What is the value of some recyclable materials?

The value of recycled material fluctuates, but as of 2015, 1 ton of recycled aluminum is worth $1,491, 1 ton of recycled plastic is worth $385 and 1 ton of recycled glass is not worth anything. In 2012, 1 ton of recycled cardboard was worth around $100.

Aluminum is the most recycled material because of its high value. At an average of 70 percent recycled material per can, aluminum cans also contain more recycled materials than plastic or glass bottles. Despite the popularity of recycling aluminum, it is estimated that $800 million worth of cans are thrown away and end up in landfills each year.