With increased awareness about the importance and environmental benefits of recycling, people prefer to choose materials that can be recycled with minimal hassle.
Aluminum is one of the most abundantly used materials in our daily lives. We use many products and items made from this material or contain some part of it. That’s the reason “Is Aluminum recyclable?” is a frequently asked question.
In this article, we will discuss whether aluminum is recycled or not. We will dive into its importance, recycling cost, items that can be recycled, and other factors you should know.
Is Aluminum Recyclable?
Yes, aluminum is recyclable. It is one of the most recycled materials on the planet.
From aluminum cans to sheets, windows to auto parts, and wires to airplanes, there are a lot of things that are being recycled. That’s the reason almost 75% of the aluminum ever produced is still used today. In the US, 80% of the aluminum production comes from recycling.
Aluminum possesses the property of being recycled again and again—dozens, thousands, and even a million times. It can be recycled infinitely without losing its natural properties or getting degraded.
Why is It Important to Recycle Aluminum?
Aluminum recycling needs only 5% of the energy required to get new aluminum from the ground. That said, 95% of the energy is saved. When the energy is saved, almost 90 million tons of CO2 is stopped from polluting the environment. Thus, it is environmentally friendly.
Not only is it good for the environment but also for the economy. Most of the aluminum metal can be recycled, so only minimal new aluminum will be needed. It will also prevent aluminum products from ending up in landfills.
Aluminum is undoubtedly the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust. It’s about 8%, which means there is a massive quantity, but still limited. It is necessary to realize that we cannot mine aluminum forever. Thus, it is better to depend on recycling as much as possible and save natural resources.
Aluminum Recycle Price
The price of Aluminum recycling depends on various factors. Firstly, you need a supply of scrap items for recycling. It can be bought from different cities and countries, and that counts in the pricing of recycling.
After pricing, the next important thing is the purity of the aluminum. It could be mixed with other metals. There are coatings over the metal, and it must be removed for recycling. You will find different types of scrap materials available at distinct pricing according to their aluminum content. The pricing of auto rims is way more expensive than breakage items, casts, cans, etc.
Then, we have the expenses of the recycling process. It is much more energy and money-efficient compared to getting new aluminum. However, it still has a cost.
All these factors are considered to determine the cost of recycling. It is better to get the scrap rate from the market to understand the overall cost.
Is Aluminum More Recyclable than Plastic?
Yes, aluminum is way better than plastics when it comes to recycling.
It is possible to recycle aluminum infinitely. It can easily be melted and purified. The recycling process is less costly, and it does not degrade aluminum. The quality isn’t compromised, and the whole process is environmentally friendly.
On the other hand, plastic is difficult to recycle. It does have large molecules that are not easy to separate. The molecules break down, and the plastic loses its quality. The more it is recycled, the more degraded it will be. At one point, you won’t be able to recycle plastic anymore.
Another issue with plastics is their types. There are multiple types, and all of them have a different recycling process. Moreover, not all plastics can be recycled effectively.
Which is More Recyclable Glass or Aluminum?
Both aluminum and glass are great in terms of recycling, but aluminum is more recyclable than glass.
Around 51% of glass is recycled by consumers. However, aluminum is at 79%. It clearly shows how aluminum is preferred for recycling.
Glass can be recycled again and again. It does not lose its quality and properties. However, it’s heavy and quite difficult to transport.
The energy difference between recycling glass and creating new glass isn’t too much. However, there is a huge difference in energy in recycling aluminum and mining new aluminum. You get to save up to 95% energy.
Can You Recycle Aluminum Cans?
Yes, you can recycle aluminum cans. In fact, it is the most recycled item in the world. Around 180 billion aluminum cans are used in the beverage industry each year. 80 billion beverage cans are used each year in the US alone.
Around 65-70% of these aluminum cans are recycled, and the rest end up in landfills. The recycled cans are recycled and converted into ingots that can be used for any purpose.
Is Aluminum Foil Recyclable
Yes, aluminum foil is recyclable, like any other aluminum item on Earth.
However, it must be cleaned, especially the food residue should be dealt with properly. Recycling facilities in various countries only accept cleaned and rinsed aluminum foil. If the foil cannot be cleaned, it can’t be recycled as it contaminates the process.
After cleaning, the foils are turned into a ball for easy handling, and then it is melted. Finally, it is also converted into aluminum ingots.
Keep in mind that the aluminum foil should be free from other materials. If it is mixed with other materials, it won’t be recycled.
Is Aluminum Cup Recyclable?
Yes, aluminum cups are 100% recyclable and can be recycled infinite times. They are much better than single-use plastic cups. Not only can they be recycled, but they can also be used multiple times before recycling. They are a better choice for sustainability.
Are Aluminum Bottles Recyclable?
Yes, aluminum bottles are recyclable. Aluminum bottles are thicker and more durable than these plastic or glass bottles. Normally these aluminum bottles are made of pure aluminum aluminum 1060 or 1070 material which can be fully recycled. However, try to remove the lids that are normally plastic before recycling.
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Are Aluminum tins Recyclable?
Aluminum tin canisters are made from pure aluminum 1060 or 1070. These small tins are good for packaging, cosmetics, lip balm, perfume, candles and so on. They can be reused multiple times. So not only recyclable but also reusable. Compared with traditional tinplate cans, these aluminum tin containers are widely used nowadays.
Final Words
Aluminum is infinitely recyclable. It is one of the most recycled materials on Earth. From beverage cans to spare parts, everything is recycled over and over again. It not only meets the needs but also preserves natural reserves. It is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and energy-efficient.
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