Cans (Aluminium)
Find out how cans are recycled by watching a video here
Alternatively, you can watch what happens to material collected co-mingled at a Materials Recycling Facility
The production of aluminium from it's concentrated form, bauxite ore, is costly and uses large quantities of energy. Aluminium can be recycled indefinitely as the reprocessing does not damage its structure. Recycling aluminium also saves 95% of the energy used in its primary production.
A common product to be made from aluminium is a drinks can. In fact, 75% of drink cans are made from aluminium and the UK consumes approximately 5 million of these cans a year!
The primary production energy saved by recycling one aluminium can could run a television for three hours!
How to tell an aluminium can apart from other cans
If a can is made from aluminium it will?
usually have an ALU symbol on it;
be very lightweight;
not stick to a magnet;
not go rusty.
Our recycling / disposal advice
All of Hertfordshire's Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) have recycling containers for the collection of aluminium cans. The same containers are used to collect steel cans/tins, aerosols, and aluminium foil. Some districts and boroughs in the County have bring-bank points for the collection of the same mix of metals.
Only empty cans should be put into the collection container, and please rinse out the can before placing it in the container. We would recommend using 'grey water' to rinse (i.e. the end of your washing up water), as this will be sufficient and avoids using any more water or energy than is necessary.
Rinsing is to avoid any nasty smells that may emanate or attract pests due to sugar residues. The material will be thoroughly sterilised in the recycling process so the washing does not have to be to high hygienic standards.
For advice on recycling foil take a look at the 'Aluminium Foil' information page.
Download and view our How materials are recycled leaflet.
Use the search below to find where to recycle / dispose of Cans (Aluminium).