If you drink a lot of beverages that come in aluminum cans, and you're not recycling them, you could be missing out on some hidden benefits. You might not realize this, but you can gain a lot from recycling empty aluminum cans. Take a look at just four of the reasons why you should take advantage of local recycling programs.

Make Some Extra Money

If you're like most people, you probably spend a lot of money each month on beverages that come in aluminum cans. If you're just tossing those empty cans in the trash, you're throwing money away. Whenever you buy beverages that come in aluminum cans, you spend a few cents more on state fees. When you recycle your aluminum cans, you get some of that money back. If you go through a lot of aluminum cans each month, that's money that could be getting put back into your pocket. If you're not sure what to do with the extra money, you could start a vacation fund with it. Simply put the money you make from recycling each month right into your vacation fund.

Clean Up Your Yard

If you've got empty aluminum cans floating around your yard, recycling them could get you a head start on your cleaning. It's easy to just let empty aluminum cans collect in your yard. However, it's just as easy to toss them in a recycling bin and get rid of the clutter.

Give Back to the Community

If you're active in the community, recycling aluminum cans is a great way to give back. Instead of collecting aluminum cans, and keeping the recycling money for yourself, give it to one of your favorite community charities or projects. Schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations are always in need of donations. Saving your aluminum cans for those in need can go along ways towards helping the community.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

If you're concerned about the effect you have on the environment, recycling your aluminum cans is a great way to do your part. Each time you toss aluminum cans in the trash, your carbon footprint – the effect you have on the environment – gets a little bigger. You can take a chunk out of your carbon footprint by becoming an active recycler. Don't stop at your aluminum cans though. Talk to your local recycling center about all the other household products you could be recycling.