Pull Together to Make a Difference
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The Power of the Pop Tab
This simple act of collecting and donating these tiny aluminum tabs has a surprisingly powerful impact, and you’re in the right place to learn exactly how it all works.
How should I prepare my pop tabs for donation?
Preparing your tabs is simple. The main goal is to make them clean and easy to handle. It’s best to store your tabs in a clean, dry, and sealed container. This prevents them from spilling and makes them easier for volunteers to manage.
Here are some great container ideas:
Large plastic coffee cans
Cardboard boxes (taped securely)
Gallon-sized milk or water jugs
Large, heavy-duty resealable bags
There’s no need to count them! Giving them a quick rinse before you start your collection can be helpful, though it’s not strictly necessary. The most important thing is that they are separated from the can.
Do you accept tabs from all types of cans?
Yes! While they’re called “pop tabs,” they are collected from a wide variety of aluminum cans. As long as the tab is aluminum, it’s perfect for the program.
| ✅ Accepted Tab Sources | ❌ What Not to Include |
| Soda and pop cans | The entire aluminum can (see below for why) |
| Energy drink cans | Steel or tin can lids (e.g., from soup cans) |
| Canned soup lids (if aluminum) | Other metal objects (screws, bottle caps) |
| Vegetable and fruit tins (aluminum tabs only) | Plastic tabs or other trash |
Can I mail my pop tabs to Ronald McDonald House?
Yes, you certainly can! For people who don’t live near a chapter or collection site, mailing your tabs is a wonderful way to contribute. Before you do, check our website for the correct mailing address.
When mailing, pack them securely in a sturdy box and consider using a shipping service that offers tracking. It’s a small cost for the peace of mind of knowing your donation arrived safely. A little note inside telling us where you’re from is always a heartwarming touch for the team that opens it!
Why does Ronald McDonald House collect pop tabs specifically?
You might wonder, “Why not the whole can?” It comes down to a few very practical reasons that make the program so successful:
Higher Quality Aluminum: The tab is made of a different, more pure, and higher-quality aluminum alloy than the can itself, making it more valuable to recyclers.
Space and Cleanliness: Storing thousands of tabs is much easier and cleaner than storing bulky, sticky cans. A small box can hold thousands of tabs, which is much more manageable for the charity and for collectors at home.
Community Engagement: It’s an easy and safe way for anyone, including children, to get involved in philanthropy. Saving a pop tab is a small action that creates a massive collective impact and teaches kids the power of working together for a good cause.
How much is a pop tab actually worth?
The value of aluminum fluctuates daily on the metals market, so a single pop tab is worth a tiny fraction of a cent. But the program’s power isn’t in a single tab; it’s in the sheer volume collected by the entire community.
Let’s put it in perspective:
It takes approximately 1,100 to 1,200 tabs to equal one pound.
The price for scrap aluminum generally ranges from $0.50 to $0.80 per pound.
While one pound might only buy a bottle of water, RMHC chapters collect millions of tabs, turning them into tens of thousands of dollars annually. For example, a chapter collecting 10,000 pounds of tabs in a year could raise $6,500—enough to cover a family’s stay for weeks or pay the House’s electricity bill for months!
What does the money from pop tabs actually pay for?
The funds raised from the recycled tabs go into the charity’s general operating budget. This is critical because it helps pay for the things that keep the House running day-to-day, providing a “home-away-from-home” for families.
This includes things like:
Utility bills (heating, water, electricity)
Stocking the pantry with food and snacks
Linens and cleaning supplies
Maintenance and repairs for the House
Helping to cover the cost of a family’s stay (most families are asked to contribute only a small amount, if anything at all)
A Special Thanks to Our Community Partners
We are incredibly grateful to our friends at Brown’s Super Service Inc. for their ongoing partnership and generosity. Whenever our pop tab collection bin fills up, the Brown’s team graciously donates their time and services to pick it up, transport it to Advantage Metals Recycling, and return the empty bin to us—all completely free of charge. Their support helps make this program a success!
Every Tab Makes a Difference
Every tab helps keep the lights on and the doors open for families in their greatest time of need. Collecting pop tabs is more than just recycling; it’s a powerful symbol of collective goodwill. Each tab is a small promise of hope and support for a family facing the unimaginable.
So next time you open a can, save that little tab. You’re not just saving a piece of aluminum; you’re helping to keep a family close when it matters most.
