful! Thanks!

[@AJPsWorkshop]

wow this video just got re recommended to me by youtube iv all ready watched it mate this video is taking off great job 👍 how are you

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

I have no idea why it's taken off so much. I'll email you later.

[@thesusboomerroblox6516]

My 150 sheet paper shredder will finally be worth buying I had it for a year and not used it to much Edit I had an empty can I put it in the shredder it shred the thicc part to

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

That's one heck of a powerful machine you've got there. One subscriber suggested I soak the cans in Acetone, use wire wool to get the remaining paint off and the whole can would be clean ally. I haven't looked into the chemical properties of Acetone yet. Powdered Citric Acid is amazing stuff. I used it to get all the rust off old vintage tools when I was renovating them. I could use that and use wire wool to get the remainder of the paint off. What started as a video that I originally made because I got a pitiful 5p kg and I wanted to see the maximum I could get out of kg of cans, has turned out to be fascinating. USA different states pay different amounts per can, the same in Canada, Australia they have some sort of subsidy in place, while the UK we get a pitiful amount. Many thanks for your comment. I'll be looking up the price of 150 sheet paper shredders now..lol. Your feed back is much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt,

[@ramblingman8992]

Ali cans have a food safe lining, so it is not just the paint that is the issue.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@ramblingman8992 I'm going to try an experiment soon that should take the ink and food safe lining off at the same time. I'll also take the can down the yard and see what they class the top and bottom as and then the middle section. I'm expecting some kind of rolled ally for the middle. We'll see what they say. I'll make a video once I've got it sorted and it'll be interesting to see what they say. Thanks again for your comment. Stay safe. Matt.

[@chrisblanks1906]

Great video price in the us is somewhat different up to $0.68 to $0.31 usd per pound of weight a whole can useparated

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Chris, after receiving a pitiful 5p per kg, I had to see how much I could possibly get from a kg of cans. I just scrap for a hobby. I go through times where I might cut and collect a 1000 cans then not touch any for months. If anybody decides to do it, they can now make a more informed choice. However you look at it, if you decide to cut and collect it's a long term project. However in these times of survival any money is better than none. Many thanks for your comment. Thanks for letting me know.

[@mbburry4759]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 unless you just enjoy cutting them up like that - you might want to see if theres a better place to sell to. Aluminum is essentially a world wide price and it is around 1$ usd per lb at the time (with scrappers at a good yard getting 3/4 to 2/3 of market price)

[@codyjarvis3426]

My father inlaw needs to move . He has a huge pile of cans in the barn . I'm trying to figure out what's the best fastest way to flatten them out to take to sell ? I'm thinking shoveling them on to a tarp. Fold the tarp over , throw a piece of plywood or somthing over them then drive the truck over them ? Any suggestions, we need to save time because we have alot to move plus these cans ! Thanks

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Cody, apologies for the late reply. The reason for the delay is, i've been thinking each day of how you could crush all these cans quickly. I've thought of laying your tarp on top of the cans and criss crossing driving your truck all over them. An 8" x 4"ft plyboard on top of the tarp, but then you risk the plyboard snapping and damaging the underneath of your truck. All i can think of is wrap each load of cans in the tarp, cut your plyboard to 2ft wide and maybe with the 8ft lengths connect them with wood. Drill screws into the top of the plyboard and attach them with wide pieces of wood underneath to hold the plyboard together, then you will have a run of 16ft. Aim for the outer side driving forward and then the inner side reversing. You'll probably have cans being forced to the edges, but that is nothing to the bulk you will be crushing. I'd be interested to hear how you get on, plus the price that you get for the cans in your area/country. I hope that helps. Best wishes, Matt.

[@orangetruckman]

Just a thought on being more efficient. Instead of cutting up the cans and own a bench grinder with a wire wheel on it, wire wheel the cans clean from the paint. Save yourself lots of time in my opinion 🤷🏼‍♂️ and possibly reduce cut up hands. Remember to wear a respirator mask going this route! Way to think outside of the box sir 👍🏻

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Thanks for your comment orangetruckman. One subscriber suggested soaking them in Acetone then using wire wool to get the ink off. I haven't looked into the chemical properties of Acetone yet. Another possibility, apart from what you suggested, is citric acid (basically lemon juice). I used the powder form (food grade) to clean the rust off vintage tools I used to collect. Amazing stuff. As you say the whole can would be clean ally then. I would have to weigh up the price of the citric acid and whether it is worth it. I'm only a hobby scrapper and hobby You Tuber, but it's interesting just to tinker now and again. Also if it works then other people benefit. Another idea a subscriber suggested about the pull rings was to use the electric process for colouring them. I might start off with spray primer paint then colour paint and see what happens. It's all good fun at the end of the day. Certainly passes the time with this lockdown. I don't know where you live but we've been in lockdown since before Christmas. Only allowed to buy food, petrol and travel within a 5 mile radius. Again many thanks for taking the time to comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@newsdaily101]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 hello good videos mate keep it up are you say ing if you clean the ink off the cans it will go into clean aluminium pile about £350ish a ton

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@newsdaily101 It SHOULD. What I am going to do is clean a few, take them down to my local scrap yard office and see what they say. They are pretty good and fair with their pricing. Rather than doing a 1000 then being told the middle is flat rolled Aluminium or something I'd rather see what they say. I'll do a video on it and we'll see what they say. I haven't had prices for a while. The last price for clean aluminium was £570 a tonne. Watch this space as they say. If I don't try then we won't know. All good fun. Many thanks for your comment and subscribing. Much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@newsdaily101]

Hello again if the middle is rolled ally I tryed to find price for rolled alloy but can't see it lol (67 cans normal 5p) (67 cans top and bottom and middle 14p) (67 cans top bottom clean middle no paint if rolled ally.........)

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@newsdaily101 Thanks for that Joe. I think I'm going to clean a few cans free of any ink, then I'll take them to my local scrapyard and see what they say about tops and bottoms, rolled Ally or if the whole can crushed counts as clean Ally. That will be another question cleared up for all of us. Don't forget some scrapyards just give one price for aluminium, others give prices for clean, dirty, extruded and so on. When I find out I'll make a video. Take care. Speak soon. Matt.

