Aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials because it can be melted down over and over without losing its integrity. It can be easily sorted out from the other materials at the recycling centers and shipped back cheaply to aluminum plants for reprocessing. Did you know that a whopping 95% less energy is used in manufacturing items out of recycled aluminum than in creating new aluminum? According to the American Aluminum Association, that is why aluminum has such a high market value in the world. The most common form of aluminum being recycled is the can, though more and more scraps from auto parts, housing materials such siding, gutters and flashing, and parts from appliances are showing up at the recycle hubs. In 2007, almost 31% of all the aluminum products produced in the United States originated from recycled materials. That's pretty impressive.

People have been recycling aluminum for almost a century now. Aluminum recycling began as far back as the early 1900's, shortly after it became widely used mostly because of its ability to withstand high heat levels, its ability to be easily molded into many shapes and its property to cool down whatever is stored in it and keep it cool longer than glass or plastic containers. By World War II, recycling aluminum became a national campaign so it could be used to manufacture more airplanes, submarine and battleship parts. Today, aluminum is used in everything from pots and pans to wrapping foil, lawn furniture and wiring. It is even used as a radiation reflective material in the Space Program. Unfortunately, aluminum foil is rarely recyclable because the sorting wands cannot detect such light weight material. Perhaps in the near future this can change as recycling methods become more advanced.

Just look around your world and notice how many things made of aluminum you come in contact with in one day. Bet you will be surprised at how much we depend on aluminum. It just makes good sense to try and recycle as much of it as we can. That is why websites such are becoming more and more popular. From grade school kids to senior citizens, we all need to learn the benefits of recycling materials we use so much. It can help us all become more aware of our impact on this planet's resources and how to preserve them for future generations. Aluminum is a wonder substance. Manufacturers are finding more and more ways to use this versatile material. Let's all make the effort to recycle more of it, reduce factory gas emissions and become more pro-active in the "greening" of our society.