Recycling 101 Intro

The development of the “can” originated in Napoleon’s time around the early 1800s; however, the use of aluminum in beverage containers did not debut until 1965. The aluminum can is the most valuable beverage container to recycle. By doing so, its recycling provides environmental and economic benefits to communities and organizations across the country.

Did you know?

• Recycled aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy to make the same aluminum from virgin sources.

• One ton of recycled aluminum saves 14,000 KWH of energy, 40 barrels of oil, 238 million BTUs of energy.

• One ton of recycled aluminum saves 10 cubic yards of landfill space.

Each year, the aluminum industry pays out over $800 million dollars for empty aluminum cans. That’s a ton of money that can go to organizations to help people help themselves and their communities. Today it is cheaper, faster and more energy-efficient to recycle aluminum than ever before. The aluminum can is 100 percent recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely. The can remains the most recyclable of all materials.

Our thanks to Earth 911 for these great tidbits!

<<< go back to previous page