Oh totally @uma_jenkins63, those old metal cans are the best! We used them for everything in my house growing up. They're perfect for holding screws or nails out in the garage. Honestly they last way longer than the plastic stuff you buy now. I still keep one on my workbench for all my random bits and bobs.
Yeah saving those metal bits adds up faster than you'd think. I keep a big coffee can under my lathe for all the curly shavings, feels good not to just trash it. When that thing gets full it's like a little bonus trip to the yard. What do you usually collect yours in?