Band 9: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The diagram below shows the recycling process of aluminium cans. Summaries the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. You should write at least 150 words.

The provided diagram illustrates the various stages involved in the recycling process of aluminium cans.

Overall, the process is a cyclical one that begins with the collection of used cans and ends with them being reused as new products. It is a multi-step operation that involves mechanical processing, heating, and manufacturing.

The cycle starts when consumers dispose of used aluminium cans. These are then collected by a truck and transported to a facility. At this plant, the cans undergo a series of preparatory steps, which include cleaning, sorting, shredding, and compressing them into a manageable form.

Once processed, the shredded aluminium is moved to the heating and melting stage. After the metal has been melted down, it is rolled out into sheets that are between

2.5mm and 6mm thick. Following this, the aluminium is used to produce new cans, which are then distributed for use. The diagram notes that in the UK, 74% of cans are recycled. Once these new cans are used by consumers, the entire cycle begins again.