Aluminum Recycling:
Ever wonder what happens to those aluminum cans after you toss them in the recycling bin?
When it comes to sustainability, there are few items made by man that can rival the prevalence of aluminum cans, but unlike plastic bags which are known to top the list of items polluting the planet and endangering the lives of both humans and animals, aluminum cans may actually be beneficial to the planet if people recycle them.
Compared to plastics that degrade when conventional recycling methods are used, aluminum cans have the potential to be recycled indefinitely without any loss in quality. This means that aluminum cans, when used and recycled properly, are actually beneficial to the planet.
Unfortunately, billions of aluminum cans are wasted every year which may be due to the fact that there is a general lack of awareness when it comes to the benefits of recycling aluminum.
The Benefits of Aluminum Recycling
Energy Conservation
The recycling of aluminum can save between 90%-95% of the energy needed to produce aluminum from scratch. To illustrate, 1 can of recycled aluminum is equivalent to 33 new cans of aluminum and saves around 7 KWH of electricity. This means that saving one aluminum can will save enough electricity to power a television for 3 hours.
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Recycling aluminums helps society avoid mining, and the need to produce new aluminum from virgin materials, generating large amounts of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, the production of new aluminum emits carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide, and nitrogen oxide, all of which contribute to environmental problems like smog and acid rain. Needless to say, recycling aluminums significantly reduces these emissions and therefore is an essential step in minimizing the effects of global warming.
Natural Resource Conservation
The mining and production of new aluminum is destructive to ecosystems. Aside from the fact that the production process uses fossil fuels which leads to carbon emissions, the chemicals used in bauxite processing pollute the waters while the waste produced by the production pollutes the waters.
In addition, aluminum production from bauxite creates a harmful byproduct. When aluminum is recycled, the need for destructive mining processes is reduced. Not only that but it also helps preserve natural landscapes.
Economic Benefits
The aluminum recycling market is worth billions of dollars.
The aluminum industry in the United States alone pays almost a billion dollars a year just for recycled aluminum cans. This money supports charitable institutions, local schools, and creates jobs.
Many recycling centers will pay you for your aluminum cans. Companies are always looking for ways to recycle more efficiently. This creates jobs and boosts the economy.
Communities can work together to support worthy causes just from the money raised in recycling aluminum cans.
How Many Times Can Aluminum Be Recycled?
Here’s where things get interesting:
Aluminum can be recycled over and over again without losing quality.
This means that the can you drink from today could become a new can, a bike frame, or even part of a building tomorrow.
Now, let’s talk about the recycling process:
Step 1: Collection
It all starts with you putting that can in the recycling bin.
From there, it’s collected and taken to a recycling center.
Step 2: Sorting
At the center, aluminum is separated from other materials.
This is done using magnets and special sensors.
Step 3: Cleaning
The aluminum is then cleaned to remove any dirt or coatings.
Step 4: Shredding and Melting
The clean aluminum is shredded into small pieces and melted in a large furnace.
Step 5: Forming
The molten aluminum is formed into large blocks called ingots.
Step 6: Manufacturing
These ingots are then used to make new aluminum products.
The best part? This whole process takes just 60 days and is easy!
That means your recycled can could be back on the shelf in just two months.
The fact that aluminum can be recycled infinitely is remarkable. It can be recycled countless times without suffering from quality or material loss. When looking for eco-friendly packaging materials, aluminum cans should be at the top of your mind since aluminum can be recycled over and over, or repurposed into new products time and again.
Uses of Recycled Aluminum
Due to its recyclability and versatility, aluminum is used in different industries. One innovative and exciting development is its use in the automotive and aerospace industries.
The increasing use of recycled aluminum to manufacture vehicle bodies does not only reduce their weight. It also lowers emission and improves fuel efficiency. Some car manufacturers like Ford are able to manufacture lighter, yet durable eco-friendly cars, thanks to recycled aluminum.
In the aerospace industry, recycled aluminum is used for manufacturing parts of aircrafts. Aluminum is a light metal and this helps planes use less fuel, helping them become a more eco-friendly means of transportation.
Tech companies make use of recycled aluminum for casings and internal components of smartphones, tablets, and laptops, thereby reducing the need to use aluminum made from scratch.
Recycled aluminum is also being used in constructing building facades, roofing, and window frames. Because it is usually corrosion-resistant and durable, aluminum is a good material for eco-friendly construction projects.
Consequences of Failing to Recycle Aluminum Cans
● Contributes to the increase of greenhouse gas emissions
● Worsens global warming
● Contributes to the contamination of water supplies
● Increases harm to ecosystems
● Leads to more smog and acid rain
● Promotes strip mining
● Increases energy consumption
Recycle Aluminum for a More Sustainable World
Recycled aluminum can be greatly beneficial to industries, to the economy, and to the environment. Cultivating a strong recycling culture in the economy, improving recycling processes and ensuring that aluminum cans are shipped to recycling centers are just some of the things that governments, businesses, and ordinary households can do to make sure the children of today will inherit a planet that is thriving, healthy, and sustainable.
If you believe in ensuring the future, do what you can, whatever part you play in the world, then the vision of a sustainable future can become a reality!
The future of aluminum recycling looks bright. New technologies are making the process even more efficient. Some companies are even working on ways to recycle aluminum that was previously considered too contaminated.
This “aluminum revolution” is playing a bigger role within the circular economy. So, instead of a “take, make, dispose” model, we’re moving towards a “reduce, reuse, recycle” approach. Aluminum is leading the way in this new economic model.
Conclusion:
Remember, every time you recycle, you’re not just helping the environment. You’re also supporting a multi-billion dollar industry that creates jobs and drives innovation.
Who knew that little aluminum can could make such a big difference? So, the next time you finish a soda, think twice before tossing that can. It could be the start of an incredible journey from trash to cash!
Madi Solutions, based in the USA, is a pioneer of sustainable product designs, maker and provider of custom, specialized, personalized as well as generic business to business sustainable products for a greener, circular economy! Contact us by email at info@madidecor.com to consult and know more! And visit https://www.madidecor.com