Around 98% of American households keep an average of 24 canned foods in their pantry. It only shows that lots of used cans will go into landfills every day if they are not recycled. Most cans, if not all, are made of aluminum. This material is recyclable, and you can make money by selling them.
There are aluminum can recycling Kansas City facilities that accept used aluminum cans. Selling used cans will allow you to make extra money, but it also has many other benefits. Below are more reasons why you should start recycling aluminum cans today:
1. Help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Recycling aluminum cans is an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions like methane and carbon dioxide. It prevents industrial plants from wasting energy in processing materials for industrial, consumer use, and more. In addition, unlike when manufacturing from scratch, recycling aluminum only produces a small amount of carbon dioxide. It is why selling your cans to a trusted recycler is a way to reduce strain on the environment.
2. Help reduce waste
Instead of recycling, around 3 million tons of aluminum are being dumped by Americans every year. It is a significant amount of waste that goes into landfills.
Aluminum scraps have a high value. They can be recycled many times, and there are many ways to reuse them. It would be a waste to throw used aluminum materials away, knowing that you can sell them for a reasonable amount. So, segregate the used cans in your home and sell them afterward.
3. Help save energy
Many manufacturers produce aluminum by refining it from bauxite. Usually, this process consumes a significant amount of energy. However, when you recycle even one aluminum can, you can help save the amount of energy that could run a television for several hours. Imagine how much energy will be saved if you keep recycling aluminum cans.
4. Slows down resource depletion
Aluminum takes up around 8% of the earth’s resources. It might be an abundant element, but there is still a limited supply. So, it would be a problem once it runs out. In addition, it isn’t possible to create aluminum synthetically, just like gold.
Recycling aluminum is the solution to this problem. Since the materials are limited, manufacturers usually utilize recycled aluminum. Today, 75% of the ever produced aluminum is still being used.
5. Reduces the cost of aluminum products
Aluminum has many applications. Aside from cans, it is also an essential component in construction materials, cleaning products, light bulbs, and many more. When more aluminum is produced from recycled sources, aluminum products will also have lower prices. Recycling reduces the cost of producing aluminum, which keeps the price of this material low.
Takeaway
Stop throwing away used cans today to help the environment, earn extra, and reduce aluminum costs. This simple gesture can make a significant impact once you do it consistently. Start managing your household waste today by segregating recyclable materials. Find a reputable metal recycling facility in your area that accepts aluminum cans and other recyclable items.