[@douglasfuqua7082]

Matt, VERY interesting...proves the old adage "know your market(s)"...and your options. Definitely food for thought !!! Thank you. Doug (USA)

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Doug, after getting a pitiful 5p a kg I had to see the maximum I could get. It also gives the viewer a more informed choice of whether to cut & collect or not to bother. It's a very, very long project if anyone chooses to do so. There are many people out there who want big money NOW. If they thought of themselves as Guerrilla investors. A little bit from here, there, many places it soon adds up. Then they have the option to invest in things that might bring more profit more quickly, but keep plugging away at their bread and butter. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@douglasfuqua7082]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 Matt, in reading your answer, they were my thoughts exactly. If people saw it as giving away their hard-earned cash to other people (passers-by), who worked for none of it, perhaps they would think twice about their methodology. Wisdom and KNOWLEDGE, and just a touch of patience and TIMING begets wealth, not impulse and impatience. All that you explained, I DID when I lived in Texas. Now retired and settled in Florida, I will ONCE AGAIN practice what you recommend...why settle for pennies (pence), when one can garner REAL money, with but a little time and patience. LOVE your site...keep it coming... I'm all ears. Great work !!! Doug, Florida, USA

[@shaukathameen2808]

that's a lot of research👌

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Shaukath, after jus getting a pitiful 5p a kg my overly curious mind just had to delve a bit deeper, to see exactly how much I could possibly get for a kg of aluminium cans. It's all interesting at the end of the day. It also gives viewers a more informed choice of whether they want to collect, or not, cans. Thanks for your comment. Much appreciated.

[@Nomad-Rogers]

If you in vest in a furnace and melt them in to blocks you would GRT clean aluminum from self made ingots.

[@bcubed72]

Cast aluminum pays worse than cans, so I don't know why you'd do that, if money were your motivation.

[@slapdashdumper]

Slight problem - if you have a tonne of cans and get a certain price that's one thing but if you start cutting the cans into variably priced parts then you can't price the shred and tops and ringpulls into seperate tonnes as you only had the one tonne to start with , so in creating 1 tonne of shred and 1 tonne of top/bottoms and 1 tonne of ringpulls how many cans in total do you need ? ------loaves and fishes bauy and I cannot be arsed to work it out ...............................but I did learn something so cheers for that.

[@ToeCutter454]

when we built our forge we took the few bags of cans we had and melted them down into ingots, we had about 56 cans to a 14 ounce ingot of clean aluminum after scraping all the slag away. but we also have a mill and other tools so it's cheaper still since we can use those ingots to machine parts out of!

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

I released a video a couple of days ago why Aluminium/Aluminum Ingots are worthless. If you have time maybe check it out. I was surprised by some of the things that came out of my research. Thanks. Matt.

[@jamesnoord3034]

that is my plan for my cans and other aluminum scrap

[@Man-in-da-shed]

Matt. Micro scrapping at its best, however didn’t follow your math on the ring pull, you get approx £3.20 per thousand or .03p each, if you have 67 it’s 2p. Not 52p. or have got it wrong.

[@marksample6230]

Many states in the US you get a redemption value that is paid at the register as a tax. If they are beverage cans you get that value at the recycler. I just went and CRV was 1.65 a pound .

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Mark, it's been fascinating the comments i've had from different countries. The US and Canada are both subsidised for the cans. Shame we aren't in the UK. I'm sure you can understand why I made the video after receiving a pitiful 5p a kg. Years ago it was £1.50 kg, that's about $1.95. At least it gives people in non subsidised countries a more informed choice. Many thanks for your comment, fascinating and much appreciated. Matt.

[@geoffreylohff3876]

Not all aluminum cans. For instance, Monster drinks do not have a deposit (in Iowa, USA). So they are treated as scrap aluminum.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@geoffreylohff3876 Geoffrey, if they haven't got a deposit, you've got me intrigued now. what colour are the ring pulls!!! That's where the easy money is. Thanks for commenting. Stay safe. Matt.

[@geoffreylohff3876]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 Looking at one right now. The pulls are the "round" tabs in silver, but the top side is painted black with a little monster M on it. If you're selling them to the craft people, the black could be useful.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@geoffreylohff3876 The Black colour is a god colour to keep hold of to sell. Other colours are Red & Orange.

[@BobJohnson-tq5vm]

Doing one can every two minutes on average, It would take you approximately 93 days to do 67,000 cans, only if you worked non stop, 24 hours a day , with zero breaks to eat, sleep, or bathroom breaks! If you’d break it down to what you would earn, you’d pocket somewhere around a cool £ 0.19 an hour for 2,233 hours.

[@mitchelllyons3002]

Thank you very much for the price break down!

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Mitchell thanks for the comment. I found out last week that there are many different types of Aluminium. People who melt aluminium (Aluminum) ingots are mixing different types of aluminium, this makes them worth not alot of money, because they've mixed the aluminium the analysts cannot put a price on them. I'm hoping to visit an Aluminium Mill in the next few weeks, so we can see what happens to our aluminium once we drop it off at the scrap yard, where it goes, how it is separated, then smelted into different types. Some have more tin, or zinc, some have more tin and zinc. It just seems a big blank in our understanding of the whole process. If i'm able to I'm hoping to visit other types of metal mills, so it not only answers my questions but alot of peoples questions. Once again, many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@crowznest438]

While I'm more interested in melting and recasting than selling the metal, WOW!, am I impressed by the details here, and in the comments.

[@linda-taylorwest4435]

GOOD EVENING THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND TIPS SOLD MY CANS SAVED FO 6 MONTHS $416.15. THANK YOU FOR REMINDING TO SAVE MY TABS ON THE CANS. CONNECTING CANS SINCE 2013 RETIRED NOW WALKING MY DOG AND PICKING UP MY CANS I LOVE IT. ENJOY YOUR EVENING AND WEEKEND BLESSINGS TAKE CARE BE SAFE I LOVE YOUR VIDEO.

[@pamthevan7340]

Some 45 years ago my grandmother used to have us collect the ring pulls which she then sent to a charity. That was in the day when they came all the way off.

[@alanadale1945]

Dear Matt - obviously you let yr mind run along wherever it likes to go. Kudos, that is a rare talent and so rare as to be priceless. Thank you very much for being willing to share that attitude. Great things can come out of garages. Way I see it you just gave base knowledge to a lot of people who maybe could use it well.Thank you for that also. Opened My eyes. Never look at a pull-tab the same again :) By the way, your humble and very clear presentation is a pleasure to hear. Enjoyed the clip. Will look for others on account of I like yr approach to life,er, philosophy

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Dear Alan, I do let my mind run wherever it wants to go. I'm the sort of person that if I haven't got the full answer I have to research and ask questions until I get the full answer. Unlike other scrappers who just quickly take things apart, I like to take things apart but try and work out how they work. I'm not that bothered about the financial gain, it's more the knowledge. Also breaking things down as I did in this video. To some people it may be boring, exhaustive treatment of what i am talking about, but as you said, I made the video just to show people how to maximise their profit, if they have the patience. In life, i'm very laid back. I learnt many, many years ago to adopt my way of thinking. it gives a person a happier life not getting stressed or worked up about anything. If problems arise I look at it as a puzzle and think there's always an answer, which there is. As regards being humble, at the end of the day, we all have 2 legs, 2 arms, eat and drink the same, go to toilet the same, so just accept things for what they are. Makes life far easier. Saying that I did get a little wound up in one of my latest videos, Copper, Do we Buy, Hold or Sell. Goodness I feel as if I've written an essay or book to you. Alan many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@lynnolson4415]

Wow. Great info. Digging cans out of the trash can

[@kb-lb4fu]

That was very interesting... I am going to try it out since I am OCD also...make it a hobby!! Thanks for the breakdown...

