Disadvantages of aluminum recycling
Aluminum is one of the light metals, with low density and high resistance to corrosion. It replaces other materials, such as steel, for the manufacture of some structures in order to reduce weight and is a material used in several industrial sectors (packaging, aeronautics, automotive, construction or machinery). The fact that it is such a light material and quite resistant to corrosion has contributed to its high demand, so new sources of bauxite, the mineral from which aluminum is obtained, are being sought, and the importance of recycling aluminum waste is also considered, as an alternative to the extraction of new raw materials.In this article of EcologíaVerde we will show how to recycle aluminum step by step, as well as how we should make the separation from our homes to deposit it in the correct container.
Do you know how we can recycle aluminum at home? Actually, to recycle it we would only have to previously separate at home all those aluminum waste or aluminum components that may be part of a container. For example, the bricks have an aluminum foil or in some of the glass bottles we find metal caps, so it is important to extract these components for recycling. Once the separation is done, the aluminum waste is taken to the corresponding container depending on the country or region where we are. Here you can learn more about how to recycle garbage at home.of course, we can also choose to reuse aluminum to give a new use to the waste we already have. Some ideas are the following:If you like to reuse things to recycle them at home giving them more uses, here are some upcycling ideas.
Virgin aluminum and recycled aluminum
Aluminum is a very light and malleable metal, i.e. it can be easily shaped. It is found in nature as part of compounds such as clay, so it has to be extracted. Initially, it is found in mines as bauxite, hydrated aluminum oxide, from which aluminum is obtained. This is achieved by smelting the bauxite and after other processes ending in electrolysis, where the aluminum is obtained in a liquefied state. Once liquefied, it is cleaned and ingots are made from it.
During the process of aluminum extraction in the industries assigned for this purpose, a series of toxic gases are emitted into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide, CO2, is emitted, which, in principle, is a natural component of it. However, as its concentration increases, it changes its percentage in relation to the other atmospheric gases, increasing its quantity too much, causing the alteration of the natural balance of the atmosphere, which sustains the planet. In addition to carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide are emitted by the aluminum industry. Nitrogen oxide is capable of destroying the O3 molecules that make up the ozone layer. Therefore, there are several negative effects that can be easily avoided, so there is no need to panic.
Benefits of recycling aluminum cans
The recycling of certain materials that we use in our daily lives reduces pollution, favors savings and helps to conserve the natural wealth of the environment. A good example of this is also the recycling of metals. It may be less popular than paper, cardboard, batteries or plastic, but it is just as important.
Metals have innumerable properties that make it possible to achieve excellent environmental, economic and social benefits through recycling. Recycling them is a simple activity that can provide significant savings in virgin raw materials.
Aluminum can also be recycled. Beverage cans are the most common objects with this material that are taken for recycling. Other metals to consider when recycling are copper, bronze, brass, lead, gold, silver, etc., which can be recycled, although they consume a little more energy in the process.
The importance of recycling metals lies, above all, in the amount of energy and water savings that would be implied by working them from their origin. Thus, for example, the production of aluminum from scrap represents a 95% energy saving and in the recycling process the metal retains all its properties and characteristics.
Why it is important to recycle metal
Mexico is a country where aluminum collection and recycling is relatively efficient compared to other countries. Although the country is not an aluminum producer, recycling the metal has allowed the industry to develop.
The high recycling rate is due to the fact that Mexico does not produce aluminum for cans. Therefore, it has to be imported from countries such as the US or Brazil. So one of the ways to reduce these imports and the costs they entail is to reuse aluminum.
Clogged drains represent an imminent risk of flooding during the rainy season, the accumulation of waste dragged by the water causes the obstruction of the drains, which is one of the main reasons for the puddles every time there is a rainfall. In addition to remembering not to throw garbage in the streets.