Recycling Metal Lids and Bottle Caps - Tips to Help You Out
This post was last updated in 2023
Common materials like paper, cardboard, glass, and certain plastics are widely accepted in recycling programs.
Metallic objects like stainless steel and aluminium cans are also widely accepted. However, the story gets a bit more complex when it comes to metal lids and bottle caps.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of lids (whoo hoo!!) and explore whether they belong in the recycling bin, the challenges they present, and alternative ways to ensure sustainability.
Specifically, in this blog post you will find answers to the following questions:
Why are jar lids not recyclable?
While metal is a highly recyclable material, the issue with jar lids lies in their size and shape. These small, flat objects can become entangled in machinery at Material Recovery Facilities, leading to breakdowns and increased maintenance costs. For that reason, they are not easily recyclable.
Consequently, some sorting facilities state they will not accept metal jar lids.
However, there are ways around this, to ensure this valuable material source is recycled.
Can you put metal jar lids in your recycling bin?
In most cases, metal jar lids can go in your household recycling bin. But they need to be separated from the container. Also if they are smaller than the size of a credit card, you need to bundle them up with something made from the same material before you place them in your household recycling bin.
That’s the way around the issue noted previously.
Yes, there are reports that some councils do not allow metal lids in curbside recycling bins (see this article from the Sydney Morning Herald). However, a review of several councils around the Sydney area (including the one mentioned in the article) and state-based websites on recycling (see resources below), reveals this is generally untrue.
Lids from jars are recyclable in Australia and they can go in your household recycling bin – provided they are separated from the container they came with and are bundled with something made from the same material if they are smaller than the size of a credit card.
Of course, if you live in a regional area or are unsure check your council’s website for more information. If you find they do not accept metal lids, even when you combine them with similar materials, then explore the next option.
Your next option is to start collecting them, to eventually sell them to a scrap metal collector for recycling. You can find more information on scrap metal recycling here: Recycling Household Metallic Objects – A Complete Guide
So when it comes to the household recycling bin, any lid smaller than the size of a credit card will need to be bundled with similar materials.
How do you do that?
Firstly, use a magnet to check whether the lid is made from aluminium or steel. Aluminium is non-magnetic, while steel is magnetic. This will help you sort out your lids.
Steel lids can go into a steel can. Once you are ready to throw it out, squash the opening so the lid(s) can’t fall out. Then place it in the recycling bin.
Aluminium lids can be wrapped up in aluminium foil before going into the recycling bin. The buddle needs to form a fist-sized ball so it can be picked up at the Materials Recovery Facility.
You could cut open an aluminium can and use that as a collection jar, throwing it into recycling once it gets full. But cutting open a can is extra work that I certainly can’t be bothered with!
I keep a plastic container under my sink, where throw all my lids over time. I also keep a magnet in this container.
Once it gets full, I sort the lids out and use a steel can and some foil that happens to be lying around, to bundle the lids together.
Note – in all cases, the lids, cans and foil need to be free from food and other containments. Small amounts are fine since they will burn up in the recycling process.
However, councils often advise households to clean their items before putting them in the recycling bin. This is so it does not contaminate other items or cause too many issues in the sorting facility.
However, councils often advise households to clean their items before putting them in the recycling bin. This is so it does not contaminate other items or cause too many issues in the sorting facility.
And be aware – not all lids are made from metal alone. Some have plastic bonded to them. Others are made to look like metal but are really plastic (sneaky things!).
You will be able to tell from the feel of it – it won’t be magnetic and it won’t be as flexible as aluminum. Any lids fitting this descriptions can not be recycled (easily).
But otherwise, should metal jar lids be recycled? Absolutely yes, no matter how small. Provided the lid is made from metal and bundled together with similar metals, you can get around the usual dilemma of recycling jar lids and place them in your household recycling bin.
What are metal bottle caps made of?
Metal bottle caps are usually made from aluminum or steel. Aluminium caps are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and commonly used for beverages, while steel caps are durable and used for various products, including glass jars and some bottles.
Should you leave bottle caps on before recycling?
In general, you will need to remove bottle caps from containers before recycling. This is particularly true for metal bottle caps – the caps are made from a different material to the bottle, and therefore need to be separated before they go into the recycling bin.
Otherwise leaving caps on bottles can create challenges for Material Recovery Facilities, leading to contamination or inefficient recycling.
Can metal bottle caps be recycled?
