NATIONAL CRUSH A CAN DAY

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Awareness Conservation Environment
Where:: National
Date change rule:: Every September 27
Holiday emoji:: ♻️

National Crush a Can Day arrives every September 27, spotlighting the critical role of recycling in environmental conservation. This day encourages everyone to actively participate in reducing waste and preserving natural resources. Learn about the benefits of recycling, discover how to make a difference, and join the global effort to protect our planet.

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Expected NATIONAL CRUSH A CAN DAY Deals

As a ‘Cause’ holiday, National Crush a Can Day focuses less on commercial deals and more on awareness and fundraising for environmental initiatives. Organizations like the Aluminum Association and Keep America Beautiful often partner with brands to promote recycling education and infrastructure. Look for local recycling drives, community clean-up events, and donation matching programs from companies like Ball Corporation, Crown Holdings, and Ardagh Group, who are major producers of aluminum cans. Retailers might offer incentives for returning cans or discounts on reusable products. We will update this page with confirmed live programs as September 27 approaches.

Platform Guide for NATIONAL CRUSH A CAN DAY

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #CrushACanDay. Share facts about aluminum recycling and challenge followers to crush and recycle.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCrushACanDay. Post photos of your recycling efforts and local clean-up events.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CrushACanDay. Create visually engaging reels showing the journey of a can from consumption to recycling bin.

NATIONAL CRUSH A CAN DAY Hero

Gaylord Nelson

Gaylord Nelson (1916–2005) was an American politician and environmentalist who served as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. He is widely recognized as the founder of Earth Day, which began in 1970. Nelson championed environmental causes throughout his career, advocating for policies that protected natural resources and promoted conservation, inspiring millions to engage in environmental activism.

History of NATIONAL CRUSH A CAN DAY

The history of the can dates back all the way to 1795 when Napoleon offered a grand prize of 12,000 francs to anyone who could invent a method to preserve perishable food for army and navy use. Centuries earlier, the ancients preserved their food by traditional methods like salting and drying. In 1809, French confectioner and brewer Nicolas Appert invented a method of preserving food in airtight bottles and glass jars. In 1810, British inventor and merchant Peter Durand patented his own method of using tin-coated iron cans, and by 1813, he was supplying large quantities of canned food to the Royal Navy.

While Appert’s invention laid the groundwork for canning, Durand is credited for creating the modern-day food canning process. In the U.S., Thomas Kensett and Ezra Daggett patented the use of tin plates in 1825 and sold canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. By the 1860s, can-making became mechanized, but it was not until 1938 that the first canned soft drink, Clicquot Club ginger ale appeared in markets. By 1967, Coca-Cola and Pepsi popularized the use of lighter, rust-resistant and recyclable aluminum beverage cans, earlier manufactured by Reynolds Metals Company in 1963 to package a diet cola called ‘Slenderella.’

Although recycling was not initially widespread, the first aluminum can recycling plants were already in operation in Chicago as of 1904. By 1970, the year that coincided with the inaugural Earth Day, recycling steel and aluminum cans became more popular and widely accepted, especially with the country-wide proliferation of buy-back centers exchanging returned cans for money.

Manufacturing an aluminum can from recycled cans consumes 95% less energy and produces 90% fewer emissions compared to producing that same can from raw materials. So remember to keep our planet clean and recycle your cans always!

NATIONAL CRUSH A CAN DAY timeline

1795

Prize to Preserve

The French emperor Napoleon offers a prize of 12,000 francs to anyone who could invent a method of preserving food for his army and navy.

1809

Father of Canning

Nicolas Appert invents a method of preserving food by sterilization.

1825

New York Welcomes Canned Foods

Thomas Kensett, Sr. and Ezra Daggett sell canned oysters, fruits, meats, and vegetables in New York City.

1963

Ring Pull for Beer Cans

Ernie Fraze, of the Dayton Reliable Tool Company, invents the aluminum easy-open ring pull for beer cans.

How Businesses Can Celebrate NATIONAL CRUSH A CAN DAY

Local businesses can champion National Crush a Can Day by implementing or enhancing their in-house recycling programs and educating employees and customers on proper disposal. Restaurants and bars can highlight their commitment to recycling by publicly displaying their efforts and encouraging patrons to recycle beverage cans. Retailers might offer discounts on reusable water bottles or bags when customers bring in aluminum cans for recycling, creating a tangible incentive for participation. Partnering with a local recycling center for a community collection event also fosters goodwill and promotes environmental responsibility.

NATIONAL CRUSH A CAN DAY FAQs

When is National Crush a Can Day?

National Crush a Can Day 2026 falls on Sunday, September 27, making it a perfect weekend opportunity to organize a community clean-up or focus on household recycling. This annual observance reminds us of the continuous need for environmental stewardship.

How much aluminum is recycled in the U.S.?

In 2025, the recycling rate for aluminum beverage cans in the U.S. was approximately 59%, according to industry reports. This figure represents billions of cans diverted from landfills, saving significant energy and resources. The industry continues to push for higher rates.

What are the benefits of recycling aluminum cans?

Recycling aluminum cans offers numerous environmental benefits, including saving 95% of the energy needed to produce new cans from raw materials. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves natural resources like bauxite ore, and minimizes landfill waste. The process is infinitely repeatable without loss of quality.

Can all aluminum cans be recycled?

Yes, virtually all aluminum beverage cans are 100% recyclable, and they can be recycled an infinite number of times without losing quality. However, it’s important to check local recycling guidelines for specific instructions, as some municipal programs may have different collection methods or requirements.

How to Observe NATIONAL CRUSH A CAN DAY

Host a can crushing party
Collect old cans in anticipation. On the day, gather around your house with friends and family and crush. You could even let whoever crushes the highest number of cans take all of them to the recycling center and get paid! Be careful when crushing cans as they may cause injury if handled improperly.
Advocate for recycling
Raise awareness for this special day at your organization by educating your colleagues about the importance of recycling old cans and keeping our planet clean. If you can, collect littered cans to crush.
Visit a buy-back center
If you are unable to crush cans, collect and take them to the nearest recycling center. You’ll not only be cleaning up your community, but you’ll also be making some money.

5 Exciting Facts About Recycling Cans

Preferred choice
Consumers now buy soft drinks in aluminum cans four times more than plastic bottles and 38 times more than glass bottles.
Massive recycling rate
105,784 aluminum cans are recycled each minute in the U.S., representing a total recycling rate of about 50%.
Billion dollars earned
Since recycling started, consumers have earned over 10 billion dollars by returning their aluminum beverage cans to the over 10,000 buy-back centers operating nationwide.
Conserve energy
The energy saved by recycling one aluminum can is enough to power your television for two hours.
Circling the Earth
If you arrange all the aluminum cans recycled in 2010 end to end, they could circle the earth 169 times.

Why NATIONAL CRUSH A CAN DAY is Important

It’s eco-friendly
Recycling cans reduces carbon emissions and helps our environment stay cleaner. Recycling aluminum cans also saves a significant amount of energy.
It saves space
Over 1 million tons of aluminum is thrown away every year, and some of this waste ends up in landfills. Recycling cans reduces waste and the need for garbage landfills.
It saves money
Manufacturing metal cans from recycled materials requires less time and energy than producing them from raw materials. Recycling cans save cost, energy, and space.