Why You Need To Start Pinching Tin Cans Closed Before Tossing Them - Tasting Table

"It's important to do certain things when recycling food cans so they can be adequately processed. In case a food can is not recycled properly and it ends up in a landfill, closing the top before discarding it will save curious animals such as cats, raccoons, squirrels, and birds from sticking their heads into the empty can and getting accidentally stuck."

"To properly recycle metal cans, you shouldn't crush them completely when pinching the top closed, as retaining their shape makes it easy for recycling machinery to process them. However, you should remove the steel lid and place it in the can, at the bottom, before pinching it shut. Rinsing your cans also helps to remove any leftover food and keep your recycling bin from smelling."

"According to a 2021 scientific study, steel cans made up more than 16% of containers in which animals were trapped, based on more than 500 records analyzed for the study. If you want to help lower these numbers, following these guidelines will help you do your part."

Metal cans, particularly steel and tin varieties, are important to recycle for environmental protection and resource conservation. Proper recycling practices prevent animals from becoming trapped in discarded cans, a documented problem affecting hundreds of animals annually. When recycling food cans, close the lid to prevent animal access if cans reach landfills, retain the can's shape for machinery processing, remove steel lids and place them inside the can, and rinse thoroughly to eliminate food residue and odors. Steel cans comprise over 16% of containers in which animals become trapped according to scientific research. Steel cans are preferred for food packaging over aluminum due to their tin lining, which prevents rust and contamination, and their structural durability for canning processes and storage.

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