Local Authorities

Low Weight, but High Value – Aluminium packaging is worth recycling

In 2010, 154,000 tonnes of aluminium packaging – primarily drinks cans, aluminium foil and aerosols – was placed on the market.

Aluminium packaging represents up to 25% of the value of materials typically collected at the kerbside.

Up to 99 per cent of all aluminium packaging produced is consumer packaging, with the majority of it used in the home. It represents 1% (by volume) of the domestic waste stream, but has an intrinsic value and when collected for recycling commands a stable and attractive price in the secondary markets. In fact, aluminium packaging represents up to 25% of the value of materials typically collected at the kerbside.

Over half of the local authorities in the UK already collect mixed cans and aerosols as part of their recycling programmes, but plenty more material is available.

The government's Waste Policy Review 2011 highlighted aluminium as a priority material for recycling initiatives and it is a core part of Alupro's mission to encourage and support those authorities that are collecting, or would like to capture more, of this valuable waste stream.

Why collect aluminium?

Further information about Alupro

Learn more about our programmes

Aluminium is a valuable resource, and Alupro can help you realise the potential of the aluminium packaging your householders use.

To find out how, talk to us

Tel: 01527 597757

Enquiry form

Recent news from Alupro

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

06/02/12

Making Northern Ireland's Metal Matter

The metal packaging industry has teamed up with the local authority waste partnership arc21 and its waste management partner Bryson Recycling, to launch the MetalMatters programme to householders across the east of Northern Ireland. The campaign is the UK’s biggest... Read more

19/12/11

Alupro responds to the Government's Consultation on Packaging Recycling Targets to 2017

Recycling Targets Must Rise Commenting on the Government’s Consultation on recovery and recycling targets for packaging waste for 2013-2017, Rick Hindley, Alupro (Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation) executive director, said: “The consultation represents a chance to raise targets and maximise recycling... Read more