Soda Tabs Statistics
Ermal Fraze’s original pop tab design was quite different from today’s soda tabs. His invention popped completely off the can, leading to litter as people often tossed the tabs on the ground. It also posed a choking hazard when tabs accidentally fell into cans, especially for kids. To address these issues, Fraze introduced an improved version in 1962: a soda tab that stayed attached to the can. This design, similar to modern tabs, is now standard on all major soda brands.
Soda Tab Facts and Value
Soda tabs are made from 100% aluminum, which adds value to the beverage industry. Many people, especially kids, collect these tabs to trade for money, recycle, or donate them for good causes. Some people simply enjoy collecting soda tabs, while others use them to create unique, artistic projects.
The value of soda tabs depends on their aluminum content. On average, one pound of tabs is worth around 57 cents, while a gallon of tabs (approximately 1,300 tabs) can sell for 50 to 60 cents. You can recycle soda tabs for cash at most locations that buy aluminum, including local recycling centers. The recycled aluminum from these tabs is used to produce new cans, reducing the energy needed to make aluminum from raw bauxite ore. However, only about 3.2 percent of soda cans are recycled each year in the U.S.
Soda Tabs for Charity
Many charitable organizations collect soda tabs to raise funds. For example, Ronald McDonald House Charities raises approximately $30,000 annually through their soda tab program. With the average American drinking around 597 cans per year—totaling about 182 billion cans nationwide—imagine how easily these small tabs could support charities and families in need.