[@krazykillar4794]

If you melt it all down and sell it as pure aluminum will you get more for it ?

[@aniceguy9876]

in Australia they raised the price of all aluminium cans by 15 cents each and opened recycle centres that pay 10 cents per can or glass plastic bottle... so once per month 3 of us load up the car and sell 35 to 55 $ worth and go to lunch at the club... obviously people walk the streets and raid rubbish bins for the cans and bottles so at least we have more recycling. years ago we would separate out our glass and cns into the recycle bin, but depending upon their logistics those trucks sometimes just dumped the pure recycle into the main waste dump...

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

So that is how it works in Australia. I've had alot of comments from Australia saying they receive 10 cents per can. I didn't know about the glass bottles. That's an excellent incentive. Some other subscribers from Australia said that only certain parts of the country receive the 10 cents? It's very similar to parts of USA. Some states give a similar amount per can, then other states don't pay anything. Canada has a deposit scheme on cans and glass alcohol bottles as well. Subscribers in Switzerland and Germany said it's illegal to scrap in their countries, everything is taken away by their local authority. Germany pays money per can with the deposit scheme as well. In the UK they have pushed hard for as much to be recycled as possible. We have a bin for bottles, a bag for paper, a bag for cardboard and another bag for plastics, foil, orange juice cartons and a couple more things. It's time consuming but they collect bin bags every 2 weeks. If they see any items in there that should be recycled they leave the bag and a note saying why they won't take the bags. As the cans are in small bags I could easily collect 20,000 cans in a week. Imagine that if you had 20,000 cans per week at 10 cents a can!!! What do I get for a kg (2.2lb) 67 cans? A pitiful 5 pence. I think that is about 2.5 cents in your currency. Many thanks for watching the video and commenting, both are very much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@aniceguy9876]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 you cannot sell refund on plastic milk bottles, nor wine bottles, nor aerosol cans but almost everything else earns ten cents ...

[@bobsunkees3392]

Thank you for the info on I have been just selling them and plastic bottles never realize you could cut them up and make more money that's like triple the amount.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

It's definitely a long term project. I just keep the off cuts in compost bags and forget about them. Good thing as well aluminium doesn't rust. Gradually they'll build up to a hefty amount. It's just patience and thinking every part you put in a bag you are making a deposit in your bank. The other thing I'm looking into are the ring pulls. There are thousands of the silver ones but not many of the coloured. I am currently working on something that i am hoping will solve that problem. Many thanks for your comment.

[@bobsunkees3392]

I save the can's until the price is up then sale the same thing with plastic bottles however I crushed them the last time I had five 55gallon bags full I wish that the economy would pick up.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@bobsunkees3392 Bob we all feel the same. If you type in Mining.com they give alot of up to date information about the whole state of the metal market. Aluminium is one of the metals that they believe is set to go up in value. Their copper predictions for 22/23 and the next 15 years is incredible, mostly because of electric cars. Check it out and see if you can find the site. Thanks again for your comment. Matt.

[@jonglewongle3438]

@@bobsunkees3392 By cutting up what is the same material you only succeed in rendering the aluminium impossible for the scrapyards to efficiently bale for efficient transport. The bases and tops are only " worth more " than the bodies because they are more condensed, but the scrapyards pay the same weight rate for exactly the same material be it thinner or slightly more condensed.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@jonglewongle3438 I found out last week about the different types of aluminium. I've done some research after reading your comment, and others. I'm hoping after lockdown to visit an Aluminium Mill, so we understand where our scrap goes from the scrapyard, where it ends up and how it is recycled into a useable form. It would be interesting to visit other metal mills as well. I just think it's a huge blank that is missing in our understanding of the process. If you have got any spare time to reply I'd be very interested to hear your point of view on the subject. Many thanks. Stay safe. Matt.

[@michaelrollo6518]

what is the amount in american money? Ican figure out the pound is = to 2.00 in u.s.a. but the quid and other calculations are a bit fuzzy so if some thing $420 is it 840 dollars?

[@chaddarr4834]

New subscriber from Tuscaloosa Alabama-USA. I own a heating and air company but I worked for Scrapyard while I was going to school and you’re right what you said to somebody Most scrap yards take different things and they classify them different.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Chad thank you for subscribing and welcome to the party, sort of anyway. The comments i've received from different parts of the world and the UK have been fascinating. Some scrap yards keep it simple then others have a vast array of categories you have to put your scrap into. I've now learnt from being on You Tube that the comments are so flipping interesting. People's knowledge, asking questions, sharing tips and tricks. I've been fascinated. Many thanks for your comment & subscribing, both are much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@rcklarue]

I live in New York and for me cans are worth .06 cents each which means you get $6.00 USD per 100 cans. You pay a deposit when you buy any soda in a can or bottle. within the state of New York, and they return it back to you when you recycle it. I live less than 5 minutes from another state that doesn't charge that deposit and we do all our shopping in that state and then return the cans or bottles to New York.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

$6.00 per 100 cans compared to 5p for 67 cans here in the UK!!! That's brilliant that you can go over to the other state and redeem the money in your state, keep going. With the comments from USA it's surprising how each state differs with the amount they pay. Wish they paid that much over here. Many thanks for your comment and subscribing, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@KosstAmojan]

Unfortunately, these "bottle laws" only exist in a handful of states. In most of the US, you will only get scrap price which is around 30 cents per pound or 65-70 per kilo. Still better than 5, I guess.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@KosstAmojan Hi Koost Amojan. For me living in the UK America is such a vast country, it's been so interesting the comments people have left. Different parts of the US have different ways of paying, or not, Canada has the deposit scheme, parts of Australia have a subsidy in place. Here in the UK we have nothing...sigh, apart from a pitiful 5p a kg. Many thanks for taking the time to comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@maxguod]

IDK , what part of over 50 yrs you seen . Deposit was enacted in 1983 . 5 cents . Hasn't changed . Current stores and redemtion centers get 3.5 cents for handling and still is - this state (suxwithcoumo) . So dont mislead the guy .

[@ruthsmith6920]

Thank you sir. I learned alot, thank you for sharing it with us. God bless you and yours.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Thank you. It was one of my early videos and yes i did talk alot. In all my videos I talk alot. KZbin say to keep a video to 10 minutes. That's impossible for me as not only do I talk alot but I like to know the history of metals where and how things came about. I've got no engineering or mechanical experience and it fascinates me how these things are put together and work. Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, both are much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@alyssacatanese7222]

I have two one ton feed sacks full of cans ,I would be there all year

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Alyssa I totally understand what you mean. I made the video because I just couldn't believe I got a pitiful 5p a kg. I had to see how much was possible to get, financially, out of a can. It just gives viewers a more informed choice. Definitely a slow, long term project if anyone decided to do it. The pull tabs are where the easy money is. One viewer suggested spraying the silver tabs with paint. I might give it a go for a video. My ever curious mind is often too curious for my own good. If I was able to spray the silver tabs with different colours then it would definitely be more worthwhile. People make jewellery, earrings, use them in knitting, crotchet all sorts, out of the tabs. Thanks for your comment, much appreciated.

