Is Aluminium Recycled? What are the Benefits of Recycling Aluminium?

When it comes to recycling, there can be so many different rules, that it can become confusing.

One question that we noticed gets asked a lot is, “Is aluminium recycled”?

We could simply answer your question by saying yes and our basic job would be done and you would start putting aluminium drink cans and aluminium foil in the recycling bin.

However, have you ever wondered about the aluminium recycling process in which aluminium can be reused?

We don’t want to just answer your question with a yes. We want to explain to you the step by step process in which that aluminium drink can, can be reused and we want to answer those questions that have been puzzling you the most. Read on to find out more.
 

What are the Benefits of Recycling Aluminium?

Aluminium recycling is beneficial as it uses up less energy to recycle in comparison to using raw materials to create aluminium products.

There are endless benefits of recycling aluminium. Not only does it mean that we are not using up the Earth’s resources, but aluminium won’t lose any of its quality, during the process of it being recycled, which is all the more reason why we should continue recycling aluminium.
 

Why do we Need to Recycle Aluminium?

Aluminium scrap can be constantly recycled to create new items. Meanwhile, creating a drink can from raw materials will cause us to use the same amount of energy that could instead be used to recycle 20 aluminium drink cans.
 

How Much of an Aluminium Can is Recycled?

Aluminium cans can be fully recycled and on average, an aluminium can will contain 70% of recycled metal.
 

Process of Recycling Aluminium

The first stage of the recycle process of aluminium, is when the aluminium cans and aluminium containers are thrown into the recycle bin.

The aluminium recycling is then taken to a treatment plant, where it is sorted through and cleaned.

The aluminium scrap metal is then melted down and becomes molten aluminium, so that any coatings and ink that are on the metal recycling, are removed.

The molten aluminium is then transformed into blocks, known as ingots which get sent to mills.

The mills roll out the ingots which provides the metal with increased strength and flexibility.

From there, the aluminium is then used to create the cans and packaging such as chocolate wrappers, aluminium foil and cans that drink and food is stored in, in supermarkets.
 

Aluminium Recycling Facts

• A tonne of aluminium recycled products saves our Earth 9 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
• Recycling aluminium cans and items will save about 95% of greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to using new aluminium.
• To this day, our aluminium recycling industry has managed to help prevent nearly 170 million tonnes of greenhouse gases from entering our environment.
• Aluminium can recycling is the most recycled type of packaging container.

To find out more about our recycling and waste management plan at TJC Transport, why not visit our recycling page?