How to recycle metal lids

Metal lids from glass containers

Metal twist caps from glass jars, such as your pasta sauce, salsa or jams can be recycled, but separately from the container. Make sure that all food-residue has been removed from the lid and then pop it straight into the recycling bin.  

Metal lids from food cans

Rinse the can and lid, then put the lid inside the can and squeeze it closed. Note that the lid must be made of the same material as the can (aluminium or steel).  

What about metal bottle caps?

Metal bottle caps such as those on beer bottles can also be recycled. However, they are quite small and either slip through in the sorting process or have the potential to jam the recycling plant machines. The best way to recycle them is to keep a collection of them until you have a few and then put them inside another container made of the same material (such as a tin can made of steel or aluminium) and squash them closed so the small lids don’t fall out.  

Tip: To check what type of material a lid is made of, use a magnet. A magnet will stick to steel, but not to aluminium.

And when it comes to recycling, remember, every little bit helps.

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