Aluminum beverage can recycling in the United States reaches lowest rate since 1990 

In December 2024, the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturers Institute released a report assessing aluminum beverage can recycling in the United States. The results showed that 43% of aluminum beverage cans shipped in the United States in 2023 were ultimately recycled. While still above the 39.6% and 20% recycling rates for glass and plastic (PET) bottles respectively, the 2023 aluminum beverage can recycling rate is the lowest since tracking began in 1990. 

The report also looked at the recyclability of aluminum beverage containers. The authors found that the closed-loop circularity rate (the percentage of recycled material that goes back into manufacturing the same product) for these containers is 96.7%. This rate exceeds those for PET (34%) and glass bottles (30-60%). Aluminum beverage cans also contain 71% recycled material compared with 3-10% and 96.7% for plastic and glass bottles respectively. 

In another report from December 2024, the Aluminum Association and Can Manufacturers Institute outlined the work they are doing with partner organizations to drive increased recycling in the United States. Their goal is to attain a 70% aluminum recycling rate by 2030, 80% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. To achieve these targets, the groups are focused on four pillars: 1) well-designed recycling refunds, 2) increased household and away-from-home recycling, 3) capturing missorted cans at material recovery facilities, and 4) increased consumer awareness of the can’s sustainability advantage.  

Concerns over decline in growth of plastic recycling capabilities in the EU 

In November 2024, Plastic Recyclers Europe issued a report describing the state of plastic recycling in the European Union 27+3. The data showed that the total recycling capacity reached 13.2 million tonnes in 2023, representing an increase of only 6% compared with the previous year and the lowest advancement in recycling capacity recorded since 2017. Before 2023, capacities had doubled in only five years with 17% and 10% growth rates reported in 2021 and 2022 respectively. With the slowing rates, there are concerns about reaching the EU recycling and recycled content targets. 

As one potential cause, the report highlights that investments in recycling capabilities decreased from one billion euros in 2022 to 500 million euros in 2023. The authors also associate the slowdown with recycling facility shutdowns due to decreasing demand, high electricity costs, and a lack of competitiveness with virgin and non-EU imported material. Plastic Recyclers Europe is now advocating for the enforcement of existing legislation to secure the competitiveness of the EU’s industry and restore the growth of recycling capabilities. 

References: 

The Aluminum Association (December 2024) “The Aluminum Can Advantage: Sustainability Key Performance Indicators.” 

Can Manufacturers Institute (December 2024) “U.S. Recycling Rate Target Update.” 

Plastics Recyclers Europe (November 2024) “Plastics Recycling Industry Figures 2023.” 

Read more: 

The Aluminum Association (December 5, 2024) “Amid Recycling Rate Decline, Aluminum Beverage Can Remains Most Recycled Drinks Package.” 

Plastic Recyclers Europe (November 27, 2024) “Stagnation in plastic recycling capacities – latest market data shows.”