Predominantly used as drink cans, most Australians can recycle aluminium cans via their household recycling bin.
Some types of aluminium cans, such as soft drink cans, can be recycled through your local Container Deposit Scheme for a 10c refund per can. Find out more about Container Deposit Schemes in your area.
Aluminium Cans
Aluminium is a precious and finite resource (there is a limited amount in the world). Aluminium is infinitely recyclable, meaning it can be recycled again and again without any decrease in quality.
An aluminium can is 100% recyclable because there are no labels or covers that need to be removed. Recycling just one aluminium can saves enough energy to power a TV set for three hours.
Recycling aluminium cans saves 95 per cent of the energy it would take to make new metal from bauxite ore.
Source: Alcoa
During the recycling process, the cans are crushed and then melted in a furnace. Heating the aluminium at high temperatures transforms it into a liquid that can be placed in moulds to be shaped into new products.
If your workplace or business has large quantities of aluminium cans to recycle, visit Business Recycling to find a suitable collection, drop-off, or pick-up service.
Find out if your council accepts aerosol cans for recycling.
Learn how to recycle steel cans.
Find a recycler near you for scrap metal.
