Aluminum cans are everywhere, and unlike plastic bags, they can actually benefit the environment when recycled. But this benefit only comes if people like you and I make the effort to recycle them. For all of your aluminum recycling needs contact NRI Metal Recycling located in Hugo Minnesota serving all of the greater Minneapolis MN area.
Why is Recycling Aluminum Important?
Recycling aluminum offers numerous advantages—environmentally, economically, and socially. It saves energy, reduces costs, preserves natural resources, and generates jobs. Aluminum recycling also helps fund community services, benefiting millions of people.
The Scope of the Problem
Despite these benefits, only about half of the more than 100 billion aluminum cans sold in the U.S. each year are recycled. Worldwide, this leads to approximately 1.5 million tons of aluminum being wasted every year. These discarded cans must be replaced with new ones made from virgin materials, resulting in significant energy waste and environmental harm.
Environmental Impact of Not Recycling Aluminum
If aluminum isn’t recycled, the consequences are substantial. Globally, the aluminum industry emits millions of tons of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which contribute to global warming. While aluminum cans only account for 1.4% of garbage by weight, they are responsible for 14.1% of greenhouse gas emissions from replacing waste with new products made from raw materials.
Aluminum production also releases harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which contribute to smog and acid rain. Additionally, producing new cans requires mining and refining bauxite ore, a process that generates tons of caustic mud, which can contaminate water sources and harm both humans and wildlife.
Infinite Recycling Potential
One of the most valuable aspects of aluminum is its ability to be recycled infinitely without losing quality. Aluminum can be recycled over and over again, making it one of the most sustainable materials. Today, aluminum recycling is cheaper, faster, and more efficient than ever before. In fact, the aluminum can you recycle today could be back on store shelves in as little as 60 days.
Global Recycling Rates
While less than half of all aluminum cans are recycled in the U.S. and worldwide, countries like Switzerland, Norway, Finland, and Germany recycle over 90% of their aluminum beverage containers. This shows that it is possible to significantly reduce waste through widespread recycling.
Aluminum Wasted
Despite progress, there’s still much more to be done. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, Americans throw away enough aluminum every three months to rebuild the entire U.S. commercial aircraft fleet. More than half of the aluminum cans produced and sold globally are discarded and never recycled, meaning new aluminum must be made from virgin materials to replace them.
By making the simple choice to recycle aluminum, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and lessen our environmental impact. It’s a small action that has a big impact, and with everyone’s help, we can continue to improve recycling rates around the world. For all of your aluminum recycling needs contact NRI Metal Recycling located in Hugo Minnesota serving all of the greater Minneapolis MN area.
