The chart illustrates how aluminum drinks cans are recycled. Overall, a total of 11 stages are shown in this recycling process, from the delivery of used cans to the recycling plant to the production of new recycled cans, taking a total of 6 weeks from start to finish.
In the first step, used aluminum cans are collected and delivered to a recycling facility. Upon arrival, the cans are washed thoroughly; they are then crushed to reduce their size and prepared for further treatment. Subsequently, any labels or designs are removed through a chemical process.
Next, the crushed and cleaned aluminum is heated until it melts, allowing it to be poured into molds. This molding step ensures that the cans have a consistent shape and size. After cooling and solidifying, each molded can is weighed to confirm it meets the standard weight requirements.
Following the weighing process, the cans undergo rolling, which flattens and strengthens the aluminum. Finally, the recycled cans are ready for packaging and distribution, completing the six-week recycling cycle.