The deposit is generally worth more than the scrap price for the cans. For example, NY can deposit is $0.05 [0] while the average scrap price is $0.13/lbs [1]

[0] https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02477

[1] https://www.scrapmonster.com/scrap-yards/prices/new-york/sta...