Why Can Recycling in Canada Matters More Than Ever

From saving energy to cutting waste, recycling your cans does more than clean up your home. Plus, that aluminum can has serious value. In fact, it’s one of the most recyclable materials in Canada. So how do you do it right? And why should you care? Let’s break it down.

Why Can Recycling Matters

Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, which means it can be turned into a new can again and again without losing quality.

Recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a laptop for three hours. Now multiply that by the millions of beverage cans sold each year in Canada, and you get a picture of the real impact.

Between reduced greenhouse gas emissions, less landfill waste, and conservation of natural resources, aluminum recycling punches well above its weight.

A Natural Fit for Say It Ain’t Soda

As a brand that believes in doing things with intention, we are concerned with building a better beverage experience for people and the planet. This feeling extends from our manufacturing process to how our cans are made, used, and recycled. Every Say It Ain’t Soda can you enjoy can be returned, refunded, and reborn.

We believe that sustainability doesn’t stop at the shelf; it carries through to what happens after the last sip.

Turning Every Can Into Impact

Recycling is part of how we do things. We launched our partnership with Shoreline Rescue Club during summer events, but the work didn’t stop there. Through our dedicated can collection program, 100% of proceeds from returned Say It Ain’t Soda cans go toward supporting shoreline cleanups and providing equipment for volunteers. It’s a simple idea with real results: every can returned helps keep our oceans a little cleaner and our communities a little stronger.

Why Aluminum Is So Important

Among all recyclable materials, aluminum stands out for a few key reasons:

• • 95% less energy is required to make a new can from recycled aluminum than from raw materials.
• • Cans can be back on store shelves in as little as 10 weeks.
• • More than 80% of aluminum cans sold in BC are successfully returned for recycling.

That means when you recycle a Say It Ain’t Soda can, you’re not just doing something small; you’re fueling a fast, efficient, and circular system.

How Recycling Works in BC

In British Columbia, recycling beverage containers is simple thanks to the Return-It system. Here’s how it works:

• • Every time you buy a beverage in a ready-to-drink container (like a can), a 10¢ deposit is added.
• • Return your empty cans to a recycling depot, such as Return-it, and get your deposit back.
• • Don’t crush your cans! Leave them whole and keep the tab on.

After that, your returned cans are sorted, baled, melted down, and turned into brand-new cans. It’s clean, quick, and efficient.

What Else Can You Recycle?

While we’re on the subject, there’s more you can toss into your depot bag than just cans.

According to Recycle BC, you can also recycle:

• • Cartons & boxes (juice, milk, etc.)
• • Glass bottles & jars
• • Plastic drink bottles
• • Metal caps and lids
• • Paper drink boxes and cartons

Just make sure everything is clean and empty, and follow local guidelines to keep the recycling stream flowing properly.

Let’s Keep the Loop Going

At Say It Ain’t Soda, we believe in real responsibility. Our mission is about more than what’s inside the can. It's about how that can moves through the world.

So next time you finish your favourite drink, give that can another life. Recycle it. Get your refund. Help keep the cycle going.

Because doing good for the planet doesn’t have to be hard. Starts with a sip and ends with a bin.