Common Questions

• Do I have to crush/smash my cans?
• How often are your scales checked?
• Why don't you pay as much for Aluminum cans as they do in California?
• Why do I sometimes have to show my ID at the pay window?

Do I have to crush/smash my cans? No, our can densifier will take care of that. All we ask is, for the cans to be empty.

How often are your scales checked? Arizona Department of Weights and Measures requires our scales to be checked and certified annually. However, in an effort to maintain our scales accurate measure, we have an independent contractor (Weigh-Tronix) check and re-certify our scales quarterly.

In California the consumer pays a deposit on each can. That deposit is collected by the California Department of Revenue and paid to the aluminum can recycler as a processing fee. The State subsidizes the recycling of aluminum cans to keep the price artificially high, to promote recycling. Arizona does not charge a consumer deposit - therefore not subsidizing a redemption value program that pays a higher recycling fee.

Under the State of Arizona Revised Statutes, any person with scrap material (excluding Aluminum cans & paper) that totals more than $25, must show an ID. The recycler then has to make a police report for that material and place the material on police hold for 7 days. For any further questions regarding this question please contact the Phoenix Police Department, Metal Theft Division.