How Does Recycling Aluminum Cans Save Energy

Aluminum is one of the most prominent metals in the world, and it is found in things ranging from cooking supplies to aircraft. So many of the things we use every day contain aluminum, but that metal doesn't come from nothing. Like many resources, it's always a good idea to recycle aluminum when possible. Take a deep dive into why it's so important to recycle aluminum to learn more.

Why Recycle Aluminum?

As a metal, aluminum will not break down over time if simply thrown away into a landfill. The rusting and corrosion process takes far longer than decomposition, leaking toxins into the ground as it does. Essentially, tossing out old aluminum is wasteful, takes up space, and causes all number of harmful consequences.

Recycling aluminum, on the other hand, allows old metal a second chance at life. Aluminum is quite durable, meaning it can be reused without much fuss. In a perfect system, a single piece of aluminum could theoretically be recycled forever, as it will not normally break down.

Where Can You Find Scrap Aluminum?

One of the most common sources of scrap aluminum is soda cans. Most people are familiar with soda cans, which are an everyday use of this metal and the single most recycled source of aluminum currently. Aluminum foil is another common source that's too often thrown out without a second thought. As long as the foil can be rinsed off, there's no reason it can't be recycled.

Old gutters and home siding are also likely to have sources of aluminum, potentially letting you offset the costs of home improvements by cashing in your old equipment. HVAC units, too, often have a lot of aluminum on both their insides and outsides, making old units a potential source of recycling.

Car rims and various other parts of vehicles and aircrafts are made with aluminum, often being the biggest sources of aluminum that one could stumble upon for recycling. If you have any old vehicles, you can definitely identify sources of aluminum or other valuable materials to recycle instead of simply having them destroyed or thrown away.

How Does Recycled Aluminum Save Energy, and What Industries Does It Benefit?

Extracting aluminum metal from the ground requires a lot of effort and energy. While a certain amount of mining will always be necessary, it's simply unnecessary to create all aluminum products from scratch. Recycling helps offset the energy costs of attaining aluminum and is less wasteful overall.

Estimates suggest that recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than creating virgin metal. This helps keep aluminum costs down and helps the environment, a win-win for both companies and consumers. In particular, the food industry is a major beneficiary of this, as many products come in aluminum packaging that's easy to recycle.

Construction also makes use of recycled aluminum, with old metal being reformed into roofing, siding, gutters, and so much more. It can even be used in making screws and bolts. Transportation involves a lot of aluminum, both in its vehicles and in terms of moving it around as cargo. Components on cars, trucks, and aircrafts often utilize aluminum due to its low cost and durability, as well as how easy it is to work with.

Contact McGree Trucking for All Your Recycling Needs

Aluminum is easy to recycle and a great way to help reduce energy and resource waste. Throwing out old aluminum is no good to anyone, especially when it's such a simple matter to give old things a new lease on life. If you have aluminum you need to recycle, contact McGree Trucking for help with that. Whether you're in need of curbside pickup, commercial solutions, or just a dumpster rental, we've got your back.

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