The Environmental Benefits of Aluminum Recycling

Aluminum is one of the most recycled — and most recyclable — materials on the planet, with 75% of all aluminum ever produced still in use today. Aluminum is one of the few materials that can be recycled endlessly without losing quality, earning it the nickname “forever metal.” Yet, despite its incredible potential, Americans discard millions of cans each day instead of recycling them. With more than 360 million aluminum cans used daily in the U.S., the opportunity for impact is enormous.  

According to the Aluminum Association’s Key Performance Indicator report, increasing aluminum recycling would save significant energy, create more revenue and jobs in the recycling industry, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen the circular economy. Simply put, every recycled can leads to a more sustainable and more profitable future. 

Key Takeaways 

• Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, maintaining its strength and quality every time it’s reused. 
• Recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy required to make new aluminum. 
• Aluminum outperforms plastic and steel in recyclability, energy efficiency and environmental impact.  
• Aluminum cans can be recycled and back on store shelves in as little as 60 days. 
• Recycling aluminum is quick, simple and keeps valuable material in use. 

Aluminum: A “Forever Metal”

Aluminum is often called a “forever metal” because it can be recycled repeatedly without losing its quality or structural integrity. Unlike some materials that break down with each recycling cycle, recycled aluminum retains the same properties as new aluminum, making it just as strong, lightweight and durable. This endless recyclability means aluminum can be continually reused to make cans, car parts, building materials and more, conserving natural resources and drastically reducing the need for new mining.

But how does it happen? The recycling process is simple, energy-efficient and surprisingly fast.

1. Collect: Aluminum items are gathered from homes, businesses and recycling centers. 
2. Sort: Aluminum is separated from other materials to keep it pure. 
3. Shred: Pieces are shredded to speed up melting. 
4. Clean: Coatings and contaminants are removed. 
5. Melt: Aluminum is melted using only a fraction of the energy needed for new aluminum. 
6. Cast: Molten aluminum is formed into sheets, blocks or other shapes. 
7. Manufacture: The recycled aluminum is ready to become new products, completing the “forever metal” cycle. 

Benefits of Aluminum Recycling

Recycling aluminum has a significant impact on both the environment and the economy.

• Energy Savings: Each time aluminum is recycled, it requires only a fraction of the energy needed to produce new metal from raw materials. This process conserves natural resources and reduces landfill waste by efficiently transforming existing products into new ones . 
• Environmental Impact: As a “forever metal,” aluminum can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. Each cycle reduces the need for mining, cuts greenhouse gas emissions and keeps valuable materials in circulation—diverting millions of tons of waste from landfills every year. 
• Job Creation and Economic Growth: According to the Aluminum Association’s 2024 Economic Impact Report, the U.S. aluminum industry supports nearly 700,000 jobs and generates $228 billion in economic output. Jobs in aluminum recycling have grown 12.5% in just two years, and raising the aluminum can recycling rate to 90% by 2030 could add 104,000 new jobs, double industry wages and create $1.6 billion in economic activity. 
• Durability and Sustainability: Unlike many other metals and plastics, aluminum doesn’t degrade when recycled. Steel, for example, loses quality over time, and plastics often downcycle into lower-quality products. Aluminum’s durability and infinite recyclability mean it’s a top choice for sustainable manufacturing, making it not only eco-friendly but also economically smart. 

How You Can Support Aluminum Recycling

You can participate in aluminum recycling at home by collecting and properly recycling cans, foil, and other aluminum products. Choosing items made from recycled aluminum also supports ongoing recycling efforts.

Here are five easy ways to support aluminum recycling in your community.

1. Choose Aluminum Cans: Purchase beverages in aluminum cans instead of plastic bottles.  
2. Cook and Store with Aluminum: Use aluminum foil, trays and reusable containers for cooking and storage.  
3. Buy Products with Aluminum Packaging: Look for foods, personal care items and household products packaged in aluminum instead of plastic. 
4. Support Aluminum-Based Products: Items like laptops, kitchenware and drink bottles often use aluminum for durability and recyclability. Choosing these products supports sustainable manufacturing. 
5. Recycle Properly: Collect and recycle aluminum cans, foil and other scrap. Proper recycling ensures aluminum keeps circulating rather than ending up in landfills. 

Recycling aluminum is an easy and effective way to reduce waste and support reuse. Most curbside programs accept aluminum, although rules can vary. Some may only take cans, while others also accept foil or trays. To make sure your items are recycled properly, remove any food residue before placing them in the bin. A quick rinse prevents contamination, and clean foil or trays should be balled up before recycling. By following your local recycling guidelines, your aluminum can return to store shelves as new products in as little as 60 days.

Local Leadership: Marpan’s Role in Sustainable Recycling

Marpan specializes in processing household recyclables at their state-of-the-art single-stream facility in Tallahassee, Florida. With single-stream recycling, Leon County residents no longer need to separate paper, plastic, metal and glass—everything goes into the same bin, and Marpan handles the sorting. To make recycling simple and effective, download our recycling guidelines, which provide essential rules and instructions for successful household recycling. 

Marpan has led Tallahassee and North Florida in debris management and processing of residential and commercial recyclable materials since 1966. Between 2008 and 2022, our recycling facility recovered more than two billion pounds of material that would have otherwise been buried in a landfill. Our partnerships, long-time commitment to recycling and state-of-the-art facilities allow us to make a difference in our community every day. For more information on how and what we recycle, explore our services.