How Many Cans Do You Need to Make $100?
TL;DR: In 5¢ states (NY, MA, IA, HI) you need 2,000 cans to make $100; in 10¢ states (MI, OR, CT) you only need 1,000. A large 55-gallon trash bag holds roughly 300–400 uncrushed cans, worth $15–20 at 5¢ or $30–40 at 10¢. Maine pays up to 15¢ for wine and liquor bottles, so just 667 bottles gets you to $100.
Last updated: February 2026
The short answer depends on your state's deposit rate:
2,000
cans at 5¢ each
(NY, MA, IA, HI)
1,000
cans at 10¢ each
(MI, OR, CT)
That's a big difference. If you're in Michigan, Oregon, or Connecticut, you need half as many containers to make the same money as someone in New York or Massachusetts.
Complete Earnings Calculator
| Target |
At 5¢ |
At 10¢ |
At 15¢ |
| $10 | 200 | 100 | 67 |
| $25 | 500 | 250 | 167 |
| $50 | 1,000 | 500 | 334 |
| $100 | 2,000 | 1,000 | 667 |
| $500 | 10,000 | 5,000 | 3,334 |
| $1,000 | 20,000 | 10,000 | 6,667 |
How Many Cans Fit in a Bag?
| Bag Size |
Cans (intact) |
Value (5¢) |
Value (10¢) |
| Grocery bag | 15-25 | $0.75-1.25 | $1.50-2.50 |
| Kitchen bag (13 gal) | 75-100 | $3.75-5.00 | $7.50-10.00 |
| Large bag (33 gal) | 175-250 | $8.75-12.50 | $17.50-25.00 |
| XL bag (55 gal) | 300-400 | $15-20 | $30-40 |
Important: Don't crush your cans unless your redemption center specifically allows it. Most reverse vending machines need to scan barcodes and will reject crushed containers. Always return intact unless you've confirmed otherwise.
Count Your Cans Before You Go
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Real Earnings: What Collectors Actually Make
NYC Canners (5¢ per container)
In New York City, dedicated canners report earning $30-100 per day. Some report earning up to $1,000 in a single day during big events or holiday weekends. The average collector gathers 600-2,000 containers daily, working established routes through neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Michigan Collectors (10¢ per container)
At double the rate, Michigan collectors earn significantly more per bag. Bottle drives are a cultural tradition — schools, churches, and sports teams regularly raise $500-2,000 in a single weekend drive. One full truckload of cans can yield $300-500.
California CRV Recyclers
California's mixed rate (5¢ under 24oz, 10¢ over) means savvy collectors focus on larger containers for better value per item. Dedicated recyclers near beaches and parks report $50-150 per day during summer months.
Tips to Collect More, Faster
- Sort as you collect — Separate aluminum, plastic, and glass. Some centers pay different rates.
- Keep cans intact — Most machines reject crushed cans. Only crush if your specific center confirms they accept them.
- Work events — Concerts, sports games, and festivals = massive amounts of empties in one location.
- Build routes — Regular collection from bars, restaurants, and apartment buildings on specific days.
- Use CNTEM'UP — Count your containers before you go so you know exactly what you're owed.
- Go early — Recycling day mornings are prime time in residential neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many aluminum cans make a pound?
- About 32 aluminum cans make one pound. At scrap aluminum prices (~$0.50/lb), that's only about 1.5 cents per can — much less than the 5-10 cent deposit. Always redeem for deposits if you're in a bottle bill state.
- Can I make a living collecting cans?
- Some people do. In NYC, full-time canners earn $20,000-40,000 per year. In 10-cent states, earnings can be higher. It's physically demanding work, but the income is tax-free cash and requires no special skills or equipment.
- What's the fastest way to count a lot of cans?
- Use CNTEM'UP — prop your phone up, start the camera, and slide containers past the tripwire line. Each one that crosses is automatically counted. Much faster than counting by hand.
- Do I need to separate cans by type?
- Depends on your redemption center. Most accept mixed containers, but some centers or reverse vending machines require them separated by material type (aluminum, plastic, glass). Call ahead to check.
- Where can I find the most cans to collect?
- The best spots are: post-event venues (concerts, stadiums), recycling bins in apartment buildings, bars and restaurants (ask if they'll save empties for you), beaches and parks on weekends, and college campus areas.
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