Recycle Aluminum
The Recycling of Aluminum Cans Versus Plastic
Aluminum cans and plastics are two of the most commonly recycled materials in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Recycling plastics and aluminum cans decreases the need for landfill space and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Both materials begin the recycling process in the same manner: collection at curbside or drop-off sites and delivery to processing sites. Plastics require ...
How do I Recycle Aluminum Cans?
Recycling aluminum cans offers a dual benefit. It reduces the solid waste stream and may put money in your pocket. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in 2009, soda and beer cans made up the largest source of aluminum waste. Of 1,360,000 tons of cans, consumers discarded 670,000 tons (see References 1, pages 47 and 49). That's a lot of cash in the trash. Every can you recycle reduces the stress on ...
What Is Made From Recycled Aluminum Cans?
Aluminum cans are among the materials most often collected for recycling and one of the easiest to process. Aluminum also has high value in the recycling industry for its sustainability. In fact, more than one-third of all the aluminum produced in the world is made from scrap (see References 1, page 6). Recycled aluminum also gets new life as a component in a variety of products that you use every day, from cookware ...
How to Recycle Stainless Steel and Aluminum
In 2009, Americans produced 2.7 million tons of aluminum waste, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (see References 1, page 49). The sheer volume demonstrates the importance of recycling these materials. Recycling scrap metals cuts air and water pollution from manufacturing and results in products that are more cost-efficient. For example, researchers estimate that recycling saved 33 percent of the ...
More Articles on Recycle Aluminum
Glass & Aluminum Recycling
In the world of recycling, there are a few true standouts. These are the materials that can be recycled again and again, never losing their integrity. Glass and aluminum top the list: Though they may look like junk to you, they're actually valuable resources in high demand. Recycling a can, for example, takes 95 percent less energy than creating a new one (See References 1). Recycle your bottles and cans, and you'll see them on the shelf again soon.
Importance of Recycling Aluminum Cans
Aluminum cans are easy to collect and recycle, but many people throw them out anyway. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans recycled only 50.7 percent of cans sold in 2009. Recycling aluminum cans saves a considerable amount of energy; it also reduces carbon dioxide emissions and the amount of waste headed into landfills. Collecting your cans for recycling is an important step you can take to help the environment.
The Different Classes of Aluminum for Recycling
Aluminum recycling is not only green, it's potentially lucrative. But, if you’re limiting your recycling efforts solely to soda cans, you could be ignoring an array of materials, including scrap from home renovations. Before you haul your old aluminum lawn chairs to your recycling facility, however, check to ensure it will accept all aluminum types.
