8 Fascinating Facts About Aluminium Recycling

Introduction to Aluminium Recycling

Aluminium stands out as a remarkable material, largely overlooked during most of human history despite comprising approximately 8% of the Earth's crust. Its unique properties, including lightness, flexibility, excellent corrosion resistance, and high electrical conductivity, have made it indispensable across various industries worldwide.

This article delves into intriguing aspects of aluminium and its recycling process, aiming to inspire more individuals to participate in recycling efforts.

Historical Discovery of Aluminium

The journey to discovering aluminium was lengthy. Despite its abundance in the Earth's crust, pure aluminium remained elusive until 1825, when Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted managed to isolate it. The delay in its discovery can be attributed to aluminium's reactivity, which typically confines it to ores and compounds rather than occurring naturally in its elemental state. Historically, one of its compounds, alum, has been utilised for centuries in dyeing, tanning, and other chemical processes, yet the element itself remained unknown to its users.

Importance of Aluminium Recycling

Extracting aluminium is both energy-intensive and costly, underscoring the significance of recycling. Traditional methods involve mining bauxite ore, generating 1.5 tonnes of CO2 for every tonne of aluminium produced. In contrast, recycling aluminium requires significantly less energy—up to 95% less than producing it from raw materials.

Aluminium Recycling in the UK

The UK excels in aluminium recycling, producing surplus quantities that exceed domestic demand, enabling exports to countries like China and India. An interesting statistic highlights the impact of recycling: if every aluminium can in the UK were recycled, the nation would need 14 million bins, demonstrating the substantial effect recycling can have.

Speed and Efficiency of Aluminium Recycling

The aluminium recycling process is remarkably quick. From disposal to production, the cycle can be completed in under two months, showcasing the efficiency of recycling technologies.

Multiple Recyclings Without Loss of Quality

One of the most impressive features of aluminium is its ability to be recycled repeatedly without losing its functional value or structural integrity. This versatility allows aluminium to serve in a wide range of applications, from beverage cans to automotive bodies and construction materials, over multiple lifecycles.

Energy Savings Through Recycling

Recycling a single aluminium can saves enough energy to power a TV for up to three hours. Given that most UK drinks cans are made from aluminium, the potential energy savings through recycling are considerable.

Room for Improvement in Aluminium Recycling Rates

While the recycling rate for aluminium packaging reached 51% in 2017, with even higher rates in sectors like construction, there remains room for improvement. Considering aluminium's ease of recycling and adaptability, increasing these figures could significantly benefit the environment.

Conclusion: Supporting Aluminium Recycling

At Stort Mill Recycling LTD, we champion environmental sustainability by offering top prices for scrap metal. Our scrap service across Essex ensures efficient recycling, supporting both homeowners and businesses in their recycling efforts. Contact our team today to learn more about how you can contribute to aluminium recycling and support a greener future.

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