Home › Metal & Cans › Aluminum foil
Can you recycle aluminum foil?
It depends on your area
Whether you can recycle aluminum foil depends on your local program. Here’s how to tell and what to do.
| Goes in | Curbside if clean |
|---|---|
| Category | 🥫 Metal & Cans |
| Verdict | Depends |
How to prepare aluminum foil
Rinse and scrunch it into a ball at least golf-ball size.
Quick checklist before you bin it
- Rinse and scrunch it into a ball at least golf-ball size.
- Confirm acceptance on your city or hauler’s recycling list — rules vary.
- Can’t recycle it locally? Trash greasy foil.
Why?
Food-soiled foil contaminates loads, and tiny pieces fall through screens.
Better option
Trash greasy foil.
FAQ: Aluminum foil
Can I put aluminum foil in the curbside recycling bin?
Whether you can recycle aluminum foil depends on your local program. Here’s how to tell and what to do.
How should I dispose of aluminum foil?
Curbside if clean. Rinse and scrunch it into a ball at least golf-ball size.
Why isn’t aluminum foil recyclable?
Food-soiled foil contaminates loads, and tiny pieces fall through screens.
What can I do with aluminum foil instead?
Trash greasy foil.