Two-thirds of US aluminum cans recycled last year

Nov. 5, 2013

U.S. aluminum can recycling rates reached the highest level in 20 years last year, highlighting the successful policy that metal companies have been implementing to reduce waste.

U.S. aluminum can recycling rates reached the highest level in 20 years last year, highlighting the successful policy that metal companies have been implementing to reduce waste, the Wall Street Journal reported.

In 2012 some 62 billion cans were recycled in the United States, which means that two in three aluminum cans produced ended up in recycling facilities. Overall, 92 billion cans were produced domestically last year, data from a report by a consortium of industry groups reveals. The previous recycling peak was in 1992, when 67.9 percent of all aluminum cans were recycled.

Rates have been going up for the past six years, the Wall Street Journal said. Last year 13 billion cans were imported, compared to 6.5 billion in 2007, when recycling rates were at a more modest 53.5 percent.

RELATED: Plastics to remain dominant in US beverage container market

Despite the positive development and the two-decade high, U.S. recycling rates still lag behind those of Brazil and many countries in Western Europe.

Typically, when households dispose of aluminum cans with their waste, waste-management companies collect the different recyclable materials. Then cans, in the form of scrap, are bought by large aluminum companies, such as Novelis Inc. and Alcoa Inc., and are melted and rolled into sheets in their facilities. After that, these sheets are transported to various firms where they are pressed into different shapes including cans.

Sponsored Recommendations

Choosing The Right Partner for CHIPS Act Investments

As the U.S. looks to invest in the semiconductor research and production using CHIPS Act 2022 funding, it's important to choose the right partner.

EMWD Uses Technology to Meet Sustainability Goals

Eastern Municipal Water District pilots artificial intelligence-enabled control and machine learning to help save energy, reduce costs, and improve quality.

Protein Processing Solutions: Automation & Control

For protein processors looking to address industry challenges, improve efficiency, and stay ahead in a competitive market, Rockwell Automation offers tailored automation, control...

Automotive Manufacturing Innovation: Smart Solutions for a Connected Future

Rockwell Automation provides automation and control systems tailored for the automotive and tire industries, supporting electric vehicle production, tire production, battery production...