U.S. Aluminum Industry Recycling Rate of 67% Highest Since 1990s

ARLINGTON, VA., October 24, 2013 – Industry recycling of aluminum beverage containers in the United States continued its decade-long upward trend in 2012 with a rate of 67%, according to data released by the Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). This is the highest recycling rate since the early 1990s and the second highest rate reported since the survey began in 1972. The new rate marks progress toward the industry’s goal of 75% recycling by 2015.

The new rate means that in 2012, the aluminum can industry recycled some 62 billion domestic and imported cans while shipping 92 billion cans in the U.S. The energy saved from this recycling equaled 19 million barrels of crude oil which could fuel more than 1.7 million cars for a full year.

“It’s great news to see the aluminum can extend its lead as the most recycled beverage container, far exceeding comparable rates for glass and plastic,” said Heidi Brock, President of the Aluminum Association. “Cans are unique in that they can be recycled infinitely and be back on the shelf in as little as 60 days. Couple that with a 37% weight reduction for the average can since 1972 and you have the most sustainable and smart solution available for beverage packaging.”

“We are thrilled that aluminum beverage cans continue to be the most recycled beverage containers in the United States,” said Robert Budway, President of the Can Manufacturers Institute. “Cans are the most sustainable drinks package because cans can be recycled again and again in an infinite loop. We thank consumers for recognizing this value and helping us keep cans out of the landfill and in permanent use.”

The increase in the industry’s recycling rate in recent years has been driven largely by the addition of cans imported into the United States. Because of the closed loop aspect of aluminum can recycling, and aluminum’s significantly higher inherent value in the recycling stream, used cans easily cross borders and are extremely attractive for recycling.  In fact, U.S. recyclers often import cans from Mexico, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Poland and other countries. In 2012 alone, the industry imported and recycled close to 13 billion cans, nearly double the amount imported just five years ago. The increased recycling rate is reflective of this dynamic.

“While it’s encouraging that the industry is recycling at record levels there is still work to be done,” added Brock. “Increasing U.S. consumer recycling of aluminum cans remains a major opportunity to help the environment and the economy.”

“The increased recycling rate for aluminum cans is representative of the growth in the scrap recycling industry as a whole,” said Robin Wiener, president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. “The U.S. scrap recycling industry grew from $54 billion in sales in 2009 to more than $90 billion in in 2012, while also adding more than 15,000 jobs since the beginning of 2010.  As the recycling industry continues to expand, we also hope to see a continued increase in the aluminum can recycling rate.”

It takes just 5% of the energy to produce recycled aluminum versus primary aluminum. At the same time, nearly $900 million worth of aluminum cans don’t make it to the recycling bin each year and instead end up in landfills. These landfilled cans, which could otherwise have been recycled and made into new cans, reflect a significant loss to the economy, society through lost jobs, and the environment.

The aluminum industry works to increase consumer recycling by both encouraging lawmakers to consider recycling and recyclability as part of energy efficiency initiatives and by supporting the Curbside Value Partnership, a voluntary program created to increase participation in curbside recycling programs nationwide. Individual companies also support recycling initiatives by educating consumers and providing increased access in local communities across the country.

The Aluminum Association recycling rate is based on survey input from can sheet producers, can manufacturers and secondary producers of aluminum, representing nearly all can recycling activity in the United States. To learn more and view an infographic on the report please visit www.aluminum.org/Recycling2012.

Note:

• The U.S. aluminum industry recycling rate of 67% does not reflect recycled content of the can.
• The number is also not equivalent to an end-of-life collection rate due to the inclusion of imported used beverage cans.
• The rate reported reflects the industry’s recycling activities – the number of aluminum cans recycled divided by the number of aluminum cans shipped in 2012.

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The Aluminum Association, based in Arlington, Virginia, works globally to aggressively promote aluminum as the most sustainable and recyclable automotive, packaging and construction material in today’s market. The Association represents U.S. and foreign-based primary producers of aluminum, aluminum recyclers and producers of fabricated products, as well as industry suppliers. Member companies operate approximately 180 plants in the United States, with many conducting business worldwide. For more information visit www.Aluminum.org, on Twitter @AluminumNews or Facebook.com/AluminumAssociation.

Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) CMI is the national trade association of the metal can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. The can industry accounts for the annual domestic production of approximately 124 billion food, beverage and other metal cans; which employs more than 28,000 people with plants in 33 states, Puerto Rico and American Samoa; and generates about $17.8 billion in direct economic activity. Our members are committed to providing safe, nutritious and refreshing canned food and beverages to consumers.