U.S. aluminum can recycling reached 54.2 percent in 2008

The Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) have officially announced the 2008 Used Beverage Container (UBC) recycling rate which showed the highest recycling rate of any beverage container at 54.2 percent.

"The aluminum can is a sustainable beverage package," said Kevin Anton, Chairman of The Aluminum Association and President, Alcoa Materials Management. “A can that is recycled can be back on the store shelf in as little as 60 days. Recycling conserves energy, saves resources and minimizes consumer and production waste. We model the benefits of recycling and will continue to promote these benefits.”

“This shows recycling rates for cans strong and can makers are committed to their continual increase,” said Robert Budway, President of the Can Manufacturers Institute. “Higher recycling rates deliver the endlessly recyclable benefits for cans, reducing carbon emissions, virgin material use and energy expenditure.”

"This information demonstrates that the aluminum can continues to be recognized as a valuable recyclable product," said Robin Wiener, President of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. "Scrap recycling continues to play a vital role in the local and global economy, as well as global trade and sustainable development and we hope to see the recycling rate continue to increase."

Cans are infinitely recyclable. A recycled can requires 95 percent less energy, generates 95 percent less emissions and creates 97 percent less water pollution than generating new metal. Therefore, purchasing beverages in aluminum cans, then recycling is a simple way to reduce one’s carbon footprint. Higher recycling rates ensure a steady supply of high value recycled aluminum delivering incredible value and benefits for all stakeholders.

The aluminum beverage can is 100 percent recyclable into new beverage cans indefinitely—a demonstration of recycling at its finest. The aluminum can is the only packaging material that more than covers the cost of collection and re-processing for itself. It also helps subsidize the collection of other recyclable materials.
           
Sources:   The Aluminum Association, Inc.; Can Manufacturers Institute; Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. 
            

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