About the Pop Tab Program
Since 2001, communities across Alabama have made a huge impact through tiny pop tabs!
Schools, families, and businesses alike collect pop tabs throughout the year and donate them for recycling at our House or through our annual Pop Tab Parties. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama partners with SA Recycling (formerly known as Brother’s Recycling), A&S Metals and Capital Recycling to receive funds based on the going rate per pound of aluminum recycled.
These funds are used to support the mission of RMHC of Alabama, which can include things like utility bills and supplies that our families need.
Anyone can collect pop tabs, and that’s what makes this program so great! It’s an easy way to help the families who call RMHC of Alabama “home,” and we hope you’ll think of them whenever you recycle a pop tab.
We currently raise an average of $10,000 a year from recycling pop tabs! With your help, we can reach our goal of $15,000 each year!
Beverage tabs only, please!
Did you know not all tabs are aluminum? Tabs from cans are most likely steel. Tabs from soda and other beverage cans are generally aluminum so we ask that you please only donate those to our program.
Tabs > Cans!
We only take tabs because they save space and are worth more to recyclers! Metal recycling is based on weight so imagine: a box of tabs weighs way more than a box of empty aluminum cans. The tabs also take up less space so it’s easier to manage for you and for us.
Storing your collection!
Collect and turn in your pop tabs in zip-lock bags, sturdy cardboard boxes, plastic storage tubs or wide-mouthed containers.
Please do not use plastic soda bottles, milk jugs or other narrow-mouthed containers because they are difficult to empty.
Pop Tab Drop-Offs
- If you have a small collection (fewer than 10 gallon-sized Ziplocs) you can drop off your tabs at the Ronald McDonald House, located at 1700 4th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233. Look for the wooden Pop Tab House at the end of our driveway!
- If you have a large amount of tabs (fills or exceeds the trunk of a passenger vehicle) we urge you to attend one of our Pop Tab Parties, held each spring.
- If you have a large amount of tabs or can’t make it to a party, drop your tabs at one of our amazing recycling partners:
It is very important that you let your local center know that you are dropping off tabs for RMHCA. This is the only way they will be able to track the proper proceeds.
Pop Tab Drop off Centers:
SA Recycling
700 W 20th Ave
Sheffield, AL 35660
Drop off Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon
A & S Metals
2540 Gordon Terry Parkway
Decatur, AL 35601
Drop Off Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
SA Recycling
1620 Vanderbilt Rd
Birmingham, AL 35234
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Capital Recycling
3800 Mobile Hwy
Montgomery, AL 36108
Drop off Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Pop Tab Resources for Individuals:
Pop Tab Pandemonium
Join the Statewide Race to Collect and Contribute!
Ready to take your collection efforts to the next level? Pop Tab Pandemonium is a contest for schools and community groups across Alabama. Compete to see who can collect the most pop tabs and earn bragging rights while supporting a great cause.
(School-Based Contest)
K-12 schools across Alabama are invited to participate in Pop Tab Pandemonium. Engage your students in this meaningful initiative by organizing collection drives, encouraging friendly competition between classes, and tracking your progress throughout the school year. Registration for Pop Tab Pandemonium opens each fall and official weigh-ins happen in the spring at our Pop Tab Parties.
(Community Group-Based Contest)
This year, community groups of all kinds—whether clubs, religious organizations, or non-profits—can join the Pop Tab Pandemonium. Bring your group together, collect pop tabs, and compete with other organizations across the state. This is a fantastic way to foster teamwork within your group while contributing to a cause that makes a real difference.
Battle of the Breweries
Your local brewery is in the race to collect the most pop tabs—and you can help!
Every tab you drop goes toward supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama, where the purpose is caring for families with children who are ill or injured.
How You Help: By visiting one of the participating breweries below and dropping off your pop tab donations, you’re making a difference for families in need. Each brewery offers a special incentive based on your donation, making it easy and rewarding to support! Every pop tab is recycled, with funds going directly to provide housing, meals, and support for families staying with RMHCA while their child receives medical care.
Congratulations to our Battle of the Breweries 2025 Winner Tallulah Brewing Company for collecting the most pop tabs with 120.10 pounds!
Get a Pop Tab T-Shirt
Our new design is ready for you!
If you would like to purchase more than 10 shirts at once, or pay by cash or check, please fill out the Group Order Form. Questions? Email us!