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Benefits of Recycling Aluminum Cans

Aluminum recycling is a process in which used aluminum is re-melted to obtain scrap aluminum, which is used in making aluminum products. Aluminum is most widely used in the making of drinking cans. There are several benefits of recycling these cans.

  1. More Energy Efficient

    • Recycling aluminum cans requires considerably less energy compared to mining and smelting. The entire recycling process can be accomplished by using just 5 percent of the energy required for primary production; also, 95 percent less carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere by recycling. The energy saved by recycling a single can is enough to power a TV for three hours.

    More Cost Effective

    • Recycling aluminum is considerably more cost effective compared to the production of new aluminum, even if you add the collection, separation and recycling costs to the equation. Aluminum can be recycled over and over because its structure is not damaged by the process.

    Environmental Issues

    • Aluminum is not a naturally occurring element; it is extracted from bauxite. The extraction process involves mining and smelting of the ore, and even though the mined land is rebuilt very carefully after extraction, environmentally damaging changes do take place.

      The effect of bauxite mining on the environment includes disruption within rain forests, soil erosion which badly damages the ability of the soil to retain water, and loss of animal and plant habitats. Aluminum spillage can also damage the environment; an example of this can be seen in the form of coral reef degradation along the south coast of Jamaica. Recycling aluminum reduces the need for bauxite mining.

    Health Benefits of Recycling

    • Recycling aluminum also has health benefits. Aluminum is extracted from raw bauxite by using caustic soda, a substance that contains sodium. Excess amounts of sodium can affect human health, as it was observed in Jamaica where the caustic sodium used in aluminum extraction managed to mix with the water supply, thus increasing its sodium content and causing hypertension to the domestic residents. Simple recycling can prevent negative effects that are a result of aluminum production.

    Easy To Recycle

    • Aluminum cans have the advantage of being one of the most easily recyclable materials. Recycled cans filled with drinks can be made available for purchase within six weeks of recycling.

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