[@bfg69bug]

It seems like a good thing to do while sitting watching tv in the evenings, especially for the increase in profits !

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@bfg69bug James you've hit the nail on the head. Yes it's a very, very long project if you were to start to cut and collect. Years probably, all depends how much you wish to make financially. Watching films or TV making a little money or watching films or TV making no money. At least people can make a more informed choice now. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@robertdimarcantonio3580]

Get Gaylord box. Weight it with pallet. Get 55 gallon barrels clean. Put in clea n aluminum in box fill it. 1000 lbs or more better price. Shred in barrels or.you.can box too

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@robertdimarcantonio3580 Robert thanks for your comment. I found out recently that with all the different types of aluminium (Aluminum) when people make these ingots they are mixing different types of aluminium, making the ingots worth not alot of money. I'm hoping to visit an Aluminium Mill in weeks to come, so they can answer alot of my questions and hopefully viewers questions as well. That's 'IF' they grant me access and an interview. I'd love to do it with other metal mills as well. We'll see how it goes. Many thanks for the tip and comment, very much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@teamSHTF]

Now, what if you took all your regular pull tabs and set up a cell and anodized them? I have no idea what that costs but if it were cheap you would be increasing the value of your scrap. Micro Scrapping is definitely a physical bank of sorts. You use the same to things I do, I talk to much and I get dead silent when I'm concentrating 🤣🤣 New sub by the way, you were recommended! Way to work the algorithm

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

I was thinking along the same lines as yourself. Maybe start off the easiest way, spraying with primer then a colour. If i try i'll make a video whether it's a success or failure. It's all good fun at the end of the day, tinkering with things. All subbed in return, I'm sure we'll speak again. Many thanks for your comment and sub. Much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@Yannis2022]

An empty coke can is 20gram meaning 50 cans per kg. In Sweden we get 0.64USD per kg casted to a bar and 0.092USD for each returned empty can. This means a loss of 3.96USD per kg when melting the cans to bars instead of just returning the cans.

[@SurinderChuni]

Please do we get better prices if we smelt them

[@JK-zl7vv]

Seems to me that for the price, it would be wise to make a die that can cut the center part of the can into pull shapes then a jig to bend them into shape to become a ring pull, that would pay 20 fold per can, so instead of making $1330 it would be $20,000 in profit.

[@talonleuco]

Cool video man, I dunno if the breakdown around here is as lucrative, but you've sure got me intrigued to find out.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

After receiving just 5p a kg I had to see if I could make more money. My OCD kicked in, but I was shocked myself. It's more of a long term investment if you were to cut & collect. However with the ring pulls and the different colours that's just easy money for nothing. I'd be interested to see if it turns out to make the same, more or less money in your area. Thanks for your comment.

[@jedgar7771]

Thats for the reply Matt, and your willingness for more info later. I hit reply to your note, but got directed back here, so if there are other readers, this follow up note might not make entire sense. In your note, I think you meant to state that the value of a pound was $1.40, but it showed the British pound symbal that I do not have on my KB. As for shreds, if you cut the 'middle' section once, after separating it from the top and bottom, then straighten it out, they would 'stack' up. You might find a container the right shape and size, or build one, and then keep a weight on them. I look forward to your additional info. Again, thanks jim Also, do they really spell aluminium that way in GB ? I have always noticed how Brits pronounce it different from us.

[@jacquesarseneault4254]

Very interesting,be well,from Montreal Canada.

[@janetbransdon3742]

We are lucky in Australia we have collection areas at supermarket outlets. We return our bottles and cans through a chute... it automatically totals how many we put through. It prints out a voucher with the money total received. We get 10 cents for EACH can or bottle. The voucher is cashed in at the supermarket. We can choose to take the money or have it deducted from our groceries.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Janet they tried that in the UK many years ago, they didn't pay as much as 10 cents. Unfortunately they either didn't build the machine properly where they did a trial run, but as usual a minority spoilt it for the majority. Somehow they found a way of cutting the cans and got more from one can than they should have. Needless to say the trial ended. It was such a shame as alot of people used it and they soon built up a fair amount that they put towards their Christmas shopping. The money was put on their supermarket loyalty card so they could cash it in anytime. A good idea but as I said the minority spoilt it for the majority. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@brentmccaig3192]

T'was very interesting. Thank you for the detailed explanation. I'm curious if the pulltabs are more valuable if I were to anodize them (ie: coloured by me, at home, rather than the manufacturer). Hmmm...

[@charleshodgdon6168]

How are you getting different prices for your colored scrap pieces?

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Charles the top and bottoms are considered clean ally, so you get a different price, because of the ink on the coloured middle that is treated as shred ally price. It's the same throughout the UK. One subscriber said to soak them in Acetone then wire wool the remainder ink off, but i don't know the chemical properties as yet. Citric acid, the powder form is brilliant for the same use. I used to clean my collection of vintage tools up with it. Amazing for rust. Once all the ink is off i would get clean aluminum prices then. Alot of work though. All scrap yards give different prices for all sorts of metal. Something that is shred in one yard is considered something else in another yard. It can get confusing, I have one yard near me and they are fair and good with payment, so I can't complain. Many thanks for your comment. Much appreciated. I hope I have answered your queston as best I could. Stay safe. Matt.

[@philldownes8685]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 thats total rubbish.. the place you go to rips you off big time

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@philldownes8685 I'll reply in your third comment. Thanks. Matt.

[@lincpink]

In sweden we get 1.00 SEK per can. So 67 cans is 5,45 pounds today in sweden. Big diffrent. So fore one ton we get 54 468,90 pounds today in sweden. Thanks!

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Alex, you've made me very jealous with your comment. Prices over here are still pitiful for alot of metals. Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Both are much appreciated. Take care. Matt.

[@timpousson6977]

Question from the US. do you put all the shreded soda and beer cans together or do you keep separate when you sell them.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

I keep the shredded soda and beer cans in one bag, then the clean aluminium tops and bottoms in another bag or box. The silver tops and bottoms of the soda cans and beer cans would be considered clean aluminium where I live, then the shredded parts I will get a much lower price. Hope that answers your question. Many thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Very much appreciated. Matt.

[@AliMackMechanical]

Hey Matt how are you today I hope your well buddy. Crazy 5p for killo of cans. Watch your fingers with those sisers lol 😂 Hello good to see you lol.😂 So more money to break it down right get that. Yeah I think I have learned somthing today lol. But I still think I will stick to motors. Wee cans lol 😂😂 Matt you done it you made a great video mate. But your right about the stella cans.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Oh Ali I look forward to your comments so much. Actually they do bring a smile to my face. Cheers buddy.

