UBC Recycling Rate Jumps in 2007

The Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute, and Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries jointly announced a 2.2 percentage point increase in aluminum can recycling rates, the largest gain in recycling rates in ten years. For last year domestic consumers collected for recycling close to 54 billion UBCs, more than 2 billion than the prior year.

The collected amount pushed the recycling rate for UBCs to 53.8 percent.

"The practice of recycling aluminum cans provides environmental, economic, and social benefits to communities and organizations across the country," said Robert Budway, president of the Can Manufacturers Institute. "Recycling saves energy. Recycling 40 aluminum beverage cans has the energy-saving equivalent of one gallon of gasoline. During 2007, Americans recycled enough aluminum cans to conserve the energy equivalent of over 15 million barrels of oil."

"The scrap recycling industry is pleased with the year-over-year growth" said Robin Wiener, president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. "The value of the all-aluminum can as a recyclable commodity can only increase."

In reaching the level, the groups noted several recycling initiatives that have been undertaken, including the Curbside Value Partnership. According to the Can Council, CVP currently is engaged with more than 40 communities. Partner communities have seen an average increase of 22 percent in recycling volume and 20 percent in participation.

Other Aluminum Can Council programs include The Recycle Challenge school drop-off program, can advertising promotions, recycling promotions, student environmental education programs, school and civic organization collection programs, and other projects. Through this group’s efforts, the aluminum can industry recognizes and promotes the value and importance of recycling.