While collecting cans probably won’t make you a millionaire, it is a good source of extra income for some of your favorite charities, schools, and even yourself.

STEP 1
Find a buyer. Call your local recycle centers, and scrap metal dealers. Ask them if they buy aluminum cans, and how much they pay. Usually they pay by the pound. It takes about 32 empty twelve ounce cans, to equal one pound. Also ask them what their acceptance requirements are. Some places won’t take dirty cans, while others may require you to crush or flatten them before they’ll accept them.

STEP 2
Find locations that have unwanted cans. There are many places that want to get rid of cans. You can collect the cans that your family discards, and you can also collect cans from roadsides, parks, ditches, businesses, and organizations.

STEP 3.
Wear the right clothes. You’ll want to get some good shoes, long pants, gloves, and a dust mask.

STEP 4.
Get the right can collecting supplies. You’ll need a digging stick to rummage around with, antiseptic hand wipes, a strong plastic garbage bag to put the cans in, and a first aid kit in case you get cut by the aluminum.

STEP 5.
Collect the cans. Go to places that people visit in large groups, like events, and carnivals after the show. Store the cans outside, in a container with a lid, to keep the pests away.

STEP 6.
Trade cans for cash. Go to your local recycling center, and trade the cans for cash! Usually, the process involves showing your identification, weighing your cans, and collecting your money.

Collecting cans for money can be a minimal source of extra income, but when combined with the efforts of local organizations, it can be a very profitable business.