Recycling Aluminium Cans

Everything you need to know about recycling aluminium cans

Recycling Aluminium Cans includes:
Can Tin Can Soft drink can Beer can Fizzy drink can Coca Cola can Sprite can Solo can Fanta can

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Learn more about recycling aluminium cans

How to recycle aluminium cans

Predominantly used as drink cans, most Australians can recycle aluminium cans via their household recycling bin (check directly with your council if you are unsure). You can also use the directory on this page to find a recycler in your area if you have large quantities.

Container Deposit Schemes

All states and territories in Australia except Tasmania have Container Deposit Schemes, which provide a 10c refund for every eligible container returned for recycling. Tasmania will launch a Container Deposit Scheme in 2025.

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Why recycle?

Aluminium is a precious resource, as there is only a limited amount of aluminium in the world. Aluminium is infinitely recyclable, which means it can be recycled again and again without any decrease in quality.

An aluminium can is 100% recyclable because there are no labels or covers that need to be removed. Recycled aluminium requires 95% less energy than producing new aluminium and generates only 5% of the greenhouse gas emissions.

During the recycling process, the cans are crushed and then melted in a furnace. Heating the aluminium at high temperatures transforms it into a liquid that can be placed in moulds to be shaped into new products.

Cash back for recycling

Some types of aluminium cans, such as soft drink cans, can be recycled through your local Container Deposit Scheme for a 10c refund per can. All states and territories in Australia except Tasmania have a cash-back recycling scheme for aluminium cans and other drink containers. Tasmania will launch its scheme in 2025.

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Recycling large quantities

Businesses or workplaces with large quantities of aluminium cans to recycle can use a commercial recycling service. 

Recycling other metals

Metals are extremely valuable resources that can be easily recycled.

Aerosol cans

Most Australians can put empty aerosol cans in their household recycling bin. Cans that still have contents inside are hazardous and should not be put in your garbage or recycling bin.

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Steel cans

Some steel cans like tuna or soup cans can be put in your household recycling bin. Or they can be recycled through a commercial recycler.

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Paint tins

Paint tins or cans are made of steel. They can be dropped off for recycling at designated collection points.

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Scrap metals

You can take scrap pieces of metal to commercial recyclers. Some recyclers may pick them up if you have large quantities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are aluminium cans recyclable?

Aluminium is 100% recyclable, and it can be recycled over and over again without any decrease in quality. Recycling aluminium prevents new resources from being mined and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Most Australians can recycle aluminium cans via their household recycling bin – in fact, aluminium cans are one of the most recycled containers in Australia.

Some types of aluminium cans, such as soft drinks cans, can be recycled through Container Deposit Schemes for a 10c refund per can. Find out more about Container Deposit Schemes in your area.

What can aluminium cans be recycled into?

When you recycle your aluminium cans, they are collected by metal re-processors who melt them down so they can be turned into new aluminium products, primarily new aluminium cans. They may also be turned into car and aeroplane parts, fences, and furniture.

Aluminium is 100% recyclable – in fact, aluminium cans are one of the most recycled containers in Australia. Most Australian councils accept aluminium cans in household recycling bins. If your state runs a Container Deposit Scheme, you can also take eligible aluminium beverage cans to nearest collection point for a refund.

How to recycle aluminium cans?

Most Australians can recycle aluminium cans via their household recycling bin – in fact, aluminium cans are one of the most recycled containers in Australia. Some types of aluminium cans, such as soft drinks cans, can be recycled through Container Deposit Schemes for a 10c refund per can. Find out more about Container Deposit Schemes in your area.



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