The flow chart illustrates how aluminium cans are recycled in the UK.
Generally speaking,there are 5 main steps: disposal, collection nad manufacturing, recycling and reusing.
First, consumers need to dispose their used aluminium cans correctly, throwing them in the appropriate bin, otherwise the recycling process cannot be undertaken. Then, the trash is collected and mixed altogether, before being processed and recycled. As a matter of fact, once cans arrive at the local waste management station, they are first cleaned and sorted. After thism they are compressed and shredded, and then they are sent into an oven where they are heated and then melted. The melted aluminium is then rolled into strips of 2 to 6 cm of width. Finally, it is used to product other cans or other items, that are sold into supermarkets and shops. It is estimated that, in the UK, almost 75% of the aluminium on the market is recycled and reused.