The diagram illustrates the process of recycling aluminium drinks cans
Overall, there are six steps involved in the process, which can be further organized into three main stages. It begins with the collection and cleaning of used aluminium drinks cans, followed by the recycling and reshaping of the metal, and finally ends with the production of new drink cans ready for reusing.
In the first stage, used aluminium cans are thrown into recycling bins by consumers. These bins are then collected and transported to a recycling centre. At this facility, the cans are cleaned to remove any remaining dirt and liquid. Once cleaned, they are compressed into large blocks in order to make transportation and the next process easier.
At the recycling plant, the compressed aluminium blocks are melted down into liquid metal. After being melted, the molten aluminium is rolled into thin sheets, which are then shaped into new drink cans. As soon as the new cans are produced, they are filled with beverage and distributed to vending machine for sale. When consumers have used these cans and thrown away again, the process of recycling drink cans begins again.