Recycling is a crucial part of sustainability and creating a better planet for everyone. Recycling lowers carbon emissions by reducing the amount of new aluminum or other products we need to manufacture. Most materials can be reused through recycling programs in your local area.

Perhaps even more important is learning how to recycle materials correctly so they don’t end up in landfills and are properly sorted at recycling centers. Whether you have beverage cans, glass bottles, scrap metal, plastic bottles, or any other type of recyclable material, it needs to be recycled in the correct recycling bin to ensure its reuse.

Key Differences Between Tin and Aluminum Cans

Not all recyclable cans are made of the same materials. Usually, the cans on your local grocery store shelves are either made of tin or aluminum. Tin cans are normally heavier, can withstand more pressure, and resist corrosion from acidic foods. However, tin cans offer less sustainability and efficiency for recycling. 

Aluminum, on the other hand, is a metallic element and much more abundant than tin. Products like aluminum beverage cans are created from alloys of aluminum, making them strong and light. Although it is harder to refine, recycling aluminum rather than creating new aluminum products can often pay for itself. 

Is Saving Aluminum Cans Worth It?

Recycling aluminum cans is indeed worth it, not only for your business or home but for the planet. Recycling aluminum products saves 92% of the energy that it would take to produce new cans or other aluminum products. While aluminum cans are incredibly recyclable, it is highly destructive to make new ones, starting with the mining of bauxite, which leads to deforestation.

How Can I Properly Dispose of Aluminum?

To make sure you’re recycling properly, first contact your Rumpke Recycling to see if there are any recycling restrictions in your local area. While all aluminum is recyclable, not every center takes every form of it. 

Is it better to crush cans for recycling?

In general, if you’re recycling aluminum soda cans, you can crush them to save space in your recycling bin or on your trip to the recycling drop box location.

What is the most environmentally friendly way to recycle aluminum cans?

According to the Aluminum Association, aluminum products are infinitely recyclable and have been called the “most recycled materials in use today.” The most environmentally friendly way to recycle aluminum cans is to place them and put them loose in your recycling bin or loose in a public recycling drop box.

Let Rumpke Handle the Aluminum Recycling for Your Home or Business

Need help handling the aluminum recycling at your house or business? Rumpke has you covered. Rumpke offers curbside recycling and makes it easy for residents to recycle. Rumpke collects and transports recyclables to one of its material recovery facilities where the cans will be sorted and processed.

Reach out today to request recycling services.