How to Recycle an Aluminum Can
In this age of "Going Green," many of us wonder what contributions we can make toward helping the environment. A very simple way to help the planet is by recycling your used aluminum cans. To many of us, this seems a small and insignificant action. Yet, recycling aluminum cans has a huge impact on the environment, because it takes 95% less energy to recycle an aluminum can than to make a new one. Recycling just one can saves enough electricity to run a television for three hours. With just a few simple steps, you can begin recycling cans and contribute to saving the planet.
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Instructions
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Create a container specifically for storing aluminum cans. A trash can, a plastic tote, even a trash bag make good receptacles for cans. Just make sure that whatever you choose stays separate from the rest of your other trash or recyclables.
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Wash all aluminum that you plan on recycling. Whether recycling a soda or soup can, make sure to rinse any of the contents out before placing it in your container. Recovery facilities do not take dirty cans.
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Dry the cans before adding them into your container, as recycling facilities prefer to receive them this way. After washing the cans, it is a good idea to turn them upside down to dry. This way liquid from new recyclables does not drip down onto the old ones.
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Take the cans to the recovery facility once your container is full. The facility weighs the cans and normally pays you a small amount. According to Can Manufacturers Institute, each aluminum can gives you one to two cents back in your pocket.
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Tips & Warnings
Not sure where to take your aluminum cans in your area? Go to Earth911's website, plug in your ZIP code, and the site provides you with a list of facilities in your area.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Recycle image by jeremyhowell from Fotolia.com
