Each month, we set ambitious goals that serve as benchmarks for our progress, shaped by our vision, market dynamics, and team strengths. At times, we exceed these targets, celebrating both the achievements and the dedication that fueled them. Other times, we fall just short, prompting thoughtful reflection on the factors at play. September was one such month where we came very close to meeting our aspirations, missing only by a narrow margin. As we turn our attention to October, our commitment is to thoroughly assess the outcomes, identifying successes to build upon and gaps to close. Got friends? Have neighbors and coworkers? Have you told them about 1 Million Cans Man and the 2 Million Cans Movement? We need your help now more than ever.
You’ve probably seen those aluminum cans piling up in your home or neighborhood. What if you could turn those cans into something amazing? Something big? Welcome to the 2 Million Cans Man Initiative! This is your chance to be part of a movement that’s changing the game for recycling in Washington State. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s super rewarding. Ready to jump in? Let’s go!
Recycling aluminum cans is more than just tossing them in a bin. It’s about making a difference. The 2 Million Cans Man Initiative wants to collect two million cans in 2026. That’s a huge goal, and you can help make it happen. When you join, you’re not just recycling—you’re helping the environment, supporting your community, and inspiring future leaders.
Here’s why you should care:
It’s simple. Collect cans, bring them in, and watch your impact grow. Plus, it feels great to do something good!
Joining the 2 Million Cans Man Initiative is easier than you think. You don’t need special skills or equipment. Just a little time and a lot of cans! Here’s how you can get started:
Want to know more? Check out this handy guide on how to join the 2 million cans movement for all the details.
Remember, every can counts. Even a few cans from your daily routine add up fast. And when you join, you’re part of a bigger story—one that’s about saving resources and inspiring others.
Each month, we set ambitious goals that serve as benchmarks for our progress, shaped by our vision, market dynamics, and team strengths. At times, we exceed these targets, celebrating both the achievements and the dedication that fueled them. Other times, we fall just short, prompting thoughtful reflection on the factors at play. August was one such month where we came very close to meeting our aspirations, missing only by a narrow margin. As we turn our attention to September, our commitment is to thoroughly assess the outcomes, identifying successes to build upon and gaps to close. Got friends? Have neighbors and coworkers? Have you told them about 1 Million Cans Man and the 2 Million Cans Movement? We need your help now more than ever.
Collect 191,507 Cans
Set up collection box in (1) business location
Set up can collection in (1) high school
Grow Restaurant Partner by (1)
Grow donors by (10) new members
We collected 19,490 Cans = 10.2% of goal met
(0) New Bin Was Setup = 100% of goal met
(7) New Donors in the month of August = 70% of goal met
We Currently Have 416 Donors
We Had 83 Donors Participating in August = 20% of participation.
Sophia / Constance
Paulette S.
Rhiannon F.
Sophia – 1,808 Cans
Note: Rewards are paid at the end of quarter (September 2026)
Send us a text and let us know which reward you want your cans to go toward this quarter. All cans for this quarter are collected from (July through September). If you don’t make a selection, your cans will default to the Senior Graduation Stipend Fund.
Joined: Oct 28, 2023
First Pickup: 28 cans
Today: 8,939 cans saved
Rank: #33 of 416 donors
Next Goal: 10,000 cans 💚♻️
Kathleen doesn’t drink many canned beverages — she rescues littered cans around her neighborhood. High places, low places… if it’s aluminum, she’s grabbing it.
• 500 cans — Apr 30, 2024
• 5,000 cans — Aug 30, 2025
• Big 10K — loading…
Kathleen is keeping Tacoma clean, saving cans from the landfill, and giving each one a second life.
If you see her out there doing her thing, give her a wave and a thank‑you. This spotlight is for you, Kathleen. 💚♻️
Thank You Kathleen
Recycling is a big deal in Tacoma! You want to do your part, right? It’s simple, fun, and super rewarding. You might wonder, “Where do I start? What can I recycle? How does it all work?” Don’t worry! This guide breaks it down for you. You’ll learn everything you need to know about local recycling in Tacoma. Ready? Let’s dive in!
You live in a great community. Tacoma cares about the environment, and so do you. Recycling helps reduce waste, saves energy, and keeps our city clean. When you recycle aluminum cans, you’re doing a huge favor for the planet. Aluminum is one of the easiest materials to recycle, and it can be recycled over and over without losing quality. That means every can you recycle counts!
Plus, recycling supports local jobs and businesses. It’s a win-win! You get to feel good about helping the environment, and you help build a stronger community. So, keep those cans coming!
Recycling is easy when you know the rules. Here’s what you need to do:
If you have a lot of cans, consider dropping them off at a local recycling center. Some places even pay for aluminum cans! That’s a nice bonus for helping the environment.
Not everything goes in the recycling bin. It’s important to know what NOT to recycle. Here’s a quick list:
If you put the wrong items in your bin, it can contaminate the whole batch. That means more waste ends up in the landfill. So, keep it clean and simple. Stick to aluminum cans and approved recyclables.
Want to recycle more cans and make a bigger impact? Here are some fun and easy tips:
Remember, every can counts! The more cans you recycle, the closer Tacoma gets to its goal of a cleaner, greener future.
There’s a cool movement happening right now. 1 Million Cans Man is on a mission to collect two million aluminum cans in 2026. That’s a huge number! Their goal is to make recycling easy and rewarding for everyone in Pierce County. They want to build a culture of environmental responsibility and community engagement.
You can be part of this! By recycling your cans, you help reach this goal. Plus, you inspire others to join in. It’s all about teamwork and making a difference together.
Check out Tacoma recycling for more info on how to get involved and where to recycle your cans.
You’re a key player in keeping Tacoma clean and green. Recycling aluminum cans is a simple step with big rewards. It saves energy, reduces pollution, and supports local jobs. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids and friends about caring for the planet.
So, keep those cans coming! Sort, rinse, and recycle. Join the movement and help Tacoma shine as a recycling leader. Together, you can make a real difference.
Happy recycling!
Some students do more than complete assignments and move through the school year. They lead cleanups, start recycling efforts, encourage classmates, solve problems without being asked, and help others see that small actions can create real change.
This fall, those seniors have a new opportunity to be recognized.
The Graduation Stipend Program, administered by 1 Million Cans Man, will open its application window for the 2026–2027 academic year on October 1. Applications will be accepted through October 30.
The stipend is designed for graduating seniors who lead, create, and inspire, especially those who show a genuine commitment to recycling, sustainability, responsibility, and community impact. Students may apply directly, and parents, guardians, counselors, and community members are encouraged to help identify and nominate outstanding seniors.
Schools have not yet been formally notified, but this early announcement gives the community a chance to help spread the word before the application window begins.
The Graduation Stipend Program is not only about grades, titles, or polished résumés. It is meant for seniors who consistently show character through action.
That may look different from student to student. One senior may organize recycling at school events. Another may encourage neighbors to reduce waste. Someone else may create art from reused materials, build awareness among younger students, or quietly take responsibility for keeping shared spaces clean.
The common thread is initiative.
This opportunity is for students who do not wait for someone else to act. They notice a need, step forward, and bring others with them. They may be leaders in classrooms, clubs, sports, youth groups, volunteer projects, neighborhood efforts, or informal community spaces.
The program is especially focused on students who care about the environment and understand the value of recycling and sustainability. That focus fits the work of 1 Million Cans Man, which centers on turning everyday choices, like recycling cans, into broader community impact.
A strong applicant does not need to have a perfect record or a long list of awards. What matters is evidence of effort, responsibility, creativity, and impact.
Please click here to learn more about the graduation stipend and how to apply.