Aluminum Recycling Basics

Learn about aluminum recycling basics to save money and the environment

Although recycling aluminum is simple and inexpensive, the Aluminum Association estimates that more than 100 million aluminum beverage cans are deposited in landfills, littered or incinerated every day in the US, negatively impacting the environment and natural resources. Aluminum can recycling, however, not only saves money but significantly reduces energy consumption.

The aluminum recycling process entails collecting aluminum and sorting at a material recovery facility where scrap aluminum is separated from foreign substances to generate high quality scrap. With the use of aluminum recycling equipment the aluminum is bundled into bales, sold to brokers and can sheet manufacturers and refined using aluminum recycling machines that melt it into ingots. The ingots are melted and reproduced into can sheet and made into cans that are sold back to the beverage industry. It takes approximately six weeks to manufacture, fill, sell, recycle and remanufacture new cans. Before you recycle aluminum, consider the following markets that utilize reused aluminum:

1. Beverage containers, although demand is decreasing due to increased use of plastics.

2. Diecasts for the automotive industry made from scrap aluminum, which are gaining in popularity with demand for lightweight, fuel-efficient cars.

3. Building and construction.

 

Obtain aluminum recycling information to become better informed about aluminum can recycling

Being knowledgeable about the process is critical to ensuring aluminum is recycled properly. There is an abundance of resources online to aid businesses in their attempt to clean up the environment and reuse scrap aluminum to save energy as well as natural resources.
Try: Visit the Can Manufacturers Institute to learn about beverage can standards and promotions as well as view presentations featuring innovations and emerging markets. You may also check out the Container Recycling Institute, where users have access to tools, graphs, publications and statistical information regarding recycling aluminum.

Make sure you understand the importance of recycling aluminum and what you need to do

Understanding exactly what your business needs to do is crucial to a successful aluminum recycling process. Knowing where and how to collect aluminum can make or break recycling efficiency. It will also be beneficial for you to understand the importance of collecting "clean" scrap aluminum, as it makes the process easier for those having to sort through recyclables and remove liquids and materials.
Try: Take a look at the ultimate aluminum recycling guide provided by MSN, which demonstrates the economic and environmental impact of recycling scrap aluminum. The Midwest Regional Council's RecycleSpot is provides information about setting up a recycling program at your business and the steps that need to be taken in order to be successful.

Learn about aluminum recycling services and find aluminum recyclers near your business

Educate yourself about aluminum recycling rates and aluminum recycling prices before recycling at your business. You will also want to find an aluminum recycling center in your area and learn what you will pay for these services or what fee you will receive in return for recycling.
Try: Go to Earth911.com to find an aluminum recycler in your area. You may also want to take a look at the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources site, as it provides a national overview of markets for recovered aluminum cans and scrap. The information provides a good example of what you and your business should expect when setting out on an aluminum recycling endeavor. StopWaste.org, a service of CA's Alameda County, offers a variety of helpful resources for business and industrial recycling.

 

• If you are not ready to start recycling aluminum at your business, there are many organizations that recycle aluminum to raise funds for local charitable programs. Contact charities in your area to learn how you can help them out by recycling.

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