Does anyone really recycle scrap aluminum cans? The answer to this question is an emphatic yes! So much so that today, we are still using some 75% of all the aluminum ever created. In the United States, it is one of the most commonly recycled metals in existence. Furthermore, because in the process of recycling, it loses none of its quality or its integrity, it is 100% recyclable.
Why Is Recycling So Important?
The reasons for recycling aluminum cans are many. One of the biggest reasons is the savings on emissions and energy that would usually be used to make aluminum from the raw material bauxite. When compared to the amount of energy needed to produce aluminum from raw materials, the energy used in recycling aluminum only amounts to approximately 5%. If you are concerned about the environment, one of the biggest steps you can take is to recycle aluminum cans.
Where landfills and emissions are concerned: landfills have been spared approximate 23 million tons of waste and carbon dioxide emissions are reduced considerably.
Those looking for ways to help local communities, the economy, and help out the planet at the same time can save precious money, time, energy, and natural resources by recycling aluminum cans. Recycling one ton of aluminum saves the following:
- 10 cubic yards of landfill space
- 32 million BTUs of energy
- 40 barrels of oil
- 14,000 kW hours of energy
Garbage Everywhere!
Times have changed – and not all for the better. While far more user-friendly, conveniences like disposable diapers and individually packaged food servings now, more than ever, create ton after ton of garbage. Every single day, approximately seven and a half pounds of garbage is discarded by the average American.
And while nonrecyclable garbage does go into landfills and eventually gets buried, how long before we run out of space for the landfills? Worse yet, some waste materials are shipped to incineration plants which only serve to further pollute our already questionable atmosphere.
Recycling Aluminum Cans – An Investment In Our Economy
Many of us are familiar with the fact that money can be made from the collecting and recycling of aluminum cans. School groups, Girl Scout/Boy Scout troops, and other charitable causes can benefit by collecting aluminum cans and turning them in for cash. But there is another investment factor to the recycling of aluminum cans.
The collection and recycling of aluminum cans supports a diverse and strong recycling manufacturing industry. Localities and states benefit from the wages and jobs provided by this industry. In the chain of economic activity, it is a critical link. What’s more, the money and energy saved by various companies and industries that rely on recycled materials weighs in as an important factor.
H&C Metals knows fully well how important the recycling of aluminum cans is to the economy and the planet. For over 40 years, we have been serving the tri-state and Newark, NJ areas with our recycling efforts. If you have questions about our prices, our hours, scrap that we don’t accept, specific metals, or other recyclable materials, contact one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives today.