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Recycling is an important part of a sustainable lifestyle.

It's important for the future of the planet that we all live 'sustainably' - in other words make the best use of limited natural resources.

Aluminium and recycling

Aluminium doesn't occur naturally in the earth's crust, it has to be extracted from its ore – bauxite – which is mined and then 'smelted' in a very energy-intensive process.

The aluminium recycling process uses only 5% of the energy needed compared to the smelting process, and reduces the need to mine bauxite.

Recycling aluminium also reduces litter and the pressure on waste disposal systems, especially landfill.

Recycling is a habit we have to get in to!

In the UK most of our rubbish is buried in landfill sites, but the amount of land available for this is running out fast.

Burying rubbish which is made of materials that could be reused or recycled is not sustainable. Some of the materials deposited in landfill sites can have a detrimental impact on the environment over many years.

European and UK Governments have set targets for local authorities to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and increase the amount recovered for recycling.

If we fail to meet these targets fines will be imposed – so not recycling could end up costing everyone.

Recycling is getting easier!

• Many local authorities now provide households with a doorstep collection service which collects their rubbish and sorts it for recycling. Also can banks are widely available at supermarkets and Council amenity sites. Find out what's available in your area visit www.recyclenow.com
• Some companies will collect recyclables from offices and workplaces. Start recycling at work now!
• And there are over 300 places around the UK where you can exchange aluminium cans for cash - click here.

Find out more about cash for cans