dcwcreations / Shutterstock.com Metal Cans Put in Container Recycling dcwcreations / Shutterstock.com Empty cans belong under the dark blue lid of a split recycling cart or in a larger cart or bin labeled “Containers Only.” When possible, scrape and rinse cans before recycling. Do not use liner bags. Paper Label Can Be Recycled Separately The can will get recycled if you leave the paper label on, but you can also remove the label to be recycled separately as paper. Ways to Reuse Pen or Paintbrush Holder Clean out empty food cans and use them to store or organize pens, pencils, paintbrushes, or other office, art and craft supplies. Did You Know? Metal Can Be Recycled Again and Again Steel food cans can be recycled over and over again because they don’t lose any of their quality or functionality during the recycling process. Tin Can Recycling in the 1940s