Does Coca-Cola Recycle Aluminum Cans? [Biodegradable]

Coca-Cola’s prominence speaks for itself.

However, with daily sales of up to 1.8 Billion, the concern becomes whether aluminum cans and aluminum bottles find use to support environmental sustainability (source). Can soda cans be recycled?

Luckily, this article will offer an in-depth look at this sensitive topic.  So can you recycle coke cans?

The last point about repeated use solidifies the argument for cost-effectiveness in material acquisition.

Besides discussing Coca-Cola’s take on coke can recycling, this article will also cover how consumers can get involved in the recycling process.  Are coca cola cans recyclable? Let us dive right in. 

Are coke cans recyclable?

For humans and other life forms to survive, it’s necessary to have environments and ecosystems that are ‘healthy.’ If this is to happen, several measures need consideration.

Individuals and corporations need to take responsibility by ensuring environmental protection.

Recycling identifies as a great way to support environmental sustainability in the long term in the plastic the aluminum industry.

This process reduces plastic waste and also conserves energy.

According to Cranes Drinks, the energy used to recycle a can is 90% less than that used to recycle glass.

Other than that, ten times more energy is required when producing virgin aluminum using bauxite than using sand for manufacturing glass.

It involves the same amount (a tonne) of both materials.

Are soda cans biodegradable?

Are soda cans aluminum?

When producing aluminum cans from recycled material, only 8% of energy is required when compared to using virgin aluminum.

Being lighter than glass also means fuel usage reduction occurs.

Coca-Cola drinks company takes pride in the recycling process, especially since it only takes about 60 days for the cans to be back on the shelves.

In comparison to glass, facilities for recycling aluminum cans are easier to find.

Interestingly, 75% of aluminum ever produced is still being used today.

It proves how easy it is to recycle Coca cola aluminum can.

A unique feature of aluminum is its ability to be repeatedly recycled and still retains its initial strength.

Also, the material is light in weight, allowing ease of transportation. 

Both its weight and strength ensure safe distribution.

For Coca-Cola (soft drinks makers), this recycling process is more economical as both emissions and transportation cost reductions occur.

The company works together with its suppliers to ensure the closed recycling loop is maintained, which inches closer to a packaging future that is more sustainable. 

The recycling movement is one extensively discussed.

In a move to protect the environment, conversations about recycling have gone beyond the act of recycling to how to recycle items properly.

Overlooking the right way to recycle will be more of a setback than progress.

With cans of food, for example, what you put into the recycling bin matters.

An empty food can will be appreciated, while half-full food cans will prove detrimental.

When these food items spill on all materials bound for recycling, the entire batch faces destruction.

It supports an environment where the growth of mold and the presence of pests like rats and insects is inevitable.

In the same way, liquids pose a risk to recyclables.

Mixed recycling refers to mixing different materials such as paper, plastic, and metal in one bin.

These materials are transported to an MRF (Material Recovery Facility), mixing with other recyclables.

Liquid spills will damage these items.

High contamination levels will lead to the recyclables facing rejection.

The unideal situation will cause the items to be sent to a landfill instead.

It begs the question, should soda cans be rinsed before recycling? 

Yes, a simple rinse is necessary—no need to take out the sponge and dish soap.

Fill the can or bottle with water, shake and swish around to remove any remaining residue on the sides.

Finally, ensure no water remains in the containers.

We recently celebrated the 51st anniversary of World Earth Day on April 22nd.

This year’s theme was ‘Restore Our Earth.’ Part of this involves avoiding the extraction of steel, oil, and aluminum from the earth through proper recycling.

In support of minimizing the issue caused by packaging waste, the Coca-Cola Company made an ambitious pledge in 2018 that would affect the United States and the world.

The commitment that is still in the works consisted of three main agendas.

The first goal is to ensure 50% of its packaging materials fabrication happens using recycled content by 2030.

Secondly, they intend to make sure the collection and recycling of cans or bottles are sold by 2030.

Lastly, it is ensuring that by 2025 all of its packaging material is fully recyclable.

Additionally, the company has gone further to donate recycling bins in public spaces to many communities worldwide.

It is a move that has ensured recycling measures are upheld away from home by offering convenience and access.

The company has gone further to encourage both suppliers and consumers to get involved in the recycling movement.

A question, however, that remains in the mind of consumers is if you should crush the cans for recycling.

The honest answer is that crushing cans before recycling them is highly discouraged.

Many believe this act supports the recycling process when the opposite is true.

It may cause items not to be recycled.

Matt Meenan, Aluminum Association’s senior director of public affairs, voiced his concerns about the matter (source).

He further explained how most of the sorting facilities for recycling mix all the rubbish collected and then begin sorting.

The sorting process depends on the shape and material of the items.

Once a can is crushed, it loses its standard shape because of the weight of aluminum, which may cause the machine to overlook it.

In turn, it could end up in a pile of non-recyclables.

The worst-case scenario is that it may be mistaken for cardboard and mixed with paper.

Can coke cans be recycled?Coca-Cola Company continues to live by its words of ensuring its packaging materials are environmentally friendly.

It has the intention to shift its packaging materials to paper.

In 2020, the company unveiled its prototype (source).

The paper shell, however, is still dependent on plastic as a closer and as a liner.

The company still intends to come up with a paper bottle that doesn’t require a plastic liner.

Like every other food packaging, the Coca-Cola Company plans on adhering to high quality and safety standards.

By recycling aluminum cans, and plastic bottles, and incremental innovation of paper bottles, it is clear that the billion-dollar Coca-Cola Company remains committed to creating sustainable packaging materials.

FAQ

Which cans and bottles can be recycled for cash?

When it comes to Coca-Cola, always remember that you can recycle these packaging materials in exchange for cash.

Coke bottle fabrication happens using high-quality plastic that has a high potential for recycling.

The material is known as PET, short for polyethylene terephthalate.

In Australia, the Container Deposit Schemes accept glass bottles and recyclable aluminum cans.

Research your local area and establish which containers are accepted by the CDS.

Does Coca-Cola recycle all its products?

87% of the company’s products are recyclable. s

It is an increase from 85% in 2018. In other countries, the company utilizes 25% of recycled materials in its cans and bottles.

Additionally, there are three countries where plastic bottle fabrication occurs using material that is 100% recycled.

How has Coca-Cola supported the environment?

The Coca-Cola Company (beverage company) replenishes the water it uses and ensures soft drink cans recycling.

It pledged to return a drop of water for every drop it took from the environment for its processes and products.

It accomplished its goal in 2016, which was earlier than its initial 2020 target.

Coca-Cola has also made its packaging materials recyclable.

Additionally, it actively supports large-scale and cost-effective refund schemes for containers.

Not only does it reduce litter, but it also increases recycling rates.