Aluminium

Aluminium is produced from bauxite, a clay-like ore that is rich in aluminium compounds. The aluminium is only found as a compound called alumina, which is a hard material consisting of aluminium combined with oxygen. This alumina has to be stripped of its oxygen in order to free the aluminium. The alumina is dissolved in a molten salt at a reduction plant and a powerful electric current is run though the liquid to separate the aluminium from the oxygen. This process uses large quantities of energy. Recycling 1kg of aluminium saves up to 6kg of bauxite, 4kg of chemical products and 14 kWh of electricity.

If all the aluminium cans in the UK were recycled there would be 14 million fewer full dustbins each year.

Steel

There are currently 11 million tonnes per year of iron and steel scrap arising. About 70% of this scrap is recovered; of the remainder 20% is landfilled.

• Each household uses approximately 600 steel cans per year.
• Over 300 million cans are used per week over the Christmas period.
• Over 2.5 billion cans are recycled every year, resulting in a saving of 125,000 tonnes of solid waste. That’s equivalent to the weight of 18,000 double decker buses!
• All steel cans are 100% recyclable.
• Recycling 7 steel cans can save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 26 hours.

Other Metals

Although present in smaller quantities all metals including nickel, copper, silver, gold, lead and brass can be recycled. Given their recognised value smaller quantities of these metals are in circulation. With reliance on these metals by specific industries eg electronics their presence is often neglected when householders dispose of there items.

We at Ash Waste Services are able to offer a dedicated recycling collection service. For more information and prices, please call us on the number above
or e-mail us at enquiries@ashwasteservices.co.uk and one of our experienced team will contact you to discuss your potential.