Pop Tabs for a Purpose

The Ronald McDonald House South Dakota pop tab program collects aluminum tabs from cans and recycles them to raise funds that help families stay close to their child's medical care at no cost. It's a simple, feel-good way for individuals, families, schools, and community groups to give back — and every tiny tab adds up.

Why It Matters

Each pop tab you collect is more than just a small piece of aluminum — it's a step toward helping families stay close during some of life's most difficult moments. The funds raised through our pop tab program, combined with the community spirit it builds, help make sure families have a welcoming place to stay without the worry of cost.

How to Get Involved

Getting started is easy:

Collect aluminum tabs from soda, soup, or pet food cans.
Store them in any container—be it a decorated box, bag, or jar.
Drop off your collected tabs at our designated locations or contact us to arrange a pickup.

For more details or to request a collection container, reach out to Samantha Dixon at samantha@rmhcsodak.org or call (605) 336-6398, option 1, extension 3.

Who Can Participate?

Everyone! Whether you're part of a school, church, business, scout troop, or just a group of friends, we welcome everyone to join our pop tab program. It's a fun and easy way to make a difference.

Where to Drop Off?

You can drop off your collected tabs at any of the locations listed below, or check back as we continue to add new sites.

Pop Tab Collection Sites

Sioux Falls collection locations include:

Ronald McDonald House Lobby, 825 S. Lake Ave, Sioux Falls

Ronald McDonald House Lobby, 808 E. 24th St, Sioux Falls

McDonalds inside restaurant: 8320 W. 41st St, Sioux Falls

McDonalds inside restaurant: 2416 W 12th St, Sioux Falls

McDonalds inside restaurant: 7500 S Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls

Avera McKennan Hospital Plaza 2 Lobby, 1301 S. Cliff Ave, Sioux Falls

Avera Main Hospital 3rd Floor Labor & Delivery Waiting Area, 1325 S. Cliff Ave, Sioux Falls

Sanford Children’s Hospital Lobby (The Castle), 1600 W. 22nd St, Sioux Falls

Denny Sanford PREMIER Center: Bar at section 101, Grab n Go at section 104, Grab n Go at section 117, 1201 North West Avenue, Sioux Falls

Meadowland Financial Group Office Lobby, 7505 S. Louise Ave, Sioux Falls

Children’s Home Society School Building in the far back, 801 N. Sycamore Ave, Sioux Falls

Rapid City collection locations:

Monument Health Home+ Medical Equipment inside store, 1800 Haines Ave, Rapid City

Aspen Federal Credit Union Lobby, 2300 W Main St, Rapid City

Stevens High School, 4215 Raider Road, Rapid City

Other collection locations:

Lucan, MN: Knott’s Corner Bar & Grill inside the restaurant, 111 Main Street

Pop Tab Pandemonium — School Competition

Does your school want to make a difference while competing for bragging rights? Pop Tab Pandemonium is an annual school competition that challenges students, faculty, and staff to collect as many pop tabs as possible throughout the school year.

Schools across South Dakota, northwest Iowa, and southwest Minnesota go head-to-head with the top three schools earning the title of Pop Tab Pandemonium Champion. Winners are determined by the highest per-student average weight — not total volume — which means even small schools have a real shot at the top spot. Every student's contribution counts!

Teaching materials are available for classrooms that want to incorporate the program into their curriculum, making it a fun and educational way to give back.

To register your school or request more information, contact Samantha Dixon at samantha@rmhcsodak.org or call (605) 336-6398, option 1, extension 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ronald McDonald House South Dakota still collect pop tabs?

Yes! Ronald McDonald House South Dakota actively collects pop tabs and the program remains one of our signature fundraisers. While some Ronald McDonald House chapters across the country have discontinued their pop tab programs, we are proud to continue this tradition in South Dakota. When in doubt, check with your local chapter directly.

What kinds of tabs can I collect?

Any aluminum pull tab works — from soda cans, soup cans, pet food cans, energy drinks, and more. Just the tab, not the whole can.

How do I know if a tab is aluminum?

The easiest test is the magnet test — aluminum is not magnetic, so if a magnet doesn't stick to the tab, it's aluminum and good to collect. Most standard pull tabs from beverage and food cans are aluminum, but when in doubt, just test it.

How do I know how many pop tabs I've collected?

It takes roughly 1,300 tabs to equal about one pound of aluminum. The best way to estimate your count is to weigh your tabs on a scale. This is especially helpful for schools and groups participating in Pop Tab Pandemonium who want to track their progress throughout the collection period.

How much are pop tabs worth?

Pop tabs are recycled as aluminum scrap. The value of aluminum fluctuates with the scrap market, but the real value of this program goes far beyond dollars — it builds community, teaches kids about giving back, and connects Ronald McDonald House South Dakota to the people and places that make our mission possible.

Where can I drop off pop tabs in Sioux Falls?

Drop-off locations include both Ronald McDonald Houses, participating McDonald's restaurants, Sanford Children's Hospital, Avera McKennan Hospital, the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, and several other community locations listed above.

Where can I drop off pop tabs in Rapid City?

Rapid City drop-off locations include Monument Health Home+ Medical Equipment, Aspen Federal Credit Union, and Stevens High School.

Can my school, church, or business participate?

Absolutely! The pop tab program is open to everyone. Schools, scout troops, churches, businesses, and community groups are all welcome. Contact Samantha Dixon at samantha@rmhcsodak.org or call (605) 336-6398, option 1, extension 3 to get a collection container for your group.

Do I need to clean the tabs before dropping them off?

No special preparation needed — just collect and drop off!