The latest statistics show that Europe continues to outpace the United States in the recycling of aluminum cans. The European Union (EU), a collection of 27 counties primarily located in Europe, has increased its overall recycling rate for aluminum beverage cans to 63.1%. The current US recycling rate for aluminum cans in 54.2%, but Alcoa and the Aluminum Association have launched a campaign to increase that rate to 75% by 2015.
The 2008 EU figures represent a 5.4 increase – equal to a carbon savings of 310,00 tons – over the past two years.
The use of aluminum beverage cans continues to rise among EU counties, particularly in Western European. Europe’s total consumption of aluminum cans reached 38 billion in 2008, accounting for more than 70% of the total European market for beverage cans.
Recycling rates for individual countries show a clear upward trend. Twenty one of the 27 countries successfully recycle at least 50% of aluminum beverage cans and 11 countries have recycling rates of 75% or higher.
We’re hopeful that the US hit that target in the next five years. All it takes is for every person to recycle one more aluminum can each week.
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