It's part of the "disposable world" we live in. Just toss it out. Nobody notices. Nobody cares.
Prior to downsizing to an apartment, the puppies and I had a great sideline. On our morning walks we would pick up all the cans and beer empties littered all over the neighbourhood, and at regular fishing holes. That was over 1000lbs of aluminum a year. Would pick up enough beer empties in a year to pay my gas for a round trip to Florida.
Truth is the problem has been around a long time, but there are more people littering and fewer caring.
On a side note, the tally of beer empties to date, in the neighbourhood and fishing spots, is $175