Yes, the majority of cat food cans are recyclable. Most cat food cans are made primarily from aluminum, with some having steel components as well. These materials can be recycled continuously.
Are Cat Food Cans Recyclable?
Majority of Cat Food Cans are Recyclable
The majority of cat food cans can be recycled. This includes wet and dry cat food cans. Popular cat food brands package their food in metal cans made from recyclable aluminum or steel.
Recycling aluminum cat food cans has major environmental benefits. Producing new aluminum from ore requires huge amounts of energy. Recycling old aluminum saves 95% of the energy required to make new aluminum products. This greatly reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with aluminum production.
Steel cat food cans are also highly recyclable without loss of quality. Steel contains 25-30% recycled metal on average. Recycling steel cans reduces air pollution and energy usage during manufacturing.
Most Cat Food Cans are Made from Aluminum
Wet cat food cans are primarily made from aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight, strong, and has excellent corrosion resistance. This prevents food from contacting the metal surface.
Dry cat food is often packaged in steel cans. Steel provides rigidity to withstand the high-speed filling lines used during manufacturing. This prevents damage to the cans during processing.
Regardless of the specific metal type, nearly all cat food cans are accepted by recycling programs. They belong in your curbside recycling bin.
Steps to Recycling Cat Food Cans
Recycling cat food cans is easy. Follow these steps for proper recycling:
Clean the Can Thoroughly
All food residue or grease should be removed from the can. Give the can a quick rinse or place it in the dishwasher. Cat food grease and fat can contaminate other recyclables during processing.
Remove the Can Top and Clean Food Residuals
The metal ring or plastic lid on top of the can should be removed. Thoroughly clean any remaining cat food bits from the lid flange area.
Crush the Can
Compressing the cat food can help save space in your recycling bin. It also allows more cans to fit into recycling trucks, increasing collection efficiency.
Put the cans in your Recycling Bin
Once cleaned and crushed, place the cat food cans in your curbside recycling bin. Make sure to check with your local recycling program first to verify metal can acceptance.
Recycling Cat Food Can Lids
Cat food can lids may not be recyclable in some areas
The recyclability of cat food can lids depends on what they’re made from and the capabilities of your local recycling program. Metal can lids are recyclable but plastic lids may not be accepted.
Plastic lids are often marked with a resin identification code. Codes #2 HDPE or #4 LDPE indicate recyclable plastic but #3 PVC and #7 Other are typically non-recyclable. Check with your recycling provider before placing plastic lids in your curbside bin.
Creative Ways to Reuse Empty Cat Food Cans
Use them as planters
Punch holes in the bottom of a cat food can then fill with potting soil and small plants. Cans make cute mini planters for herbs, succulents, seedlings, and more.
Make a Mini Cat Bed
Fill the can with a rolled-up blanket or towel to create a cozy bed for your cat. Place the can bed in sunny spots around your home for mid-day cat naps.
Turn them into Magnets
Cut cat food can lids into shapes then glue magnet strips to the back. These make fun fridge magnets to hold up grocery lists, drawings, and photos.
Create a Wind Chime
Use string to join several flattened cat food cans together. Add beads or other decorations between the cans. Hang your new wind chime outside for some musical garden decor.
Use Them as Storage Containers
Clean empty cat food cans make great bathroom storage for Q-tips, cotton balls, hair ties, and other small items. Their visibility makes it easy to track when supplies are getting low.
In summary, the majority of cat food cans are recyclable, with simple preparation needed before placing them in your curbside recycling bin. With some creativity, they can also be reused around the home. Proper recycling and reuse of cat food cans have a positive environmental impact.
