Recycling Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the major types of products recycled in North America each year. Aluminum is used to make cans, foil, and other items such as trays. Americans recycle approximately 65-70% of the aluminum used in household products each year. However, hundreds of thousands of tons of aluminum products are being thrown away each year.

When thinking of recycling aluminium, the image that comes to mind is of cans. But the fact is that any household item made of aluminium, like lawn furniture can be recycled. The local recycling depot can clarify any doubt whether an aluminium item is recyclable or not.

The process which aluminum products must go through before they can be used in new products is an interesting one. Aluminum products are collected from various recycling depots and taken to a processing plant that deals with scrap.

There is a requirement to sort out this aluminium stuff. Once sorted out they are compressed in to blocks. From here these blocks are sent to various aluminium companies. The existing labels and coatings are taken care of in the aluminium company.

The aluminum company shreds and crushes the slabs. All the labels and coatings are removed at this point. New aluminum is added to the recycled, and they are melted together. Most aluminum that we buy contains about 50% recycled product.

Aluminum can be formed into any shape once it's been melted. The process differs according to product, but in general it sounds pretty easy, doesn't it?

Aluminum is actually the most common metal on earth. So why is it so important to recycle it then? While we are at no risk of running out of aluminum any time soon, using new aluminum requires much more energy than using recycled aluminum. Waste is also a key issue.

North Americans produce an enormous amount of waste each year. And where does it all go? Landfills are filling up and we are running out of places to put our waste. Not only that, but waste is very harmful to indigenous flora and fauna that live in the areas that we have decided to use for our landfills.

One way that companies can encourage consumers to recycle aluminum is deposits. Most aluminum cans require you to pay a deposit. In order to get that deposit back you must return the can. The can is then transported to the recycling depot and then to the processing plant.

Most people help the recycling process and in the bargain protect the environment. There are still many people who throw away these cans and other recyclable products instead of sending them for recycling. Recycling is good for all. It reduces our waste products and conserves energy. The process also creates many jobs and helps the community.

You can be the first in your area to form an environmental group that wants to start a recycling program. You will most likely find that both individuals and businesses will want to join you.