Aluminum recycling allows one of the most versatile metals on Earth to be utilized again and again. The metal provides various applications because it’s durable, lightweight, malleable, ductile, and corrosion-resistant. It’s used for everything from cooking utensils to fencing to automotive parts, among countless other items, and is often accepted at metal recycling centers for cash. Review the benefits of aluminum recycling here before determining what items you can recycle. 

Why Aluminum Should Be Recycled

1. Limits Greenhouse Gas Emissions 

Aluminum is 100% recyclable and never wears out for indefinite reuse. By recycling the metal, you’re helping lower the number of toxic gas emissions that impact air quality. The global aluminum manufacturing industry sends millions of tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere every year, including nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide from smelting processes that contribute to acid rain and smog. 

2. Reduces Landfill Waste

Throwing soda cans and other aluminum products away increases landfill waste. Unless someone takes aluminum from your trash for scrap metal recycling, the non-organic material can sit in a landfill for centuries. It takes up to 500 years for an aluminum can to decompose. By recycling the metal, you limit landfill waste and the unsightly, odorous mounds trash and debris create. 

3. Supports Local Economies

Recycling aluminum and other materials creates jobs, a benefit that supports local economies. It is difficult for a community to thrive if a significant portion of the population is unemployed because there are fewer funds available to support businesses such as retail stores, restaurants, and clothing boutiques. The aluminum recycling industry helps prevent unemployment, as it features 161,000 direct employees and continues to thrive as people find new ways to reuse the metal. Recycling also provides indirect job opportunities, such as those at stores that sell recycled products.

Aluminum recycling offers these and many other benefits, such as energy conservation from reduced metal manufacturing. Take your aluminum to Holmes Iron & Metal Inc., the scrapyard and metal recycling facility serving North Carolina since 1950. The family-owned facility buys aluminum and other metals for great prices while also offering container rental and demolition services. Call (704) 633-6119 with questions, or review accepted materials online. Like the Facebook page for scrap metal recycling tips.