Jump in US aluminium can recycling rate

United States – The recycling rate for aluminium cans in the USA climbed to 57.4% in 2009 from 54.2% in the previous year, according to a report issued by the Aluminum Association, the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). Approximately 55.5 billion aluminium cans were recycled last year in the USA versus 53.2 billion in 2008. The scrap recycling industry continues to play a vital role in maintaining a steady supply of aluminum for America’s manufacturing economy while also being a strong environmental steward,’ says ISRI President Robin Wiener. ‘In 2009, over 4.6 million tonnes of aluminum was processed by the US scrap industry, saving the energy equivalent of 1.3 billion gallons of gasoline.’

CMI President Robert Budway adds: ‘Aluminum cans continue to provide our customers and consumers with an exceptional environmental package of choice. The infinite recyclability of aluminum compounds its sustainable benefits.’