Aluminum recycling is not a new process, it is in fact a common practice which has taken place since the early 1900s. Aluminum recycling was, however, a low-profile activity until the late 1960s when the exploding popularity of aluminum beverage cans finally placed aluminum recycling into the public consciousness.
All aluminium products can be recycled after use. Most commonly, used aluminium cans are recycled as part of the aluminum recycling process to create new aluminum cans. Aluminium Scrap is generally taken by road to an aluminum recycling depot where it is checked and sorted to determine composition and value.
If the aluminium is of unknown quality the aluminium will first be passed through some large magnets to remove any ferrous metal. Depending upon the type of contamination present, some scrap must be processed further, used beverage cans for example must have their lacquer removed prior to aluminum recycling. The aluminum is then re-melted as part of the aluminum recycling process.
The scrap aluminium is then loaded into a furnace, which melts the aluminium completely. This molten metal is then cast or processed - using the same techniques as primary processing. Other sources for aluminum recycling include automobile parts, windows and doors, appliances, containers and other products.
Aluminum recycling has several known benefits primarily that it conserves the Earth’s natural resources and that it saves energy. Used aluminium beverage cans are replaced within six to eight weeks in countries that have dedicated aluminum recycling schemes.
