Aluminum cans are one of the most valuable materials we use every day, but many of them still end up in the trash instead of being recycled. This isn’t just a waste of space in our landfill—it’s a waste of valuable resources. Producing new aluminum takes a huge amount of energy and materials, while recycling aluminum saves almost all of that.

The Value of Aluminum Recycling

Unlike many other materials, aluminum can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. Every time we recycle an aluminum can, we save 95% of the energy needed to make a new one from scratch. That’s because producing new aluminum from raw materials requires extensive mining, refining, and manufacturing, all of which consume a ton of energy and resources.

When cans end up in the landfill, it means more resources are needed to make new ones. Recycling the aluminum we already have is a simple way to avoid wasting energy and materials.

The Recycling Gap

Even though aluminum recycling is efficient, millions of cans are still being thrown away. In Sioux Falls, we see the same problem. Our recycling system is ready to handle all the aluminum you throw in the bin, but many cans still end up in the trash, especially in public places like concert venues, sports events, and bars. These cans could easily be recycled, saving energy and resources, but without proper recycling programs at these locations, they’re wasted.

Why It Matters for Sioux Falls

Recycling aluminum helps us conserve important resources and reduces the need for new materials to be mined and processed. For a city like Sioux Falls, this means extending the life of our landfill and supporting local businesses that use recycled materials. It’s a win-win: by recycling more aluminum, we avoid wasting energy and resources, and we keep valuable materials in use.

What You Can Do

Here are a few simple steps you can take to help:

Recycle every aluminum can: Whether at home or out and about, make sure aluminum cans go in the recycling bin.
Speak up: If you see a venue or business serving aluminum cans without a recycling option, ask them to start! The more they hear it, the more likely they’ll take action.
Keep it Loose: Don’t bag your recyclables, make sure they’re loose in the bin. If recyclables are bagged, the equipment automatically thinks it’s trash and sends all your efforts to the landfill.

Together…we succeed!

At Millennium Recycling, we’re focused on making the most of the resources we already have. Aluminum is one of the most efficient materials to recycle, and by keeping it out of the trash, we’re helping conserve energy and raw materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Let’s work together to keep Sioux Falls running efficiently—one aluminum can at a time!

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