The diagram illustrates the process of recycling aluminium cans, from collecting used cans to producing new cans for reuse.
Overall, the process consists of several stages, starting with the collection of used cans and ending with the production of new cans. These cans can then be used again, making the process a continuous cycle.
First of all, used aluminium cans are put into a special recycling bin. After that, they are collected by a recycling truck and transported to a recycling factory. At the factory, the cans go through several steps, including cleaning, sorting, shredding and compressing. These stages help to prepare the aluminium for the next part of the process.
In the following stage, the prepared aluminium is heated and melted at a high temperature. Then, the melted material is rolled into thin sheets, with a thickness of between 2.5 mm and 6 mm. This material is used to make new aluminium cans.
Finally, the newly produced cans are ready to be used again. According to the diagram, around 74% of aluminium cans are recycled in the UK. After people finish using these cans, they can be collected and recycled once more. Therefore, the process continues in the same way.