How Are Tin Cans Recycled?

Many manufacturers prefer using tin cans in their packaging because they are sturdy and durable. Tin cans are also a lot less fragile than glass.

Another benefit of tin cans is that they are recyclable. Between 50% and 75% of tin cans are recycled annually, making it the most reused packaging in the world.

Tin cans can be recycled infinitely. You can reuse them at home or send them to a recycling facility, which has the capability to properly smelt the tin cans. Used cans are crushed in the facility, washed, and shredded into tiny pieces. They are then melted and made into flat sheets that will be molded into new cans.

Why Should You Recycle Tin Cans

As long as the tin remains intact, you can reuse it as many times as you can. If it’s not intact, then you can bring it to a recycler for proper recycling.

Check out why you should reuse and recycle your tin cans:

Save Money

Why spend money on brand new containers when you can upcycle tin cans? These packaging materials are ubiquitous, and you can make the most of them to store pantry items and other knick-knacks.

Save the Environment

When you throw away perfectly reusable tin cans, it is like throwing away the resources used in manufacturing them. Industrial plants use water, electricity, and fuel in manufacturing. The process involves releasing carbon dioxide and methane, which are bad for the environment.

Reduce Garbage

Garbage ends up in landfills, which are already chock full of litter and residue that release toxic gases. Recycling tin cans means contributing less to growing landfills.

Steps Involved In Recycling Tin Cans

There are two ways to recycle tin cans. You can send them to a recycling facility or do the recycling yourself.

Just follow these steps:

1. Clean

Wash the tin can thoroughly and wipe it dry. All traces of the product, from crumbs to smell, must be removed from the container. You don’t want your recycling bin to smell like a jumble of various odors.

2. Send/Store

You can send the cans to a recycling facility or store them at home until you find some use for them.

Tin cans with removable lids are better for home use. If the tin can is from canned food, it may be hard to upcycle at home. Send it to a recycler so the cans can be melted and molded into new products.

Ways to Reuse Tin Cans

There are many ways to reuse tin cans. You can use them as they are or decorate them to elevate their look during reuse.

Here are a few examples:

  • Food container
  • Candy container
  • Organizer for art materials
  • Pen holder
  • Coin bank
  • Tin can lanterns
  • Customized decorations

Conclusion

Why throw away a perfectly good tin can when you can reuse it and save the environment from more waste? Let your imagination run wild and find creative uses for old tin cans.

And if you are looking for custom boxes, check out these products. Contact us here for all your tin box needs.

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