In the modern era of environmental awareness, the recycling of aluminum cans embraces sustainability and efficiency. In as little as sixty days an aluminum can makes the journey from the recycling bin back to the shelf saving the energy equivalent of half a gallon of gasoline.1 This efficiency and consistent quality show why aluminum is one of the most valuable recycled materials globally.

The Journey of an Aluminum Can: From Recycling Bin to New Product

Aluminum cans undergo a series of steps in their recycling journey, beginning with collection and sorting at recycling facilities. The non-magnetic properties of aluminum make it easy to separate from other metals. Once sorted, cans are shredded to reduce volume and undergo separation to remove large impurities. Next, high-temperature furnaces are employed to decoat the cans using energy provided from the plastic linings on cans and other remaining impurities. These cleaned and shredded pieces are then melted down, a process that consumes significantly less energy compared to producing aluminum from raw materials. The aluminum is then further refined, and the clean, molten aluminum is then alloyed and formed into ingots and rolls, ready to be made into new cans or other products. Due to the properties of aluminum, this process can be repeated infinitely without loss of quality.

Why Recycling Aluminum Matters

Recycling aluminum not only conserves precious natural resources but also drastically reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Compared to creating new aluminum from bauxite ore, recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy needed, making it a highly efficient process. Moreover, upwards of 97% of aluminum cans are recycled in countries such as Germany and Brazil. This high rate of recycling allows the average aluminum can to contain about 73% recycled material, underscoring the effectiveness of can-to-can recycling in reducing the environmental footprint.

A Vision for the Future

Despite the high rate of aluminum recycling in many countries, the US only recycles around 43% of cans showing significant room for improvement. Encouraging broader participation in recycling programs and educating the public about the benefits of aluminum recycling are crucial steps toward achieving a more sustainable future. Aluminum's role in the circular economy is clear, providing a model for recycling other materials more efficiently and effectively.

1. Aluminum recycling facts paper ... Middle Georgia State University. (n.d.). https://www.mga.edu/sustainability/docs/Recycling_Facts.pdf