Elementary students across the United States have proven themselves as recycling superheroes, collecting over 3 million aluminum cans during the 2025-26 Million Cans Recycling Contest. This impressive feat not only showcases their dedication to environmental sustainability but also highlights the tangible impact of their efforts. Since the competition's inception in 2023-24, participants have collectively recycled more than 6 million cans, weighing approximately 188,000 pounds, which is roughly equivalent to the airframe of a Boeing 737. This staggering amount of recycled aluminum translates to significant energy savings, enough to charge around 36 million smartphones.
The Million Cans Recycling Contest, organized by the nonprofit Recycling Society based in Bellingham, Washington, in collaboration with the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and other beverage can industry partners, has become a beacon of environmental stewardship. Founded by Jessica Alexanderson, Executive Director of The Recycling Society and co-author of The Girl Who Recycled 1 Million Cans, the program has expanded from eight schools in seven states to 56 schools across 14 states this year. This expansion has not only increased the number of participants but also the funds raised, with nearly USD 56,000 collected through aluminum scrap collections, directly benefiting participating schools with classroom resources and activities.
Andrew Hyde, the Recycling Society President, emphasizes the unique value proposition of the contest, stating, 'There are a lot of recycling programs in America. Very few of them can hand a CFO [Chief Financial Officer] a per-pound impact number, a per-school engagement number, and a per-dollar return number. This one can.' The program's first year operating under nonprofit status has been a resounding success, with over 21,734 elementary students participating in hands-on recycling initiatives and 4,979 copies of The Girl Who Recycled 1 Million Cans distributed to students, fostering a culture of environmental awareness and action.
The partnership with local scrapyards and industry sponsors, including Aluminum Dynamics, Ball Corporation, CANPACK, Crown Holdings, Novelis, and Tri-Arrows Aluminum Incorporated, has been instrumental in the contest's success. Roxanne Sharif, director of sustainability at CMI, notes the high recycling rate of aluminum cans, stating, 'Since 97 percent of recycled cans become new cans, we’re excited to take the aluminum these recycling superheroes kept in the recycling system and make it part of new cans.'
The contest's winners were selected based on cans recycled per student, ensuring a fair competition for schools of all sizes. Fairplain Elementary in West Virginia secured first place, followed by Mendon Elementary in Pennsylvania and Tri-County Primary in Indiana. Mount Washington Elementary in Kentucky received an honorable mention for its highest overall can collection volume.
This initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also empowers students to become agents of change in their communities. By collecting and recycling aluminum cans, these young students are not just contributing to a greener future but also learning valuable lessons about the importance of environmental stewardship and the tangible impact of their actions.
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