Feb. 1, 2026 – Federal Way, WA – Enterprise Elementary School in Federal Way and Medina Academy in Redmond are among the schools competing in a national aluminum can recycling competition that offers a $500 prize for the top-performing school in Washington state.
The schools are participating in the Million Cans Recycling Contest, organized by the Recycling Society, an Eastside-based nonprofit focused on improving recycling rates through school and community involvement. According to the organization, more than 900,000 aluminum cans have been recycled so far in the current round of the contest.
Jessica Alexanderson, executive director of Recycling Society, said the competition now includes 54 schools nationwide, with only two located in Washington state.
Community members can support either school by donating aluminum cans at designated drop-off locations. Donations can be made directly at Radius Recycling facilities in Woodinville or Tacoma by naming the school being supported.
Both Enterprise Elementary and Medina Academy also have on-site dumpsters in their school parking lots specifically for aluminum can collection.
Since the contest began three years ago, participating schools across the country have recycled more than 4.4 million aluminum cans, according to Recycling Society. Alexanderson said recycling efforts often increase around major events such as the Super Bowl, when aluminum can usage rises.
Students involved in the program take an active role in collecting cans, sometimes wearing superhero-themed capes provided by the organization as part of an effort to promote environmental responsibility and engagement.
Recycling Society officials noted that aluminum recycling remains a challenge nationwide. The United States currently recycles about 43 percent of aluminum cans, while Washington’s rate is approximately 41 percent.
Alexanderson said the program aims to expand to 100 schools next year, with a focus on states that have even lower recycling rates.
Schools participating in the contest keep 100 percent of the proceeds from the recycled cans. Recycling Society connects schools with local scrap and metal recycling facilities, which provide large collection bins and manage pickup.
