Raise a Glass to Profit: Are Beer Tabs Really Worth Money?

If you are a regular beer drinker, you may have come across a collection of beer can tabs or pulls at some point. You may have heard stories of people collecting them and even making a decent sum of money from selling them. But is this true, or is it just an urban legend?

In this article, we will take a closer look at the value of beer tabs and explore whether they are worth money or not.

What are Beer Tabs?

Beer tabs, also known as beer can pulls, are the small metal tabs that are used to open beer cans. They are typically made of aluminum and come in different sizes and shapes, depending on the can design.

The Different Types of Beer Tabs

There are two main types of beer tabs: push tabs and pull tabs.

Push tabs are the most common type of beer tab. They are designed to be pushed down to open the can, and the tab remains attached to the can.

Pull tabs, on the other hand, are designed to be pulled off the can entirely, leaving a hole in the top of the can. Pull tabs were more popular in the past but have become less common over time due to litter concerns.

Are Beer Tabs Really Worth Money?

The short answer is yes, but the amount of money you can make from beer tabs is relatively small, and it depends on several factors.

The value of beer tabs primarily comes from their weight. The going rate for aluminum scrap is typically around $0.50 to $0.60 per pound, and beer tabs are made of aluminum. Given that beer tabs weigh very little, it takes a considerable collection of tabs to make even a small amount of money.

However, if you have a particularly rare or unique beer tab, the value can be significantly higher. For example, beer tabs from discontinued or limited edition beers may be worth more money to collectors.

How to Sell Beer Tabs

If you want to sell your beer tabs, you have several options. You can sell them to scrap metal dealers or recycling centers, but keep in mind that they will only pay you for the weight of the aluminum.

If you have a collection of rare or unique beer tabs, you may want to consider selling them on online auction sites such as eBay. It may take some time to find a buyer, but you may be able to get a higher price for your tabs.

Other Ways to Make Money from Beer Tabs

While selling beer tabs for scrap metal is one way to make a little extra cash, there are a few other ways you can repurpose them.

Some people use beer tabs to create unique pieces of jewelry or clothing, such as belts or hats. Others use them in art projects or to make homemade crafts.

If you’re feeling charitable, you could donate your beer tabs to organizations that collect them for charity. Some organizations, such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, collect beer tabs for fundraising purposes.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, beer tabs are worth money, but don’t count on them to make you rich. Their value primarily comes from their weight, and unless you have a large collection or some rare or unique tabs, the payout will likely be modest at best.

That being said, collecting beer tabs can still be a fun hobby, especially if you enjoy trying new beers. Who knows, you may even stumble upon a rare find that’s worth a pretty penny!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all beer tabs made of aluminum?

Yes, all beer tabs are typically made of aluminum, which is a lightweight and durable metal that’s easy to recycle.

Can I recycle beer tabs?

Yes, you can recycle beer tabs. Most recycling centers or scrap metal dealers will accept them as long as they are clean and free of other materials like paper or plastic.

Can I make money from pull tabs?

Yes, you can make money from pull tabs. While push tabs are more common, some collectors and scrap metal dealers will still pay for pull tabs due to their rarity. However, the payout will likely be even lower than for push tabs due to their smaller size.