Aluminium and the Carbon economy

Aluminium packaging recycling
in the UK

Alupro has been working on behalf of the aluminium industry to drive up recycling rates for aluminium packaging for over 20 years.

In that time the recycling rate has risen from less than 2% to 42%.

As almost all aluminium packaging is used for consumer products it mainly arises in the domestic waste stream, therefore it is vital for future recycling growth and to maximise carbon savings that recovering aluminium from this waste stream is prioritised by national government and local authorities.

Even though aluminium packaging comprises only 1% of the domestic waste stream its value far outweighs other materials collected for recycling.

The value of aluminium collected can make a major contribution to the viability of a local authority recycling programme.

Alupro is working with the developers of new waste treatment plants in the UK to recover aluminium packaging from residual waste. You can read about this in our Projects section.

Aluminium packaging facts

More information about Alupro and our members
Alupro is currently running several programmes to boost metal packaging recycling on behalf of its members and partners in the industry.
Every Can Counts is targeting the drinks cans used outside the home
MetalMatters is encouraging participation in metal recycling at the kerbside
New waste treatment technologies – increasing the recovery of aluminium from energy from waste and other new technologies

Aluminium and the Carbon Economy

The aluminium industry has invested over £50m in developing packaging recycling since 1989

To find out how, talk to us

Tel: 01527 597757

Enquiry form

Recent news from Alupro

21/03/12

Alupro welcomes increase in packaging recycling targets, but calls for regular review

The Aluminium Packaging and Recycling Organisation (Alupro) has welcomed the Government’s announcement that statutory packaging recycling targets which will increase year on year, are to be introduced from 2013 until 2017; but has cautioned that continual review is critical if... Read more

02/03/12

Every Can Counts accounts for 51m cans recycled in 2011

Every Can Counts, the away from home drinks can recycling programme, has today revealed that it helped collect 51 million used beverage cans from workplaces and ‘on the go’ locations across the UK in 2011. This equates to 774 tonnes... Read more

15/02/12

Alupro raises concerns about the future of Cash for Cans

An unintended consequence of the proposed ban on cash transactions for scrap metal would be to make ‘cash for cans’ recycling activity illegal. Around the world “cash for cans” programmes have played, and continue to play, a key role in... Read more

14/02/12

Alupro's Response to DEFRA Consultation on UK Packaging Recycling Targets

Alupro fully supports the Government’s preferred option for an increase in recycling targets, (option 3a) and believes the targets proposed are fair and equitable. Alupro urges the Government to ensure that future targets are ‘stretching but realistic’, and are regularly... Read more

Aluminium packaging recycling in the UK