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.