[@duncanhorne962]

I think I will now be drinking Stella, as I got LOADS of Tops, bottoms, Ringpull's, not forgetting Shard's & crushed cans of Kronenberg beer can's all bagged up. I at least realised the differences between Top's n Bottom's etc. many thank's for the heads up, Matt. P/S. I was recommended to use a CERAMIC Cruicable Instead of the normal one. No doubt I will see. Thanks again. You're quite an Inspiration!👍

[@Erebus.666.]

Wow. If I lived in India this would "almost" be worth doing.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Ha..ha..I agree. I remember making this video and it was one of my first. I just couldn't believe I got 5p a kg. If people decide to cut and collect it's a very, very long term project. At least they can make a more informed choice whether to try or not. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@nicucristian6030]

That price is a bunch of bull. Just checked where i live, at a good big scrapyard, and it's 0.61 euros per killo. Stil not much bun not 5 pennys

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@nicucristian6030 Nicu I wish we could get that amount here in the UK. Nobody knows why they give so little for cans here. In the US they have a deposit scheme in quite alot of States, not all, and they get ALOT more than you or I get. Also Canada does the same deposit scheme and they get good prices as well. Parts of Australia have a subsidy scheme where they get 10 cents a can!!! It's not only cans that people in the UK get different prices for, some scrapyards just pay for certain metals and put them in, if I call them blocks or categories, which means yes it is simpler to trade your metals in but then other scrapyards have far more categories of metals and you can make far more money. I think it all comes down to who owns the scrapyard and whether they are purposefully ripping people off or perhaps they are a bigger scrapyard and can pay fairer prices. I loved your comment, i much prefer people to say it as it is. Many thanks not only for your comment, watching the video but taking the time to do both. Much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@nicucristian6030]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 maybe it has to do with the cost of labor to process the scrap metal, and the country taxes on buissineses. All the best, Matt

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@nicucristian6030 Nicu what ever the reason it's a pain in the backside. I don't like the feeling of getting ripped off. Unfortunately I only have one scrapyard locally otherwise I have to make a round trip of about 70 miles, that's alot in petrol. Good talking to you. Look after yourself.

[@mostlymoparih5682]

At 12:34 in the video you show top and bottom at 0.11 and the ring pulls almost 5 times as much a 0.52 but they when you go to 14:08 you show the top and bottoms at 200.00 and the ring pulls at 195.64 which is less than the the top and bottoms. Why the discrepancy?

[@christopherhouge5465]

The ring pulls aka tab's are also used for payment of treatment for children with cancer. For just one ring pull thay get one treatment

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Christopher I have been searching high and low for your comment. I have so many notifications and comments each day, it's so easy to lose comments and not be able to reply. My apologies. You have me intrigued about the treatment for children with cancer. I've kept all my ring pulls. If you have the time to let me know more, either a hospital or charity that I can send them to that would be amazing. I have ALOT of ring pulls and if they can pay for ne treatment for a child that to me is priceless. Hope you have the time to let me know more. Stay safe. Matt.

[@donoakley812]

I have can crusher on my garage wall I drink a beer pull off the tab from being 6in tall it's less three inches so I'm happy with that

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

As long as you're happy that's all that matters. The pulls rings are the easiest money. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@gregparman-sibley6277]

Strewth, over the years I have collected and crushed a few tons of cans. Never looked at it this way. Usually pick up a kilo over a 2.5 mile walk when going to catch the bus Heee heeee. Darn litter bugs tossing cans out the window Haaa haaaa they are all going into my bank account. Thanks for the info. What do I do with all the crushed ones I got right now? Maybe check the ring pulls and if ok separate them out, see if I can separate out the tops and bottoms. I'll let you know how it goes 😀 Quick addendum: Started taking the gold coloured rings off stella cans and noticed that Hatherwood Original bitter has exactly the same ring pulls. Its a Lidl brand-named beer.

[@DavidVallieres]

Great video. I like your style 👍🏽

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Cryptopolis many thanks for your comment. Much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@alan30189]

Why the price decrease where you live? Aluminum can prices are up where I live in the US. I think you got ripped off. You need to learn how to negotiate. First, have a large quantity to turn in. Maybe 200 pounds (or kilograms). Then ask your dealer what he pays for aluminum cans. If he tells you five pence, ask him how much he would pay for 200 pounds. Usually they’ll pay more for large quantities, because it’s more efficient for them. If not, go elsewhere and do the same thing. You can get these prices over the phone. And if you have a dealer that would pay you 20 pence per pound, for 200 pounds, see if the scrap yard closest to you will match that price. Don’t sell the tabs for their weight to a scrap yard. You can sell them for a greater price to people that want to use them for craft projects. It’s interesting how much more you can get for just the top and bottom, but I don’t know of any scrap yard that buys them that way and pays more, plus, I’m not going cut up each aluminum can. You’re risking cutting yourself, every time you do it, plus what’s the value of your time to do all that cutting??

[@FatChanceTheCouchDog]

You're scrapping the most valuable part of the can.... Those designs on the side of the can, people who want to make roofing tiles from aluminum cans need the entire sheet intact. No information available for pricing but it couldn't hurt. 500 cans is probably a minimum order need and that's probably about enough aluminum to fill a 12-can case. I haven't done the math so you'll have to guestimate around 10g per sheet, 5,000g or 5kg per order. You can get away with not protecting the sheets from each other in shipping but if you really want to make the effort, I recommend using tissue paper in between each sheet. Obviously that would increase the price of s&h though so Idk if its even worth the effort. Consider pricing the product offering at less than the price of aluminum sheeting normally used for roofing in the same manner but more than the scrap value of your local recycling yard. You'll have to calculate the value of your time into the pricing as well, taxes, and eBay's cut too. After all is said and done, the value of the product offering by surface area alone is now the value of the can for resale value (minus labor) for recycling value. The only reason anyone will want these can sidings is for crafting purposes. Outside of that these cans have only scrap value or smelted into ingots, machined into proper blocks and sold for machining projects. Id you don't have the time or machining equipment then this route isn't for you. The can sheets have to be perfect without any holes, folds or bends in them: NO BLEMISHES OR METAL FATIGUE. Edit: also you can just electroplate the tabs the color you want.

[@Nenezilla]

I watched one video of melting down cans, now here I am..... Great video, thank you!

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

You're very welcome to the party!!! I will be releasing another video about aluminium (Aluminum) in the next couple of weeks. I'll be talking about all the different types of aluminium plus melting ingots. People think the ingots are worth alot of money but in my video I'll explain why they aren't. I've got to get everything together first before I make the video. I was surprised. I think it'll sur[rise alot of people as well. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

I just released a video why melting aluminum/aluminium ingots are worthless. If you've got time maybe check it out. A number of things surprised me when researching the video. Matt.

[@Nenezilla]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 -- will do thank you! So sad, people want to make some extra money, yet doesn't seem feasable for just the average joe.

