The diagram illustrates the sequential procedure involved in the recycling of aluminium cans, highlighting each critical step in the process.
Overall, the recycling of aluminium cans entails six key stages, commencing with collection and culminating in the reintroduction of recycled products into the market, as evidenced by the substantial reuse rate in the UK.
The initial phase of the recycling process involves the systematic collection of discarded aluminium cans from designated disposal bins. Subsequently, these collected cans undergo a rigorous cleaning process to remove any impurities, followed by meticulous sorting based on their material composition. In the next step, the sorted aluminium is subjected to shredding and compression, transforming the cans into compact blocks that are optimally prepared for subsequent processing.
Continuing in the recycling operation, the compressed aluminium blocks are introduced into a furnace where they are heated to high temperatures, resulting in the transformation of solid aluminium into a molten state. This liquid aluminium is then processed further by rolling it into sheets that vary in thickness between 2.5 mm and 6 mm. These sheets are subsequently used to manufacture new aluminium products, which are then distributed back to the marketplace. Notably, approximately 74% of aluminium in the UK is efficiently reused through this comprehensive recycling cycle.