The diagram illustrates the procedure for recycling waste cans. Overall, the process consists of three main stages. The process begins with waste collection and, through seven stages, culminates in the new can. The recycling process is automated, with minimal human involvement.
First of all, discarded soda cans are gathered at a collection center where they are sorted into two categories: aluminum and steel. Meanwhile, the other types of waste are being removed since it is not needed for further processing. Once categorized, the aluminum cans are loaded onto trucks and transported to a recycling plant site.
At the factory, the cans are compressed into dense cubic blocks to minimize space during handling. Subsequently, these compacted blocks are melted at a high temperature to obtain liquid aluminum. The molten aluminum is then poured into molds to form ingots. Once the ingots have solidified, they are rolled into thin aluminum sheets suitable for manufacturing.
In the final stage, new drink cans are produced from these aluminum sheets. The freshly manufactured cans are then distributed to beverage companies or vending machines, completing the recycling cycle.