Everything you need to know about recycling aluminium cans
Aluminium - Cans includes:
Can
Tin Can
Soft drink can
Beer can
Fizzy drink can
Coca Cola can
Sprite can
Solo can
Fanta can
FIND A RECYCLER
Learn more about recycling aluminium cans
How to recycle aluminium cans at work
To recycle large quantities of aluminium cans, use the directory on this page to find a recycler near you.
For individual or small quantities, follow these guidelines:
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Small businesses that use their council’s kerbside recycling service are likely allowed to put empty aluminium cans in their recycling bin, as most councils accept them. To find out if they are accepted in your area, check directly with your council or use the directory on Recycling Near You for residential services.
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Businesses and workplaces that use a waste contactor should check directly with the contractor to see if they accept aluminium cans for recycling.
If your state or territory has a Container Deposit Scheme, you can return some types of cans for a 10c refund.
Why recycle
Aluminium is a precious resource, as there is only a limited amount of aluminium in the world.
Recycled aluminium requires 95% less energy than producing new aluminium and generates only 5% of the greenhouse gas emissions. Aluminium is infinitely recyclable, which means it can be recycled again and again without any decrease in quality.
An aluminium can is 100% recyclable because there are no labels or covers that need to be removed. During the recycling process, the cans are crushed and then melted in a furnace. Heating the aluminium at high temperatures transforms it into a liquid that can be placed in moulds to be shaped into new products.
Cash back for recycling
Some types of aluminium cans, such as soft drink cans, can be recycled through your local Container Deposit Scheme for a 10c refund per can.
Some businesses and workplaces collect these containers, take them to their local refund point to collect the cash and put it towards the work Christmas party or other activities.
If it is difficult for your workplace to drop off the containers at a refund point, you can organise to have them picked up by ReCollect who will take a portion of the refund.
Recycling other metals
Metals are extremely valuable resources that can be easily recycled.
Iron and steel
Iron and steel can be taken to commercial recyclers. Some recyclers may pick them up if you have large quantities.
Paint tins
Paint tins or cans are made of steel. Small businesses can drop off paint tins (up to 20L) at their nearest Paintback site.
Businesses with large quantities of paint tins to dispose of can recycle them through a commercial recycler.
Steel cans
Steel cans can be recycled through a commercial recycling service.
Scrap metals
You can take scrap pieces of metal to commercial recyclers. Some recyclers may pick them up if you have large quantities.
Did you know?
Recycling aluminium has huge environmental benefits! It uses 95% less energy than making new aluminium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are aluminium cans recyclable?
Yes, aluminium is 100 % recyclable – in fact, aluminium cans are one of the most recycled containers in Australia and can be recycled over and over again without any decrease in quality. Recycling aluminium prevents new resources from being mined and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Most Australian councils accept aluminium cans in household recycling bins. If your state runs a Container Deposit Scheme, you can also take eligible aluminium beverage cans to your nearest collection point for a refund.
What can aluminium cans be recycled into?
When you recycle your aluminium cans, they are collected by metal re-processors who melt them down so they can be turned into new aluminium products, primarily new aluminium cans. They may also be turned into car and aeroplane parts, fences, and furniture.
The good news is aluminium cans can be recycled over and over, without any reduction in quality. Recycled aluminium requires much less energy to produce than aluminium made from new materials – therefore, be sure to do your bit and recycle your aluminium cans.
