Why Is it Important to Recycle Cans?
Overview
Aluminum cans are one of the most commonly recycled products. There are many economic and ecological benefits associated with the recycling of aluminum, and the recycled material can be used in the production of a variety of new products. Aluminum recycling has been a common practice since the early 1900s and is now supported nationally.
Aluminum Can Production
The production of aluminum cans impacts the environment in several ways. Possibly some of the most harmful byproducts of aluminum can production are greenhouse gases. According to the Environmental Literacy Council, recycling aluminum produces far fewer greenhouse gases and requires much less energy than making cans from raw material. Recycling aluminum can significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emission.
Recycling Process
Earth911.com provides a basic description of how aluminum cans are recycled. Aluminum cans are first collected from local recycling sites and drop-off points and are then taken to regional scrap processing companies where they are condensed into bales. The bales of aluminum cans are then shipped to aluminum companies that melt them down and press them into aluminum sheets. These aluminum sheets are sent to aluminum can processing plants, where they are formed into new cans.
Benefits
There are many benefits associated with recycling aluminum cans that affect the environment, surrounding communities and your wallet. According to Earth911.com, aluminum is a sustainable metal that can be recylced repeatedly. This is extremely environmentally friendly because recycling cuts down on the natural resources that are needed to produce and refine aluminum from raw material. The aluminum can is extremely valuable in terms of recycling, and Earth911.com states that approximately $800 million dollars are paid out for empty cans each year. Due to the monetary value of aluminum cans and the quick turnover period, aluminum can collection is a popular option for community fundraisers, as aluminum cans can be collected and recycled quickly, which can provide money for community organizations and charities.
Recycled Material Uses
Aluminum in general can serve a variety of uses after it is recycled. Recycled aluminum can be used in automobiles, windows, doors and several other products. Aluminum cans are less versatile when recycled. They are sustainable metals, meaning they can be recycled indefinitely. According to Earth911.com, aluminum cans are mainly recycled into new cans, which can happen in a mere 60 days.
Fun Facts
According to the Can Manufacturers Institute, 105,784 aluminum cans are recycled per minute in the United States. At this rate, recycling aluminum cans can save enough energy in one year to light the entire city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for six years. The institute also states that recycling aluminum cans produces 97 percent less water pollution than producing brand new cans from raw ore.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/169860-why-is-it-important-to-recycle-cans/#ixzz1KImV3THw
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