PPG announced it is joining a U.S. recycling movement to collect millions of aluminum beverage cans as part of the "2 Million Cans Recycling Contest." The contest is a partnership with the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), recycling education group Recycling is Like Magic!, elementary schools, scrapyards, and aluminum can makers and suppliers to encourage students to learn about the importance of recycling.

Between Oct. 1 and April 30, 2025, elementary students from 12 states will participate in the competition, which aims to provide environmental awareness, hands-on learning, teamwork, and community engagement. In Pittsburgh, students from Environmental Charter School and Mendon Elementary School are participating with support from the Mon-Valley Recycling Center.

“We’re proud to support an initiative that raises awareness about aluminum recycling,” said Rodolfo Ramirez, PPG vice president, Packaging Coatings. “PPG is a member of CMI and works closely with leading aluminum sheet suppliers, can makers, and brands to provide safe, innovative, and reliable coatings. Our hope is to see an increase in the country’s recycling rate, starting here in Pittsburgh.”

According to Recycling is Like Magic!, only 26% of cans are recycled in Pennsylvania versus 45% in the U.S. overall. The contest was inspired by Jessica Alexanderson, president of Recycling is Like Magic! and author of The Girl Who Recycled 1 Million Cans.

“This initiative will teach students about the value of recycling aluminum beverage cans and how it makes a difference for people and our planet,” said Alexanderson. “Our youngest minds are leading the way in the 2 Million Cans Recycling Contest, and I’m excited to see what they will achieve this year.”

Participating schools will earn money from the cans collected and sold to local scrapyard partners. They will also receive prizes for reaching specific recycling goals throughout the year, with three schools awarded top prizes. The prizes are sponsored by CMI members, who will serve as Aluminum Beverage Can Champion Sponsors.

“Recycling aluminum beverage cans offers significant environmental and economic benefits, especially when we all work together as a team to collect and recycle as many cans as possible,” said Scott Breen, CMI’s senior vice president of sustainability.

The progress of students in the 2 Million Cans Recycling Contest can be tracked online and across social media with the hashtag #2MillionCans.