Are Aluminum Cans Recyclable?

Aluminum cans are among the most valuable and efficiently recycled materials in the world, representing one of recycling's greatest success stories with a closed-loop system that can turn a used can into a new can within 60 days. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable without any loss of quality or strength, meaning the aluminum in a can today could have been recycled dozens of times and will continue to be recycled indefinitely. The recycling process for aluminum cans is highly energy-efficient: recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than producing aluminum from raw materials (bauxite ore), making it one of the most environmentally beneficial recycling processes available. The economics are also compelling – aluminum cans are so valuable that they often subsidize the cost of recycling less profitable materials in municipal programs. The recycling process involves collecting cans, cleaning them to remove labels and coatings, shredding them into chips, melting them down in furnaces, and forming new aluminum sheets that can be made into new cans or other aluminum products. However, proper preparation is important: cans should be empty and rinsed to remove sugary residues that can contaminate other recyclables, and non-aluminum components like plastic rings from six-packs should be removed. The high value of aluminum has created such strong recycling incentives that aluminum cans have recycling rates significantly higher than most other packaging materials.

Aluminum cans are accepted in virtually all curbside recycling programs and are among the most straightforward materials to recycle properly. Empty the can completely and give it a quick rinse with water to remove any remaining beverage residue – this is especially important with sugary drinks that can attract insects and contaminate other recyclables. You don't need to remove paper labels as these are burned off during the melting process, but do remove any plastic components like rings from six-pack holders. Cans don't need to be crushed, though crushing them can save space in your recycling bin. Both small cans (like energy drinks) and standard 12-oz cans are recycled the same way. Place clean, dry cans in your recycling bin or take them to recycling centers. In states with bottle deposit laws, aluminum cans can be returned to retailers for cash refunds, which often results in higher recycling rates. Some communities have special aluminum can collection programs that offer higher payouts than standard curbside recycling. Aluminum cans are so valuable that they're often the first items picked out by recycling facilities and can help offset the costs of processing less valuable materials in your recycling stream.

• Use reusable water bottles and drink containers instead of single-use cans
• Buy beverages in larger containers to reduce packaging per serving
• Choose tap water or filtered water over canned beverages when possible
• Support brands using high recycled content aluminum
• Participate in bottle deposit programs where available for cash returns