US’ aluminum can recycling rate shows slight improvement in 2023 over previous 3 years
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Update time : 2024-12-13 17:51:00
The recycling rate for aluminum beverage cans in the US reached 43% in 2023, slightly higher than the previous three years but below the 30-year average of 52%, according to a report by The Aluminum Association and the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI).
Although aluminum packaging accounted for only 3% of household recyclable material by weight, it contributed nearly 30% of its economic value. Industry leaders attributed the stagnant recycling rate to trade dynamics and outdated recycling systems.
CMI Vice President Scott Breen emphasized the need for systemic reforms, including deposit return systems, to meet the industry’s recycling goals for 2030 and beyond.
In 2023, the industry recycled 46 billion cans, maintaining a high closed-loop circularity rate of 96.7%. However, the average recycled content in US-made aluminum cans dropped to 71%, underscoring the need for better recycling infrastructure and consumer participation.
