General Facts
1. Aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable with nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced still in use
today.
2. In as few as 60 days, the aluminum can that contains your favorite beverage may have been
manufactured, filled, sold, recycled, and remanufactured.
3. Over the past 30 years, glass bottles have been reduced in weight by approximately 40% saving
energy in shipping.
4. Glass bottles are 100% recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely.
5. Recycle only glass containers used for food and beverages; other types of glass, such as windows,
ovenware, Pyrex, crystal, etc. are manufactured through a different process and are not recyclable.
Economic Facts
1. The cost to recycle a can is less than the cost to manufacture a new can.
2. Recycling aluminum cans supports the economic viability of your community’s recycling program.
3. Recycled glass is part of the recipe for making new glass, and the more that is used, the greater the
decrease in energy used in the furnace.
4. Nationwide, over 530,000 jobs are attributed to the recycling industry. Landfilling 1,000 tons of waste
creates 1 job, while recycling 1,000 tons of materials creates 9 jobs.
Aluminum and Glass
Recycling Facts
America Recycles Day® is a Keep America Beautiful® national program held on and
around Nov. 15, and celebrated in communities across the country. All of us can make
a meaningful difference by improving and increasing our recycling behavior. With
the support of America Recycles Day partner Michelob Ultra, Keep America Beautiful
is sharing facts about the importance of recycling aluminum and glass to help save
resources and energy, and support a circular economy. When you choose to purchase
items, especially those that are packaged in aluminum or glass, choose to support a clean
environment and a circular economy by recycling.
