Tin Cans/Aluminum

Metal recycling conserves natural resources by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Almost every kind of metal can be recycled again and again!

  • “Tin cans” and aluminum foil/containers
    • While “tin can” is a common phrase, most modern food cans are made of steel, often coated with a thin layer of tin or a polymer lining, rather than aluminum.
    • Rinse and Prepare: Rinse your tin cans to remove any food residue.
    • Lids: Completely remove the lids (also made of steel) and place them inside the can, then pinch the top so it closes.
    • Aluminum foil/trays/containers: Ensure it’s clean, then roll it into a ball.
  • Redeemable cans
    • Please put redeemable containers (beer, malt, carbonated soft drinks, & mineral water) in the far end of the recycling area! Proceeds go to Eastham Elementary.
  • Scrap metal
  • Appliances
  • Water heaters
  • Propane tanks

Reduce your consumption of metal

  • Rather than using foil wrap and disposable pans, use reusable food containers with lids.
  • Repair household appliances rather than buying new.
  • Buy for durability: Whenever possible, choose a product that you will use for a long time and be able to maintain and repair should it be necessary. It may cost a bit more up front, but it will save waste and money in the long run.
  • Borrow, lend, share: Consider sharing tools and household equipment (ladders, hammers, garden tools) with friends and neighbors.
  • Sell or give away working items you no longer need rather than throw them out.


Metal recycling

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) reports that recycling metal may cut greenhouse gas emissions by 300 million to 500 million tons. 92% of steel is recycled in the US each year. That’s more than paper, glass and plastic combined. For every ton of steel recycled, 2500 pounds of iron ore, 1400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone are conserved.

Steel recycling

  • Since 1990, technical advances in steel production have reduced energy intensity by 27% and CO2 emissions by 33% per ton of steel produced.
  • Steel is the world’s most recycled material, with 80 million tons recycled annually in the United States alone.

From https://stispfa.org/


More information

Check out these resources for more information.