- Every second, worldwide, there are millions of aluminum cans being disposed of when they don't need to be. Aluminum cans may be used in construction, decoration, as toys or as tools. If you don't know whether you are holding a can made of steel or aluminum, hold a magnet to the metal and see if it sticks.
- There are several craft projects that use aluminum cans. Select pretty ones that have an old world feel to them, like soup cans. Clean the cans out well and turn them into vases to enhance your mantelpiece.
Decorate cans as desired, puncture one or more holes in the unopened ends and place pens or pencils in the holes for interesting pen and pencil holders.
Make stilts for your child by wrapping paper around two sturdy aluminum cans so you can paint and decorate the cans as you like. Puncture two holes right across from each other on the sides of each can in the upper half. Put the ends of a string through the holes in each can attaching a bead to the ends of each string to keep the strings from coming out. Add the string to the other can in the same way. Make the strings long enough so that the child can hold the stilts in place while he walks, without having to bend down at all. - If you have a sizable collection of aluminum cans, consider using them in some small construction project. The simplest way is to use them to create shingles for a roof. You could use it to create the roof of your dog or bird house. They generally do well under most weather conditions.
With a little imagination, aluminum cans may also be used to make cookie cutters for your kitchen but be careful not to cut yourself in the process. - With the decrease in the thickness of aluminum, it is now becoming easier to recycle. However, there are certain ways in which aluminum needs to be prepped in order to recycle well. The first is a thorough cleaning with water. Use soap water instead of plain water for better results. Selling your cans to a recycling company is also a way to earn a little pocket money.