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This section is packed with information to help you learn about recycling and about aluminium - whether it's for a school project, homework assignment or to you're just interested in finding out more about why it's so important to live sustainably



About Recycling

What is recycling?

Put simply, recycling is taking something old and turning it into something new.

In the case of aluminium drink cans, the old drink cans can be recycled into metal which is used to make new drink cans in what we call a 'closed loop'. But that's not all: the whole process can be repeated over and over and over again - how cool is that?

Why should I recycle?

Recycling is a habit we all need to get into. It saves natural resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and cuts down on the amount of land needed for waste disposal.

In the case of aluminium, recycling saves 95% of the energy needed to make aluminium from raw materials and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 95%. It's a no brainer!

How does recycling work?

Recyclable materials have to be separated out from the rest of the waste and sent to reprocessors. These are the companies who turn the materials back into usable products.

Aluminium cans are separated from other metals and recycled by Novelis at Europe's only dedicated aluminium can recycling plant. The cans are melted down to form 27 tonne ingots which are used in the manufacture of more drink cans.

What can be recycled?

Most things can be recycled, although it's fair to say that it's more straightforward for some things than others! Check out our list!

How can I recycle?

You can recycle at home and at school, you just need to get organised and you'll soon pick up the habit. Encourage your family to get recycling too!

Don't throw away anything that can be recycled!

Here is a list of things you should always recycle (or reuse!) ...

  • Batteries
  • Aluminium Cans
  • Aluminium foil
  • Building Materials
  • Cardboard
  • Chemicals
  • Electronic equipment Garden waste
  • Glass (particularly bottles and jars)
  • Magazines
  • Metal
  • Newspaper
  • Oil
  • Paint
  • Paper
  • Plastic Bags
  • Plastic Bottles
  • Steel Cans
  • Tyres
  • White Goods (Appliances)
  • Wood
  • Writing/Copy Paper

Some of the items listed above will require special handling procedures. Ask your local council recycling office for assistance and information. Click here to find contact details for your local council



About Aluminium

What is aluminium?

Aluminium is the 3rd most abundant element in the earth's crust. It exists in rocks, soil, water but doesn't occur anywhere in its pure form. It has to be extracted from its ore, a clay-like substance called bauxite.

How is aluminium made?

Deposits of bauxite ore are mined and refined into alumina. Alumina and electricity are combined in a cell with molten electrolyte called cryolite. Direct current electricity is passed from a consumable carbon anode into the cryolite, splitting the aluminum oxide into molten aluminum metal and carbon dioxide. The molten aluminum collects at the bottom of the cell and is periodically “tapped” into a crucible and cast into ingots.

What are the properties of aluminium?

Aluminium is a very versatile metal.

  • Aluminum is light; its density is only one third that of steel.
  • Aluminum is resistant to weather, common atmospheric gases, and a wide range of liquids. It does not rust or corrode.
  • Aluminum can be used in contact with a wide range of foodstuffs.
  • Aluminum has a high reflectivity, so is attractive for decorative uses, for example foil wrappings and drink cans.
  • Aluminum alloys can equal or even exceed the strength of normal construction steel.
  • Aluminum has high elasticity, which is an advantage in structures under shock loads.
  • Aluminum keeps its toughness down to very low temperatures, without becoming brittle like carbon steels.
  • Aluminum is easily worked and formed; it can be rolled to very thin foil.
  • Aluminum conducts electricity and heat nearly as well as copper.
  • Aluminium can be recycled in a closed loop, without any loss of quality - and saving up to 95% of the energy needed to produce the metal from its raw materials

Where is aluminium used?

Aluminium is all around us. It is used in many different applications including:

  • Mobility- trains, planes and cars; bicycles and scooters; wheelchairs and walking frames.
  • Healthy living - an ingredient in medicines and toiletries; protective packaging; fire-retardant clothing and thermal recovery blankets.
  • Healthy eating - food and drink packaging, including 'aseptic' containers for long-life products.

Find out more:

Click here to visit European Aluminium Association

How are drink cans made?

The body of an aluminium drink cans is formed from a single piece of aluminum which is cut from a sheet of thin aluminium and extruded. Can tops are made of a different alloy and fixed at the end of the filling process.

Follow these links to find out more:

How are drink cans recycled?

In the UK aluminium cans that have been separated from other items in the waste stream are recycled by Novelis at the dedicated used beverage can recycling plant in Warrington, Cheshire.

Find out more...

Start recycling at school

Aluminium can recycling makes a great project for you to run at school - it could be to raise funds for a charity, linked to an environmental studies or an enterprise activity. Download our fact sheets Need any more information or technical help? Click here to contact us

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Watch the recycling loop

Every Can Counts

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