Top 4 Aluminium Recycling Items That are Not “Cans”

Aluminium is one of the most versatile and widely used metals in the world. Its unique properties, such as being lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly conductive, make aluminium production a valuable resource for various industries.

When we think of aluminium recycling, we think of cans, the first image that comes to everyone’s mind. However, there are numerous other types of aluminium scrap that can be recycled and repurposed.

In this article, we will explore four brilliant aluminium recycling ideas that go beyond just cans, shedding light on the vast potential to recycle aluminium products.

Aluminium Cans: The Poster Child Of Recycling

When we think of aluminium recycling, we think of cans. Everyone’s minds naturally drift towards the aluminium can. It’s like the celebrity of the aluminium recycling world, always in the spotlight, with endless recycling possibilities.

But why do we think of cans only when we talk of aluminium recycling?

Let’s face it, cans are flashy. They catch our attention with their colourful designs, and they hold our favourite drinks. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about crushing cans into tiny aluminium pancakes, ready to be reborn into something new.

Beverage cans make up 50.4% of all recycled aluminium. So, it’s no wonder that cans have become the poster child for aluminium recycling, and we think of cans only.

But wait, there’s a twist! As we peel back the aluminium recycling layers, we’ll discover other types of aluminium scrap items just waiting to join the recycling limelight. So, let’s think bigger than cans and uncover the other aluminium products for recycling together, shall we?

4 Types Of Aluminium Scrap Items || Think Bigger Than Cans

Remember, aluminium recycling is not limited to cans alone. Look around your home, workplace, and community for other types of aluminium scrap items that can be recycled.

Let’s explore top 4 types of aluminium scrap items you can recycle other than soda cans.

1. Sheet Aluminium

Sheet aluminium is a commonly recycled form of aluminium scrap. It refers to flat pieces of aluminium that are typically used in construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries.

Aluminium is highly malleable and commonly used to create sheet metal for various everyday aluminium products. Sheet aluminium and steel can appear similar but can be differentiated using a magnet. Steel is magnetic, while aluminium is not.

Examples of sheet aluminium products include aluminium roofs, road signs, and aluminium panels. These items often become outdated or damaged, leading to their removal and replacement. Instead of disposing of them in landfills, recycle aluminium sheet to reclaim the valuable metal for future use.

2. Siding, Windows, And Gutters

Siding, windows, and gutters made from aluminium are another excellent source of recyclable aluminium scrap. These items are commonly found in residential and commercial building materials. Over time, building materials undergo renovations or demolition, resulting in the removal of aluminium components.

Building materials such as siding, windows, and gutters are commonly made from aluminium production. While aluminium siding has become less popular since the 1970s, homeowners replacing their old siding can recycle aluminium sustainably.

Thicker aluminium products is used for siding and gutters to withstand the elements, resulting in different pricing compared to aluminium cans. Windows may contain aluminium components mixed with glass, plastic, or rubber, lowering their value as “dirty aluminium.”

When you recycle aluminium separate it from other materials. It is crucial for better pricing when recycle aluminium.

3. Auto Parts

Aluminium production is increasingly being used in the automotive industry due to its lightweight nature and fuel efficiency benefits. From engine blocks to wheels and transmissions, various auto parts are made from aluminium products.

When vehicles reach the end of their life cycle or are involved in accidents, they are often scrapped or sent to junkyards. However, these retired automobiles contain valuable aluminium that can be recycled.

Recycle aluminium auto parts to conserve natural resources by reducing aluminium production. Aluminium recycling also reduce the carbon footprint of the automotive industry.

4. Electrical Wires

Aluminium, once used for residential wiring applications, is now considered a fire hazard and has been replaced by copper wiring applications. However, aluminium wiring or enclosure is still used in electronic components and power transmission lines due to its durability.

Electrical wires are an often overlooked source of aluminium scrap. Many electrical cables, especially those used for power transmission, contain aluminium conductors. When electrical wiring applications systems are upgraded or replaced, the old wiring is usually discarded. However, these wires can be recycled to recover the aluminium and minimize waste.

To recycle aluminium wiring or enclosures, it is crucial to separate them from copper to maximize their value at the scrap yard.

Recycle aluminium from electrical wires helps to reduce the need for mining and extraction of new aluminium. Furthermore, aluminium recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves energy compared to primary aluminium production.

Other Types of Aluminium Scrap Items

Apart from the four types of aluminium scrap mentioned above, there are several other items that can be recycled to recover aluminium. These include aluminium foil, packaging materials, kitchen utensils, bicycle frames, and even aerospace components.

Each of these items contains valuable aluminium that can be reused, reducing the demand for new aluminium production.

Conclusion

Aluminium recycling goes far beyond just cans. By recognizing types of aluminium scrap items that can be recycled, we can make a significant impact on conserving resources, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing environmental pollution.

Sheet aluminium, siding, windows, gutters, auto parts, electrical wires, and various other aluminium products and building materials hold tremendous potential for recycling. Embracing these brilliant aluminium recycling Perth ideas allows us to think bigger and contribute to a more sustainable future.