Are Cat Food Cans Recyclable?

Did you know that over 2 million tons of cat food are consumed every year in the United States? While the vast majority of this food comes in plastic bags or cardboard boxes, a significant amount comes in metal cans.

So, what happens to all of those cans when our cats are done with them?
The good news is that most cat food cans are recyclable. And the majority of them are made from aluminum, which can be recycled infinitely without losing any of its properties. Steel cans are also recyclable, but they are not as valuable as aluminum cans.

But did you know you can also upcycle the cat food can? And there are multiple ways to do so. Moreover, you can recycle those cans for money too. This blog will guide you through all these topics. So, let’s dive in.

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How To Prepared Cat Food Cans For Recycling?

To prepare the cat food cans for recycling, you have to follow a few steps. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1 – Clean The Can Thoroughly:

When you’re finished with a can of cat food, don’t just toss it in the recycling bin – make sure to clean it out first. Here’s a quick and easy guide on cleaning cat food cans for recycling.

#Remove The Can Top:

First, remove the food can’s top. You use an electric can opener to remove the top of the can. You can also use a manual can opener to do the job.

If the can opener leaves behind any sharp edges, be sure to file them down, so they’re safe for handling.

#Clean The Food Residuals:

You can rinse the can out with water if it’s wet food. You can also use a paper towel or a clean cloth to wipe out the inside of the can. Make sure to get rid of all of the food residuals so that the can is clean.

Additionally, a spoon or other utensils can be used to scoop out any remaining food from the can.

#Take Out The Labels From Can (Not Mandatory):

All the cans have a level on their body. Next, you need to remove it from the can. If the labels are paper, they can be recycled with your paper recycling. In case the tags are plastic, they will need to be removed first.

The easiest way to remove labels is to soak the can in warm water for a few minutes. This will loosen the adhesive and make the sticker easy to peel off.

#Rinse The Can With Water:

After that, wash the inside of the can with soapy water and rinse it clean. This will help to keep your recycling bin clean and reduce the chances of attracting pests. Additionally, rinsing your cans will prolong their lifespan and prevent rusting.

#Dry The Food Can:

Next, you have to dry the can after washing it with water. Place the can upside down on a towel to dry. Or, you can leave them on your porch to dry out in the sun.

Step 2 – Crush The Can:

Most recycling facilities require that metal cans be crushed to save space in the recycling bin, like food cans. Plus, crushing cans makes it easier for the recycling center to sort and recycle the metal.

In case you have a can crusher, great! If not, you can easily crush a can by using a hammer or a heavy object. Just make sure to do it over a recycling bin or garbage can so the crushed pieces don’t make a mess.

Step 3: Put The Cans In Your Recycling Bin:

After completing, those previous steps, you need to put them in your recycle bin. Most recycle bins have a special compartment for cans so that they won’t get mixed with other recyclables.

Are Cat Food Can Lids Recyclable?

Yes, many cat food can lids are recyclable, but it depends on the specific type of lid. If the lid is made of metal, it can typically be recycled with other metal cans. If the lid is made of plastic, it may be recyclable, but it depends on the number and type of plastic.

Can You Recycle Wet Food Cans?

Sure, you can recycle wet food cans – but it’s not always easy. The main challenge here is to clean the can properly and prepare it for recycling. You can follow our guidelines above to clean the wet cat food can.

However, sometimes it’s difficult to clean the can right away. You can put it in the fridge or freezer until you have a chance to deal with it. Just make sure that it’s tightly sealed so that no food odor escapes and attracts unwanted attention.

Are Small Cat Food Cans Recyclable?

Cats are picky eaters, so their food often comes in small cans. While this may be convenient for you, it can create a lot of waste. But don’t worry, those small cat food cans can be recycled!

And most recycling centers will accept them as long as they are clean and empty. Steel and aluminum cans are usually recyclable, but plastic cans may not be.

Can You Recycle Pet Food Cans For Money?

In many parts of the world, food cans are recycled for money. The process is simple: people collect the cans, take them to a recycling center, and receive cash for each can they recycle.

The money is typically based on the weight of the can, so the more cans you recycle, the more you earn. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when recycling food cans for money.

First and foremost, contact your local recycling facility to find out what type of cans they accept. Some centers only accept aluminum cans, while others take all kinds of food cans.

Secondly, be sure to count the cans before you take them to the recycling center so you know how much money you should expect to receive.

Recycling food cans is a great way to earn extra money, and it helps the environment too. So, it’s the best thing to do.

Is It Safe to Use Recycled Pet Food Can?

Until now, we have discussed whether pet food cans can be recycled or not and how you can do it. Also, what types are recyclable? But is it safe to use recycled pet food cans?

The answer is yes; it’s safe to use recycled pet food cans. However, the linings of some cans may contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that can leach into food and pose a health risk.

Therefore, you should check whether your cans contain BPA. And you can always look for cans that are labeled “BPA-free.” Also, some cat food cans are made of a material called laminated steel, which is not recyclable.

What Else Can You Do With Empty Cat Food Cans?

Well, we know that empty food can be recycled. But, if you don’t want to recycle them or there isn’t an opportunity for you to recycle those cans, then what to do with them! The good news is – there are some alternatives to recycling.

You can use your creativity and upcycle the empty food cans or reuse them for different purposes. Here are a few tips you can try:

01. Use Them As Planters:

The best alternative to recycling empty food cans you can use them as planters. Just remove the top and bottom of the can, punch a few drainage holes in the bottom, and fill them with soil. Then, add your favorite plants or flowers.

You can also use the cans to start seedlings indoors. That would be a great alternative and leisure activity.

02. Make A Mini Cat Bed:

You can make a mini cat bed with the food cans. To do so, cut a rectangular opening on one side of the can and then line the inside with a soft fabric. Your kitty will love snuggling up in their new bed.

03. Turn Them Into Magnets:

You can also transform the cans into a magnet. Just cover the outside of the can with your favorite patterned paper or fabric, and then glue on a strong magnet. These are great for holding up photos or notes on your fridge.

04. Create A Wind Chime:

Another best alternative use of cat food cans you can make them into wind chimes. Paint or decorate the outside of the can, and then punch holes around the top edge.

After that, thread through some colorful beads or bells, and then hang up your new wind chime.

05. Use Them As Storage Containers:

These cans are the perfect size for storing small items like buttons, coins, or jewelry. Just cover the outside with pretty paper or fabric to blend in with your décor.

06. Turn Them Into A Bird Feeder:

An alternative that I recommend and consider one of the best is – to make them into a bird feeder. Just punch a few small holes in the sides of the can, fill it with birdseed, and hang it from a tree or porch.

Also, you can just remove the top and put the bird seeds into it. Then hang it to your preferred location.

07. Make Small Cat Toys Out Of Them:

For example, you could fill an empty can with some crumpled-up paper or fabric scraps and let your kitty bat it around or place a ping pong ball inside the can and tape the top shut. Your cat will love chasing the ball around inside the can!

Do you have any other creative ideas for upcycling empty cat food cans? Don’t forget to share in the comments below.

Wrapping Up

Now you know that cat food cans can be recycled since most of them are made of aluminum. When recycled, aluminum cans are turned into new products like bicycles, aluminum foil, and even new aluminum cans.

Also, recycling your cat food cans is good for the environment, but it’s good for the economy too. Every recycled aluminum can saves enough energy to
power a TV for three hours. Recycle your cat food cans and do your part to save energy and reduce pollution.