[@chaddarr4834]

Steel-.10c- #1 copper 2.90-cans.40c-clean aluminum.40c- yellow brass1.70

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Chad thanks for that. It's great to know the difference in prices around the world. Really appreciate the information. Thanks again.

[@Gubber81]

Will this work in the United States?

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

It should work, check out the prices with your local yard first.

[@doomracing5527]

What if you melt it down, remove the slag and pour ingots? That should make all #1 aluminum then at the top dollar?

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Unfortunately not. I thought exactly the same. I found out last week that there are different types of Aluminium (Aluminum). Some have more tin and zinc in the mix, less zinc, less tin etc. That means the people who are making these ingots are making mixed Aluminium ingots and no expert can put a real value on them. What I am hoping to do after lockdown, is visit an Aluminium Mill. I can then ask all the questions that have been bothering myself and other subscribers and we will finally get a full in depth explanation. I'm also hoping to visit other metal mills to do the same with them. Quite a few of them, their smelting works are abroad so I will have to settle for a verbal explanation. It just seems to be a big blank in our understanding of where our scrap goes from the scrapyard, where it ends up, how it is sorted and remelted. Hopefully I'll be able to make a video about it and we will all be much the wiser. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Doom Racing I just made a video Why DIY Aluminum Ingots are Worthless. Fascinating to research. If you have time to check it out, it explains everything. Thanks, Matt.

[@mycarolinaskies]

Just make art from cans and sell them for more than scrap. A wind catcher made from a few cans can be sold for $10-15us here in the states. Use cheap electric bench bandsaw to cut cans up if going that route. Saves huge amount of manual processing time.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

I've seen windcatchers, lanterns for tea lights, all sorts made out of them. My only worry is the aluminum is so sharp it would cut somebody using it and then all sorts of problems arise. There is a bit of a compensation culture in the UK, unfortunately. The bandsaw is a brilliant idea. I've got to get my garden cleared before my nephews arrive next week, so I'm in 2 minds whether to keep the cans or trade them in as is. It's my youngest nephew that is the overly curious, or should I say naughty one. If you say no he still goes ahead and does it. It'll be good to see them. I haven't seen them for 2 years because of Covid. I'll definitely try that out. Many thanks not only for the idea, but watching and taking the time to comment. All are much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@NathanielOutdoorAdventures]

Very interesting. Could you use an old paper cutter with the big blades to speed things up. I have seen the tabs used for ear rings here in Switzerland

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

After receiving 5p a kg, I had to see how much I could possibly get out of a can. It also gives people a more informed choice now of their decision regarding to collect or not to collect cans. I haven't heard of tabs for earrings before. I have heard people use them in knitting and crotchet work. If you are an artist I suppose it all depends on your imagination. Thanks for your comment.

[@preettygoood7774]

Can you bleach all the paint off? Would that be cost effective if you did it right?

[@Wilted_Brainz]

At the time of me writing this, alum cans are $0.62/lb USD. There are 2.2 lb per kilo. When this video was made, they were $0.32/lb USD. We donate the tabs for kidney dialysis time.

[@MrDBSV8]

how much if you process yourself into ingots

[@the.associate3552]

Where u getting the prices for the metal to sell

[@streetcopper1151]

I’m going to comment a second time .. seriously this was a very interesting video 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@newsdaily101]

Hello just a quick question have you asked the scrap yard if that works or has someone told you that. does it work and has it worked for you

[@doctorzoloft7587]

Did you say that the ring pulls are not aluminum but another metal??

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

No I didn't as I treated those as separate as that is the easiest and most money you can make from a can. From what I remember is it mostly magnesium? Please correct me if I am wrong. I have had an idea how to change the colours of the ring pulls. It'll take me a little time to construct what I have in mind. If it works then everybody benefits, if it doesn't then you can all have a laugh at my expense. Really interesting point you raise about the ring pulls being another metal. In the past couple of weeks I realised how many different types of Aluminium (aluminum) there are. When people melt aluminium ingots they are using different types of aluminium in the ingots which makes them worth not alot of money. I'm trying my best to gain access to an Aluminium Mill for an interview with one of the directors to answer alot of viewers questions.. I haven't fully researched aluminium as yet. I believe it was touched on by somebody in 1825 then another gentleman in 1827 when it was added to the periodic table. It's interesting that what some people call Nordic Gold is used to make 5, 10 & 50 cent euros. Then there are cans, ladders, extruded aluminium etc. It would be interesting to find out what mix of metals they use for each one. Trying to get an interview with this particular company is HARD & tedious but i'll persist. Fingers crossed they allow me access. I think it would prove a fascinating insight into Aluminium. Many thanks for your comment, very much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@andreasnewitsch59]

Very interesting and useful.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Thank you Andreas. Watch out in the coming months when hopefully i will be visiting different Metal Mills for them to explain the full process of what happens to our scrap when we drop it off at the scrapyard, where it goes, how it is sorted and how they resmelt it. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated, Stay safe. Matt.

[@americasfavoritehoarder]

I took 7 pounds of cans in to my recycling center in the USA today for .41 cents per pound.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

7 pounds works out roughly to be 3kg. That's better than here. Alot of comment from USA & Canada have said they pay a deposit on the cans when they buy them and get it back upon return. It varies State to state with price. Australia get some form of subsidy paid. Here in the UK, nothing...sigh. There have been alot of interesting comments how to increase the value as well. As we've been in lockdown since before Christmas and only allowed to travel a radius of 8km. I might video some of their suggestions. I think we can safely say my diary is free at the moment to try...lol. Many thanks for your comment and subscribing to my channel. Both are much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@tommymadux3646]

Ok did you want a cookie? Or did you just want to try a Bragg about your adventure to the recycling center?

[@americasfavoritehoarder]

@@tommymadux3646 Cookies are good!

[@garyjene9146]

At the time this video was put out, the approximate cost per lb of cans here in Canada would be about 15 pence for those in Britain or about 40 cents here.

[@jonglewongle3438]

Gold and silver in Stella Artois ring pulls ? That I was not aware of. You learn something new every day. They must be nuts. Why would they do that ? So that if you accumulate 67.000 Stella Artois ring pulls then that is worth 1330.00 pounds after trading and logistic expenses. Jeezers. And you then presumably have all the rest of the cans left over as aluminium scrap, as well. Anyway, there it is. Something to try for. Ground level - the Stella Artois in the UK would be one of those myriads of big tall liqour / beer can varieties prevalent in the UK, which, only by vague memory, are sort of predominantly greenish in color, but whatever it is, you keep an eye out for discarded Stella Artois aluminium cans.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Just from the ring pulls, yes you can make that amount of money. If there is a shortage on Ebay you can charge more and you have the rest of the ally can. They call Stella Artois, wife beaters lager here in the UK as quite alot of men turn nasty after drinking it.

