Flying Cans communities nearly double last year’s totals in Q1

First quarter of 2025 shows the amount of used beverage cans (UBCs) sent in for recycling by remote communities nearly doubled compared to last year. The number of plastic bags filled with used plastic beverage bottles for recycling was also impressive (see graphic).

The biggest contributor in Q1 was the Nondalton Tribal Council – they sent in 880 pounds of UBCs; they were the recipient of a $2,500 grant in 2024 to purchase an electric and hand-operated can crushers for their village. The grant was part of ALPAR’s partnership with Coca-Cola Bottling of Alaska/The Odom Corporation and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America. This year’s grant recipients will be announced by the end of April.

Curyung Tribal (Dillingham) sent in 78 bags of used plastic beverage bottles – we look forward to seeing how much everyone sends in for recycling next quarter!

While 27 communities sent in materials in Q1, records show 38 communities (off the road, rail or river system) participated in 2024 with support from members of the Alaska Air Carriers Association (AACA). As the snow melts and rivers thaw, we look forward to documenting more materials moved on to recycling.