Dry, empty cans are either processed for end market consumption or mixed at the material recovery facility with other steel cans from curbside and drop-off programs. Communities recycling paint cans collected through household hazardous waste collection programs should also encourage residents to participate in paint can recycling. These programs should divert empty paint cans to their residential recycling program. About steel can recycling Steel food, paint and aerosol cans, and steel lids and closures on other containers, are recycled into new steel products. Among these are new cans, automobiles, appliances, construction materials, tools and toys.
Steel can end markets include steel mills and foundries.
New steel is made with old steel. So all of today's steel products contain recycled steel and are recyclable. The steel can's magnetic attraction allows steel cans, paint and otherwise, to be magnetically separated from other recyclables, or from municipal solid waste. Steel cans are usually baled, although they may be flattened or shredded. Scrap dealers and detinners serve as secondary processors for steel cans.