[@jasoncharles8651]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 Damn, I quit drinking before I ever heard of Stella. I would have loved to try that out, for posterity of course.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@jasoncharles8651 I personally like Stella Artois, lovely and chilled but must be from a bottle not a can. It is often known as wife beaters drink here in the UK, as it turns many men into extremely violent rages. Not me thankfully. It's only 4.5% alcohol. I'm the same as you, I can't remember the last time I had a drink, it's tempting but I just have to say no. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. We'll both just have to admire these drinks from afar. Stay safe. Matt.

[@jasoncharles8651]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 Thanks for the response Matt, yes I think the Stella label and bottles are quite attractive, the style makes me want to order it, and drink it. I could do a study on this, being how it is a feminine name, the bottle is that also...hummm, interesting.

[@jamiehofeldt3926]

Thank you for taking the time So NOW I KNOW!!! I always wondered why different organizations always ask for schools, churches, clubs to save and turn in their Pull tabs from soda, and drink aluminum cans, I had no idea, I drink Monster Energy drinks all the time I have in the past kept an old coffee can and saved pull tabs, and I have used old pull tabs for an emergency Washer for a screw or bolt doing a home repair, and there are tons of videos about ways to use Pull tabs from fishing lures, to hanging pictures in your house, but the different colored ones being worth more money!!!!! WOW, SO my monster energy drinks have the black, orange, and green, and I am going to be dropping collection containers off at every location which will allow me to in order to try to get donated pull tabs and save up my collection then I will just drive my circuit around town and dump them all into a larger container to be sorted by size, color and such at a later time, preferably when I have a few little helpers to help me once I make sure they understand to be careful and I have small enough gloves for them to use to handle safely in order to make sure that some random tab doesn't have a sharp piece of can still attached, I wouldn't want any accidental injuries or Grandma will be after me for allowing the little helpers to get a boo boo lol. Thanks for taking the time to break this down I definitely enjoyed it. www.ebay.com/b/Colored-Soda-Tabs/3918/bn_7023251186 Another reason people may buy them are that some clubs, or groups especially for kids have prizes for the family or kid who donates the most and in America we have this new evolutionary female known as a "Karen" and she is the "May I speak to the Manager, my kid must win everything, coach why doesn't my jimmy get to start as pitcher (even though Jimmy can't get it over the plate) kind of lady" so they will buy pop tabs to turn in for their child in order for said child to feel special (more like MOM aka Karen) can feel special and accomplished for turning in the most!

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

You've got it off to a tee!!! I love how you say about Karen!!! There are so many Karen's the world over. The coloured pull rings, people use them in knitting, crotchet, jewellery, one subscriber said in Switzerland he's seen many women wearing them as earrings. The silver ones are just your bread and butter. I have a couple of ideas from subscribers how to possibly cover them in paint. I'll make a video about it and if it works then everybody can benefit. It's easy money at the end of the day, just from coloured pull rings. Go for it. Sounds as if you have a really good plan, that should definitely work. When selling obviously have a look when you list them if the colours are in supply anywhere else. If there is nobody selling the colours you are put your prices up. Supply and demand as they say. Many thanks for your comment and subscribing, both much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@robertdensmore1696]

In Michigan we pay a 10 cents per can deposit you take them back to get your money back

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Robert, it's been fascinating how different countries pay for cans. USA, Canada, Australia all seem to either have a deposit, or subsidy in place. Shame we didn't have it here in the UK. 5p a kg. I almost cried it was such a pitiful amount. Many thanks for your comment. Much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@girlinjax Other subscribers from the U.S. have left various comments. Some states pay so many cents, some states pay more than others, then as you say some states pay nothing. From my point of view sitting here in the UK it's strange how each state is different. Surely it would be better to have some continuity all over the U.S. so there is some financial return on cans in all states. Many thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it. It's surprising which countries pay money for cans, whether it be a deposit or government subsidy, but even in countries that pay a subsidy, such as Australia, that is only in certain parts of the country. Many thanks again for your comment. Stay safe. Matt.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@girlinjax Ha..ha..I am down to earth, just a normal person, who talks far too much..lol. It's just some things I find interesting to research about. There's so much you can recycle and repurpose. Maybe one day just stand somewhere, perhaps your local park, your garage or somebody else's garage and look around you. First of all you'll just see what your brain wants you to see. Then when you let your imagination run wild, there will be pieces of wood that you could cut and repurpose for something. Plastic containers you were going to throw out but you'll have an idea for them. Things that you could turn into pieces of art. Thankfully we aren't all the same, so people get different ideas from seeing things and how to reuse things. Try it one day and see what comes into your mind, or if you need to buy something for the house see if there is something you could reuse or make into what you were going to buy. I'd be interested to know if anything happens like to you. Many thanks for you comment. Much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@derbyct864]

Can you cut off bottom and top and ring tab and melt into aluminum bars and instead of shredding the painted remains of can..put that piece with barcode in can return machine and still get full refund of 10cents per can plus all tops bottoms and pull tabs you melt down or just scrap as is?

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

derby ct. It's interesting you should say that. I''ve been on the phone and emailing aluminium (Aluminum) mills today, with no success. I gained a little information that not all aluminium is the same grade. So if I was to make ingots, not only do i not know how much gas it will cost but how much I will get for an ingot if i mix the aluminium. I made phone calls was put through to somebody else, you know the feeling, then they said email this person they will get back to you. They didn't so I'll send 2 emails tomorrow, 3 the next, 4 the next. You get the idea, until I get the answer we are all looking for. When I find out I'll make a video. With the bar code machines they did a trial in certain parts of our country. As always people abused it, found out how to get more money for one can and it was stopped. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@derbyct864]

@@madmattsbucketlist385 that would be great video on cost of propane or charcoal and hairdryer (electricity ) prices vs ingots price etc. Loved your video

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Derby CT I just released a video Why DIY Aluminum cans are worthless. If you have got time to check it out it was interesting researching it.

[@skeetersaurus6249]

Currently in the U.S., scrap price on aluminum is only $0.67 a pound (£1.09 Sterling/kg)...so it isn't even worth it to melt it down...best thing to do is build a good crusher, crush 'em, and set them back until prices go up again on aluminum. I guess robbing the tabs and e-bay'ing them would help offset the loss otherwise, though.

[@dpeterson9522]

That's a great break down, But you missed the main important detail. The amount of labor hours you have to put in to accomplish these prices. When if you melt them down into ingots you will have the cost of the amount of gas to melt them. But you've just increased you market to sell it by 10... Once you have it into ingots you can sell it anywhere besides just a scrape yard. If you have a tester to know what alloy of the aluminum is the price goes up from there. Now figure in your labor hours. Where are you making money??

