How to Recycle Aluminum in Louisiana

Aluminum is easily recycled.

Recycling old aluminum into new aluminum requires only about 5 percent of the energy originally used to make the aluminum, according to Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality. Recycling aluminum is good for the environment and it's convenient. You can find a place to recycle almost any type of aluminum in the state of Louisiana -- whether it's a soda can or an industrial-size piece.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone

Instructions

1. Check first with your curbside recycling program; aluminum cans can often be recycled curbside. Order a recycling bin from your garbage hauler if you don't have one. Larger pieces of aluminum can sometimes be set out at the curb; just ask your waste hauler if non-ferrous metals can be recycled in the curbside bin.

2. Ask your local waste hauler for a list of the local scrap metal collection centers if the company does not accept the type of aluminum you have. Check the database at Earth 911 for a center near you. The database lists scrap metal and recycling collection centers by zip code, including numerous listings in Louisiana.

3. Package your aluminum to get it ready to be recycled. If you have cans, save room in your curbside bin by crushing them before you put them in the bin. If you have larger pieces that can be sent to a scrap metal recycler, clean off any dirt or debris that may make it difficult to weigh the amount of aluminum you have. Place the materials in a bin or box so they won't come out in transit and potentially cut you or parts of your vehicle.

4. Place recyclables in your recycling bin or drive the materials to a recycling center. Bring along indentification, since scrap metal dealers often require people to register when selling or donating metal. Depending on the place and the amount of aluminum you have, you may earn some money. Check out the latest scrap aluminum prices from a scrap metal price website to get an idea of how much you could earn.

References

• Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality: Aluminum Recycling

Resources

• Earth 911: Find Recycling Centers and Learn How to Recycle
• Scrap Metal Prices and Auctions: Aluminum Cans