? on Pull Tabs

SS MAYFLOAT

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I have noticed that some people collect the pull tabs off cans. I know they use these for time on kidney machines and the such. I think this is a great idea also and have been saving them for someone we know who does this.

Here is my question. Is the aluminum in the pull tab a different alloy than the can is? I have heard that the pull tab is actually worth more in weight than the can itself is. I don't know if this is true or just a rumor. Thanks
 

ob

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Re: ? on Pull Tabs

Both of the concepts you mentioned are urban legends.They are not redeemable for use on kidney machines nor do they contain any different aluminum content that is any more valuable than what its weight in aluminum is.Sorry to disappoint.
 

bassboy1

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Re: ? on Pull Tabs

Then how come they only want the tab instead of the whole can? The whole can is worth a lot more than the tab.
 

i386

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Re: ? on Pull Tabs

I've heard something like that before. I just always assumed they were worth more because there was no paint on it. According to this article it's all an urban legend though.
 

ZmOz

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Re: ? on Pull Tabs

bassboy1 said:
Then how come they only want the tab instead of the whole can? The whole can is worth a lot more than the tab.

You can take off the tab and still return the can for the 5c deposit here in OR, or return it for weight based recycling in other states.
 

bassboy1

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Re: ? on Pull Tabs

You can take off the tab and still return the can for the 5c deposit here in OR, or return it for weight based recycling in other states.
We do that. I just thought that since the can was worth a whole lot more that they would want the whole thing.
 

SS MAYFLOAT

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Re: ? on Pull Tabs

We get those cans with the deposit markings on them from other states. Ohio does not participate in the deposit law. However, can an out of state person take cans from a state that does not particpate to a state that does? Seems like you would cash out more with the deposits than recycling?
 

PW2

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Re: ? on Pull Tabs

It's 10 cents deposit a can in Michigan . They did an entire Seinfeld show on the concept of returning 5 cent cans purchased in New York to Michigan to get a 10 cent refund.

If you are really energetic, you can still return the can without the tab attached and get the refund, and recycle the tabs for their value in weight.
 

Limited-Time

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Re: ? on Pull Tabs

SS said:
We get those cans with the deposit markings on them from other states. Ohio does not participate in the deposit law. However, can an out of state person take cans from a state that does not particpate to a state that does? Seems like you would cash out more with the deposits than recycling?

Edit: Dang it PW2 beat me to it.

Has all the makings for a episode of Seinfeld.
 

SS MAYFLOAT

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Re: ? on Pull Tabs

When I was stationed in Maine, they started the deposit thing. They required the can not be dented or smashed. Is it still that way? Seems like it would be hard to haul enough to pay for the trip out of state unless you had a big truck. Does anyone know of anyone who does this? Just curious.
 

crunch

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Re: ? on Pull Tabs

In Oregon you pay .05 a can when you buy the beverage and you get .05 when you take it back to the store... as far as I know they don't care what condition it's in, I've taken them in with bullet holes and the guy counting just raised his eyebrows, and asked me what the range was. 8)
 

PW2

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Re: ? on Pull Tabs

Most of the stores here in Michigan have machines that read the bar code. They have to be round enough to be able to roll around and scan the bar code. It would not matter how many bullet holes were in it, unless they went thru the bar code. BTW, a few weeks exposed to the sun can ruin the bar code.

It can be a pain because stores will typically only take back brands they actually sell. It's ok for Coke or Pepsi or something, but get a cheaper store brand and you better return it to the proper store.
 
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