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The Choice for Future Generations


Recycling 1 aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television for 3 hours.

Metal cans are produced with abundant and recycled materials, minimizing the depletion of natural resources. Steel and aluminum cans are the nation’s most recycled food and beverage containers.

The result of all that recycling? Less pollution, reduced costs and a steady supply of resources for years to come—the very definition of sustainability.

High Recycling Rates

Steel and aluminum cans are easily reclaimed from the waste stream and recycled into new cans of the same strength and quality. It’s an efficient process that takes as little as 60 days.

Infinitely Recyclable™

  • Steel and aluminum cans are 100% recyclable.
  • Cans may be recycled again and again without loss of strength or quality.
  • Steel cans have a 71% recycling rate, which is the highest of any food package. In fact, steel is the most recycled material in the world.
  • Aluminum cans contain an average of 68% total recycled content and, with a 65% recycling rate, are the most recycled beverage containers.

Nearly 75% of all aluminum and 80%-90% of all steel that has ever been produced is still in use today!

The can’s great recycling story is better for:

People

  • Recycling preserves resources for future generations.
  • Keeps water and air cleaner.
  • Minimizes CO2 emissions and mitigates climate change.
  • Keeps waste out of landfills and incinerators.

The Planet

  • Recycling aluminum saves 95% of the energy required to produce new cans from virgin ore and creates 97% less water pollution, while keeping 1.7 billion pounds of waste out of landfills.
  • Every ton of recycled steel saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,000 pounds of coal and 40 pounds of limestone, ensuring a steady supply for the future.

Profits

  • Cans provide a solution to consumers’ demands for green products.
  • 7 in 10 adults said they would purchase a product because its packaging is better for the environment.

Recycling 1 aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television for 3 hours.