Why You Should Recycle Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most commonly recycled metals. Since the first production in the 1880s, it has grown to become the material of choice for both economic and environmental reasons.

One of the most common and well-known uses for aluminum is for pop and beverage cans. In fact, aluminum cans are the world’s most recycled packaging container: every year, 200 billion aluminum beer and pop cans are consumed around the world.

Here are some other numbers to consider:

• Recycling aluminum requires 95% less energy than manufacturing aluminum
• Recycling aluminum produces 95% fewer greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) than manufacturing aluminum
• Aluminum recycling industry prevents 170 million tonnes of GHG from entering the environment every year
• Recycling aluminum reduces the use of natural resources and chemicals

Aluminum cans have a quick turnaround for recycling as well. They’re back on the shelves and ready for resale within 60 days of recycling. Every year, one can could be recycled 8 times, and the same amount of energy that it takes to make one can could recycle 20 instead.