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Measuring the Aluminum Can Recycling Rate

We would have a much better picture of recycling in the U.S. if we had universal standards for measuring source reduction, reuse and recycling. Currently, each industry uses its own methodology for measuring the recycling rate for their particular commodity. Unfortunately, the same trade associations that determine the methodology are also changed with promoting a positive image for the industry they represent. The result in most cases is a less than accurate measure of recycling and recycling rates. A good case in point is the aluminum beverage can recycling rate.

The methodology used by the Aluminum Association to determine the U.S. aluminum can recycling rate artificially inflates the rate, because it includes imported scrap cans. The large number of scrap cans imported from abroad is a relatively new phenomenon and, therefore, was not an issue in 1972 when the recycling methodology was adopted. 

The problem has grown to significant proportions in recent years. Imported scrap aluminum cans increased from 2.8 billion in 1991 to nearly 8 billion in 2000, and then declined to 6.3 billion in 2004. In order to arrive at an accurate recycling rate, the net imported scrap cans must be excluded from the volume of scrap cans recycled. 

The correct formula for determining the U.S. aluminum can recycling rate is as follows:                            

Imported new cans are not in the denominator of the equation and should not be in the numerator. Including the imported scrap cans artificially inflates the rate and jeopardizes the integrity of the recycling rate published by the Aluminum Association each year, and the pursuit of a 75 percent recycling goal for aluminum cans established by the aluminum industry in November 1997