Aluminum continues to be one of the most recycled materials. According to The Aluminum Association, recycled aluminum makes up about 80% of all aluminum produced in the United States. Furthermore, nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today, making it highly recyclable. Aluminum is very sustainable and can be repurposed for many uses.
Sgt. Scrap is the premier scrap metal dealer serving customers in New Jersey, as well as Delaware, southeast Pennsylvania, and parts of New York. Here, we discuss the reasons aluminum recycling is important and explore some of the most common items made using recycled aluminum today.
How Can Recycled Aluminum Be Used?
Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, meaning it retains its properties indefinitely. Because of this, most industries can achieve the exact level of performance, lightweight durability, strength, and corrosion resistance with recycled secondary aluminum as they might with newly manufactured aluminum.
Additionally, compared to other types of metals, the process of recycling aluminum is much faster. All of this allows aluminum to be repurposed and inserted into production quickly to create a variety of commonly used items. The uses for recycled aluminum include:
Aluminum Cans
The most widespread application of recycled aluminum is cans for drinks, hair products, spray paints, and other substances. Aluminum cans are the largest single-use of aluminum globally, and it’s estimated the world uses about 180 million aluminum cans every year. It takes only two months for recycled aluminum to be melted down and turned into a brand-new aluminum can for consumers to buy.
Airplane and Car Parts
Aluminum is a strong material that can withstand great force, making it an excellent material for car and airplane parts, which need extra protection from accidents. Recycled aluminum can be used to make the body or frame of an aircraft or automobile. Other components recycled aluminum help forge include transmissions, wheels, lamps, electrical wiring, air conditioner condensers, engine parts, and magnets.
Furniture
Recycled aluminum also can be used to create furniture commonly found in your household. If you take a look around your home, you may notice tables, chairs, and desks made in part or entirely out of aluminum. Another popular piece of furniture that’s frequently made from aluminum is outdoor patio furniture.
Baseball Bats
A use you might not have thought of when it comes to recycled aluminum is baseball bats. Because they’re lighter and stronger, aluminum bats often are the preferred choice for baseball and softball players compared to wooden bats.
Many other industries use recycled aluminum to provide goods and services. Some include:
- Hospitality
- Industrial
- Construction
- Shipping, trucking, and transportation
- Restaurant and food service
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Military/defense
Why Recycling Aluminum Matters
Recycling aluminum does more than help the production of many everyday items. When you recycle aluminum, you’re contributing to benefits that have environmental and economic benefits for your community and communities around the world.
Those who choose to recycle aluminum are helping save energy, time, money, and precious natural resources. That’s because processing recycled aluminum takes only about 5% of the energy needed to make new aluminum. This helps reduce 97% of greenhouse gas emissions produced in the primary production process.
Aluminum Recyclers in NJ, DE, NY, PA, & MD
Don’t let your unused or unwanted aluminum end up going to waste. Instead, recycle it responsibly at Sgt. Scrap. When you choose to recycle your scrap with us, we take the necessary precautions to ensure all metals are safely recycled and properly repurposed. We’re happy to accept a wide range of scrap metal and compensate you fairly. To make the aluminum recycling process simple and easy, we offer clients two convenient locations in Haddon Township and Pennsauken Township, NJ. We’re also pleased to provide a range of professional scrapping services that include mobile pickup and roll-off dumpsters.
People and businesses throughout New Jersey, as well as Delaware, southeast Pennsylvania, and parts of New York, who are interested in learning more about our premium scrap services and the metals we buy should contact us today at Sgt. Scrap.