A few bucks here and there for your used cans can’t be a bad thing in a tough economy.

St. Joseph can collectors saw a little bit of an increase last month: The cost of aluminum cans was up to 30 cents a pound, from 25 cents.

“This whole thing is a gamble,” said Dave Petty, manager of Recycling Corp. of St. Joseph. “Aluminum is not worth anything right now.”

He said that if industries aren’t using aluminum to make new products, the demand for the metal decreases.

“I’m sitting on about four semi (truck) loads right now,” he said.

Mr. Petty said that those who recycle may have gotten a little spoiled with last summer’s high prices, when aluminum cans brought 60 cents a pound.

“But before that it was 25 cents for a long time,” he said. “So I don’t know what people were so upset about.”

Nadine Youngdahl said she’s happy just to be rid of her cans. “I bring them in once they overflow in the garage,” she said. “It’s nice that you get something for them.”

Several trash disposal companies offer recycling services, and a few other businesses offer cash for the goods.

“It can be competitive,” Mr. Petty said.

The cost per pound varies. St. Joseph is at 30 cents, but other cities such as Cameron, Mo., and Atchison, Kan., have different rates. Some facilities in Cameron are paying about 15 cents and others in Atchison are at 20 cents.

Recycling Corp. accepts any non-ferrous metals every day but Sundays.

While aluminum cans bring in some cash, Bill Blacketer said that paper products are always the biggest recyclable material in the area.

“There’s just so much paper in the world,” said Mr. Blacketer, with the city’s recycling center and landfill. The city’s facility, like many in town, does not pay for bringing in items.

Jennifer Hall can be reached at jennhall@npgco.com.