(You can use a magnet to test this: it will not stick to aluminum.) Be sure the can is aluminum and not steel. The Rules: always rinse and flatten to save storage space. Life Cycle: aluminum is not biodegradable: it can be recycled repeatedly. Recycled products: beverage cans, lawn furniture tubing, window frames, storm doors. ALUMINUMĭescription: aluminum is a hard, yet lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal found in the Earth's crust in combination with other elements, primarily the mineral bauxite. Many recyclers have guidelines to explain their restrictions, available upon request.
When in doubt, you should ask rather than risk contaminating other valuable materials.Īs you review the following guidelines, keep in mind that in your community there may be variations on the recyclable materials collected as well as how they should be prepared for pickup or drop-off. The enthusiastic person who adds a ceramic mug to their recycled glass or includes magazines with newspapers may contaminate a whole truckload of materials, making it unable to be sold. And without successful recycling businesses, our efforts to reduce what we put in the trash will become worthless. To remain in business, recyclers must collect and process quality materials they can resell efficiently. You should always heed one guideline: follow your recycler's rules! Why is this so important? The recycling industry is a very competitive one. Whether you're recycling at home or on the job, preparing your recyclable materials the right way is crucial to a successful recycling program.