Imports boost beverage can recycling in USA

United States – Recycling of aluminium beverage containers continues to grow in the USA, partly thanks to the increase in used can imports, according to data released by the Aluminum Association, the Can Manufacturers Institute and the US Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries.

In 2012, 62 billion (or 67%) of the total of 92 billion cans produced were made of recycled aluminium – the highest rate since the early 1990s and the second highest reported since the survey began in 1972. The US aluminium industry’s goal is to reach 75% by 2015. Used cans easily cross borders and are attractive for recycling, it is noted.

In 2012 alone, the US aluminium industry imported and recycled close to 13 billion cans, nearly double the number imported just five years ago. Despite these positive figures, nearly US$ 900 million worth of aluminium cans don’t make it to the recycling bin each year and instead end up in US landfills.

For more information: www.aluminum.org