With Earth Day just around the corner on April 22, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how you can help the planet by recycling your metal cans. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, more than 90% of co-products from the steelmaking process are reused or recycled, making metal cans infinitely recyclable.
Since metals are nonrenewable natural resources, it’s crucial to recycle your cans to preserve the limited supply. What’s more, metals can be recycled over and over without losing quality, making recycling even more essential. Contact your local recycling center to find out the best procedures for recycling your metal cans to ensure they are recycled properly.
All metal cans are recyclable, including beverage cans, paint cans, canned goods, and aerosol cans. However, it’s important to clean out the cans before recycling to prevent contaminating other recyclable materials. Make sure to rinse out any liquids or foods left in the cans and remove paper labels or plastic lids as needed.
Avoid puncturing aerosol cans and ensure all paint is dry or rinsed out before recycling. Don’t crush aluminum cans before recycling, as this can cause contamination. By following these simple steps, you can do your part to help protect the planet and reduce waste. So this Earth Day, make a commitment to recycle your metal cans and make a difference.
