U.S. Aluminum Beverage Can Recycling Rate Hit Lowest Level in Decades

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The aluminum beverage can recycling rate in the United States has decreased in recent years, according to a recent research released by the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturers Institute.

In 2023, the recycling rate was 43%, which was much lower than the 52% average since the tracking started in 1990. This is the lowest rate that has been documented in many years. It is important to remember that the 2023 recycling rate is substantially below the previously stated goals of 70% by 2030, 80% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. The 2030 aim appears to be unrealistic given the current pace.

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According to data, throughout the past year, each American tossed away 15 12-packs of cans. This amounts to aluminum worth $1.2 billion. In 2023, about 61 billion cans were discarded, whereas over 46 billion cans were recycled. According to the aforementioned statistics, the United States lags below peer nations in terms of recycling aluminum cans, according to Charles Johnson, president and CEO of the Aluminum Association.

Meanwhile, in order to boost recovery rates, CMI President Robert Budway recommended that more local jurisdictions adopt legislative measures including comprehensive extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations that include deposit return schemes.