We just started accepted steel cans at the FNSB Central Recycling Facility this summer!
Cans must be rinsed so they are free of food waste and have the labels off of them so that they don’t impact the smelting process.
Tin and steel cans are the same, the name tin cans became used more colloquially because some steel cans were lined with tin to prevent rust.
There are some steel beverage containers such as some coconut waters that you might think are aluminum but are ribbed similar to some steel food cans. d
If you are not sure and want to check whether your can is steel or aluminum, magnets will stick to steel cans but not aluminum.
As of right now we are unable to accept steel foil (or aluminum foil) or scrap metal but you can find where you can take scrap metal on our 2025 Recycling Guide.
So far FNSB residents have turned in 5 dump bins worth of steel cans to be recycled totaling in 4,900 pounds. Awesome job FNSB!
Please email if you have any questions and spread the word!
In terms of foil and other materials: FNSB is currently in the process of scoping and planning the new CRF so we will be sending lots of updates as things progress and we are hopefully able to expand the materials we recycling. Please tell your friends to send an email to if they aren’t already on the list and would like recycling updates.