How can I reuse or recycle aluminium foil for charity?

aluminium_foil_02.jpgWe’ve had an email from Rob Williams:

I collected silver foil/aluminium foil for a lady at work and she gave it to a charity. She has now retired and I still have a growing pile of foil. Does anyone know of a charity that wants this? I’m told it is a ‘valuable’ commodity.

Our doorstep recycling includes aluminium foil so it can easily be recycled – but as Rob asks, does anyone know of any charities that collect it?

And since we’re all about reusing, while we’re on the topic – any re-use suggestions?

(Related items: we’ve already covered foil pet food trays and foil chocolate/sweet/biscuit wrappers.)

(Photo by nlHarri)

Related Categories

household, items, kitchen, packaging

Search for other related items



18 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle aluminium foil for charity?”


  1. I don’t know of any charities who still collect it. I have used it in crafts, its quite useful for giving that shiny effect.

    Also it can be used as a temporary measure to block holes in cupboards etc to keep out mice.

  2. Nigello says:

    You could stick it on cardboard (reused!) and put them behind your radiators to keep the heat in the house. Nigello

  3. Delusion says:

    I use mine for sculptures. I pad around a wire armature before adding the clay.

  4. Rich says:

    It is actually worth money about 50 cents a pound on average try your local metal recycle, then you could donate the money to any charity you would like. Currently CHina is gobbling up most of the precious metals market copper, brass, aluminum, computer circuit boards, even unstripped wire are all worth quite a bit right now

  5. lisi says:

    My local household recycle collection won’t take silver foil anymore – I used to take it to the local tip but they don’t take it anymore either – I can’t bear to throw it cos I have heard that it can make money for charities so I still collect it – I’ve got a bag full which it getting in the way wherever i store it at home – can someone give me an address to send it to – I don’t mind paying the postage etc. just seems such a waste to throw it in the bin after all the effort I’ve gone to to save the bloomin stuff!!! ;-)

  6. Mrs J Pope says:

    There’s a site called recyclenow, and if you put in your postcode they will tell you where your nearest collection ponit is.

    I have just been looking as i have an overload of foil everyone gives me as it used to go to charity for dogs for the blind.

    I live in Worthing and my nearest one is Ditchling about 15 miles away. The site actually tells you how far away it is.

    Hope this helps!

  7. Where can I recycle silver foil also milk bottle tops. Thank you. My postcode is BH21 3SF

  8. Mrs Brown says:

    I recycle my aluminium foil to the Wellgate Community Farm, Collier Row Road, Romford, Essex RM5 2 BH – tel: 01708 747 850

  9. KIm Womble says:

    I’ve just had a look on web. Looks like Greenchoices.org will be useful to anyone wanting answers about this sort of question.. A friend of mine made origami flying swan mobiles using food tray alu foil.. Keep up the good work..! Where are the Carry On people for Carry On Recycling..? Kim

  10. Gary Williams says:

    This is really ridiculous.
    Why does no Charity get on to this ?!
    I have collected a huge amount of aluminium foil – out of curiosity – over the last three years and I want it to go to a good cause. I suspect many other people do this also or will do it if they know where to send it. I will not give it away to a commercial company for nothing.I want the money to go to a good charity. It is not worth taking it to a scrap yard due to the cost of the petrol out weighing any add vantage.

  11. Hazel says:

    I have been offered a large amount of aluminium foil to help boost much needed funds for dogs in rescue but am going round in circles trying to find a company to sell it to. Any suggestions please? I am in the south east, UK

  12. mike says:

    I want to recycle tin foil
    close to bh215bt witchampton dorset

  13. Karen Fitzsimons says:

    I have collected foil & silver paper for, guide dogs for the blind. Can anyone tell me where I can send it?
    Many thanks

    15th May 2016
    Karen Fitzsimons

  14. ann says:

    Ng2 6dy my local charity recycling tin foil, stopped as petrol too expensive……but that charity trained guide dogs, and made enough over several years to both tain, and vet bills for life, for several dog. Now please, i’d like to find another local place to take my tin foil. I look forward to your response…..regards, ann.



Leave a Reply

Your name
Your email (it will not be published. If you want people to contact you, leave your email address in the message too.)
Your website (if you've got one)