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

David I understand entirely where you are coming from and the point you are making. If I say I'm just a hobby scrapper, perhaps look at it another way. Forget the labour costs entirely. Say you are watching a sports match or film. You might sit there and just watch the match or film relaxing. Then again you could watch the match or film cutting and collecting. Yes it's a very, very long project to undertake, but before you know it, you won't just have pennies or cents, you'll have pounds or dollars that you can reinvest into something that will give you a quicker and hopefully higher return. Then the wheel of investment starts to turn. With ingots, you are spot on with a tester. Unfortunately most people who make ingots mix the aluminium (Aluminum) which makes them worth not alot of money. I am hoping to visit an Aluminium Mill. I think there is a big blank between when we drop off our waste metals, where they go and how they are sorted, then remelted into a useable form. If they allow me access and an interview this will not only answer my questions but alot of viewers questions as well. Fingers crossed. Goodness I've written an essay in reply to you. I hope you don't mind. I really appreciate your comment and point of view. Stay safe. Matt.

[@ericjones7206]

very good and I appreciate the insight to a different way stored assets And good luck with your KZbin channel

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

As regards assets. Try taking a look at one of my latest video. I think it is called Sold Copper or Scrap metal - what do we invest our money in? It doesn't take much money to start and gives you a profit within 2-3 years. Hope that proves of use as well. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@bobbailey4954]

I don’t know where in the states they buy aluminum cans separated that way

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Hi Bob. I've had many comments from the U.S. It's a little confusing at times for me as some states pay a deposit, some don't. Some states pay more than others. The top and bottom aluminum are a different kind of aluminum to the body, I believe the body is some kind of rolled aluminum, the top and bottom would be classed as clean aluminum over here. Maybe phone a couple of yards near you and explain what you are doing and see what prices they will give you, if they accept the aluminum in that way? I'd be interested to hear what prices they give you. At the end of the day, metal is metal and it all is worth something. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. If you do happen to follow up with prices, as I said I'd be very interested to hear. Stay safe. Matt.

[@clifforddavis7878]

Nice job and a very informative eye opener but what if you just powder coat (paint) the silver pull tabs any color you want wouldn't that be a easier and faster way of making more money? Just wondering if it'd be feasible I hope you can good luck and thank you for the information

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

That's an interesting idea. I'll Google that and see what comes up. The people who buy the pull tabs use them to make earrings, jewellery, knitting, crotchet, they are just some I have heard about. I wonder if what you suggest would be possible without any harm caused to people wearing the jewellery? I'll look into it. If I find anything out i'll let you know. Many thanks for your comment, really interesting. Best wishes.

[@criticallook5162]

Clifford Davis The color tabs are anodized, not powder coated. Two different beasts. The combined cost of the powder coat equipment and material, oven, electricity, and labor, all detracts from your profits. :

[@criticallook5162]

Mad Matt's Bucket List Powder coating is essentially toner for laser printers, but available in a larger range of colors, and of course at higher prices due to marketing strategies. .

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@criticallook5162 Interesting you should point this out. I've had other subscribers suggesting ways of colouring the pull rings, plus ways of getting the ink off the can so it is completely ink free and you are left with clean Aluminum (I did remember this time with the spelling). As you say it comes down to cost. I will make videos about both. If I don't try then none of will know. One thing I love about comments is everybody giving idea, tips, tricks and sharing knowledge. Not sure when I'll release the videos, hopefully when I do, I would appreciate your input. Best wishes, Matt.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

@@criticallook5162 I looked into it. It is fascinating how they do it, but the actual equipment and process would far outstrip the money to be made on the pull tabs. What I enjoy about having a You Tube channel is everybody's comments. The suggestions, ideas, knowledge people have and share plus the tips and tricks. It fascinates me. If you have time to watch any further videos please feel free to comment. with some of the subscribers ideas I am going to try. If they work then that will be excellent for everybody, if they fail then you can all have a laugh at me at my expense. Thanks again. Matt.

[@mstaff657]

Which means your labor is worth about 45pence per hour?

[@razvanpetran]

In my country it is 0.52 £ / kg for mixing and 0.87 £ / kg for cleaning

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Razvan, i'd be happy with those prices if they were that in the UK. Many thanks for commenting, much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@wingsuae]

Thanks for the info Matt, i am considering going into the metal recycling business, and obviously found the video very interesting and informative...

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Stephen, I've been looking for your comment for ages. If you're considering getting into the recycling business, maybe start off small as a hobby scrapper. If you do it full time, dependant upon which country you are in, you will need a permit, plus if it is ewaste I think you need a permit for that as well. Copper and brass are the 2 main metals everybody are after, but even a tonne of steel will get you £5-600 per day. Find a local scrapyard or if you are lucky enough to have more than one near you, just call into their office and ask for their price list of their metals. Each day the prices change but it will give you a good idea of what everything is worth. If you decide to give it a go, I wish you all the very best. Many thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Both are much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt.

[@josephabonyi1174]

Hi Stephen, it's nice seeing your comment on Matt video, I am also going into recycling in Nigeria, I have been into it for over 10years, working for a firm , wish you all the best , and will want to know your progress report.

[@arielgarciag.6715]

Just have to say “perfect”

[@user-ci1kz1cc6t]

How long does it take to cut up 67,000 cans?

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

I can cut about 100 cans in 2 hours, so if my maths is correct, if I did that 100 cans a day, it would take 670 days to cut that many best part of 2 years). You could be watching a film or some sort of sports match and rather than just sitting there, cut the cans and you won't notice the time go by. It is a very, very long project for anyone to undertake. The good new at the moment is Aluminium (Aluminum) has always been a low priced metal. However, at the moment it is surging in price. I believe the main factor behind it is that electronic producers are looking to use aluminium to replicate more expensive metals, such as gold and silver in their items. Whatever the reason it's worth keeping, plus it doesn't rust. With the video at least it gives people a more informed choice whether to cut and collect or not bother. I hope that answers you're question. Many thanks for your comment, much appreciated. Stay safe, Matt.

[@larryhicks9093]

Our province beside us Manitoba does not have a recycling program. In the close towns to that border there are cameras at our SACAN depot to watch for Manitoba liesnce plates to watch they don't bring cans over here to collect money from Saskatchewan. All the retailers must first collect that extra money on the full can at the store as the consumer buys the pop new . Then they pay that money to the recycling program. To be payed out to people the sell the empty can . Here we get no more or extra money for the tab on or off . But it is a good program over all. It gives jobs to people that would not be able to otherwise work that have mental or physical impairment. Now they to can pay rent and taxes . Keeps the whole economy working better . We do have as much litter around because there is a paid incentive to pick it up . When I was living in Pittsburgh PA they do not have bounty on the cans . Just pay on the weight of the can . They are litter cans all over . Very few people go to effort to recycling in that area and system as compared to not having a bounty or extra pay than weight.

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Larry many thanks for your comment. Absolutely fascinating. Much appreciated. Stay safe. Matt

[@superdooper9200]

I’ve got a ring pull off a sanmiguel can and it’s gold on the outside and silver on the underneath!it’s a hybrid lol How much is that worth then???

[@madmattsbucketlist385]

Approximately £0.035 - £0.04. £6.99 per 200