Aluminum can recycling up in 2008

The Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) have 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.”

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. 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.