29 Jun All About Aluminum

On hot summer days, many of us find ourselves reaching for an ice cold pop or beer, most likely in an aluminum can.  Yet even though aluminum is one of the most readily recyclable materials, around thirty percent of cans sold in BC, are still not returned for a refund or recycled. What if we improved those stats?

Here’s a brief outline of how aluminum cans are made and recycled: 

The process starts by mining bauxite and extracting the aluminum. The pure aluminum is then melted down (a few other metals added to strengthen) and pressed into sheets from which all cans are made. When the cans are returned for recycling, they are baled, melted, and returned to the shelf as cans again in as little as six weeks. The recycling process is much more cost effective, using 95 percent less energy than making cans from new material. Not to mention using 50% less water while producing fewer emissions. Recycling cans is one big WIN for everybody.

Recycling aluminum cans just makes sense, but did you know that aluminum can be recycled an infinite number of times? Unlike many other materials, aluminum doesn’t lose any strength or quality in the recycling process. This makes it one of the most environmentally friendly and affordable ways to package drinks. And they won’t break if you drop them, making them a safer alternative for camping or outdoor events.

I think it’s safe to say that we all know that we should recycle cans (and most other materials). So then why don’t we do it every time? We all come up with never ending excuses to answer this question, but the bottom line is that sometimes it comes down to just not having anywhere to do it. We are happy to say that our 4 locations on Vancouver Island all take cans for a refund. So bring in your aluminum cans, along with any other beverage containers, electronics, small appliances and much more. 

Spread the word and maybe we can make our way closer to all aluminum cans being returned for recycling.