There’s a common misconception that metal bottle tops cannot be recycled. While it’s true that some collection facility state they do accept bottle tops, many have adapted and revised their advice to state they are acceptable. The key lies in proper preparation.
Like metal lids (see above), bottle caps will need to be bundled up with similar materials before they go into the recycling bin.
You will need to use a magnet to check whether the lid is made from steel or aluminium.
If it’s steel, the lid should be collected in a steel can, before it is closed shut and thrown in the recycling bin.
If it’s aluminium, wrap the lids up in foil. Make sure the ball is no smaller than the size of your fist and then place it in the recycling bin.
That way, the sorting facility can easily pick up these items and it doesn’t end up posing a challenge during the sorting process.
As noted previously, you need to ensure the items you are putting into the recycling bin are free from food and other contaminants. Small amounts are fine, but not so much that they contaminate other items or cause issues when the items go to the sorting facility.
Summary: Where can I recycle metal lids and bottle caps?
You are able to recycle metal lids and bottle caps in your household recycling bin. You just need to ensure the material is relatively clean and smaller items are bundled together with items made from the same material. Or you could collect them and take them to a scrap metal yard for recycling.
Frankly, you won’t get much from selling lids alone, but it is an option.
More information on scrap metal yards and what else they accept can be found here: Recycling Household Metallic Objects – A Complete Guide
Sustainable Alternatives: What else should I do with lids and bottle caps?
Besides recycling metal lids and bottle caps, you could repurpose them in art and craft projects, making jewellery, home decor, or garden ornaments. Or you could donate them to schools or community centres for arts and educational activities.
If the upcycling option appeals to you, here are some ideas to inspire you:
1. Magnetic Memo Boards
Glue or attach a decorative paper or fabric to the top of the lid and stick it onto your refrigerator or any magnetic surface. This transforms the lids into mini memo boards where you can leave notes, shopping lists, or important reminders.
2. Coasters
Cover the lids with fabric, cork, or felt to create unique coasters for your drinks. You can even personalize them by adding your own designs or artwork.
3. Candle Holders
Set a tea light or small votive candle on the inside of a lid for a charming candle holder. The lid will catch any wax drips and protect surfaces from heat.
4. Jewelry Organiser
Attach a few lids to a piece of wood or a picture frame and use them to organize and display your jewellery. Hang necklaces, bracelets, or earrings from the edges of the lids.
5. Drawer Organizers
Use lids to create small compartments within drawers. They’re perfect for separating and organizing small items like paper clips, buttons, or sewing supplies.
6. Kids' Craft Supplies
Metal jar lids can become part of kids’ craft projects. They can be used as paint palettes, stamping tools, or even as the base for homemade playdough creations.
7. Holiday Ornaments
Decorate metal lids with paint, glitter, or other embellishments to create unique holiday ornaments. Punch a hole in the top and add a ribbon for hanging.
8. Party Decor
Transform metal jar lids into charming cupcake toppers by decorating them and attaching them to toothpicks or small dowels. They can also be used as drink coasters or labels for food and drink items at parties.
9. Gift Tags and Labels
Use metal lids as decorative gift tags or labels for homemade preserves, jams, or other canned goods. Write a personalized message on the lid with a permanent marker.
10. Wind Chimes
String multiple lids together with twine or fishing line to create a charming wind chime. The gentle tinkling sound can add a soothing element to your outdoor space.
11. Children's Art Projects
Incorporate metal jar lids into art projects with kids. They can be used as stamps, paint holders, or even as moulds for clay or playdough creations.
Jar lids and bottle caps might seem like minor components, but they play a crucial role in the recycling process and environmental sustainability.
Whether you’re recycling, repurposing, or creatively using bottle caps and lids, through these conscious actions we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future 
.
.xxx Tahsin
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I appreciate your tip when you told us that metal jar lids that are smaller than the size of a credit card need to be bundled up with something made from the same material before we can place them in a recycling bin. Speaking of metal recycling, I was cleaning out my basement last week and had to segregate a few junk metal items that I was thinking of sending to a recycling center. I’ll take note of this while I look for a metal recycling center in Orange to contact for all the scrap metal I need to dispose of soon.
Hi Clare, I’m so glad to hear the tip was helpful 🙂 I just moved house myself and so I know what you are going through when it comes to cleaning out a space! Thankfully there wasn’t too much trash to deal with but I have a small box of metallic items (nails, screws etc) that I have collected plus some old pans to get rid of so I need to get to a scrap metal collector soon. Good luck with your basement clean out!