Trade groups say aluminum can recycling at 57.4%

Sept. 14

Aluminum can recycling has reached 57.4% in the U.S. last year, according to several trade groups working to increase landfill diversion of the containers.

"The aluminum can is infinitely recyclable," said Steve Larkin, president of the Aluminum Association. "A recycled can is able to be back on the store shelf in as little as 60 days -- using 95% less energy and 95% less greenhouse gas emissions then creating a can from new metal."

The Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries have been working to increase recycling of aluminum beverage cans, and said the rate of 57.4% for the cans is the highest of any used beverage container.

In 2009, Americans and the aluminum industry recycled nearly 55.5 billion aluminum cans, nearly 2.3 billion more than in 2008.

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Amanda Smith-Teutsch at 330-865-6166 or asmith-teutsch@crain.com

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