ISRI Code : NA
What is a Used Beverage Can (UBC)? Complete Guide to Aluminum Can Recycling
Definition: What Are Used Beverage Cans (UBC)?
A Used Beverage Can (UBC) is a post-consumer aluminum packaging container primarily used for beverages such as carbonated soft drinks, fruit and vegetable juices, tea, energy drinks, sports drinks, and beer. After consumption, these aluminum cans become valuable scrap metal and represent one of the most successfully recycled consumer products worldwide, with the ability to be recycled infinitely without loss of quality.
UBCs are categorized as high-grade aluminum scrap and must meet specific quality standards: they should be free from excessive dirt, liquids, other scrap metals, lids, foil, plastic, paper, glass, and other non-metallic contaminants to achieve optimal recycling value.
Why UBC Recycling Matters: Environmental & Economic Impact
Recycling aluminum beverage cans delivers substantial environmental and economic benefits:
- ⚡ Energy Conservation: Recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce new aluminum from raw bauxite ore
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: Each recycled can prevents approximately 4 pounds of CO2 emissions
- Resource Preservation: Aluminum can be recycled infinitely without degradation of material properties
- Economic Value: UBCs provide steady income streams for recycling businesses, scrap collectors, and individual consumers
- Rapid Circular Economy: A recycled aluminum can returns to store shelves as a new can in as little as 60 days
- Job Creation: The aluminum recycling industry supports thousands of jobs across collection, processing, and manufacturing sectors
The UBC Recycling Process: From Can to Can
- Collection: Individuals, businesses, recycling programs, and municipal services gather used aluminum cans
- Sorting and Cleaning: Facilities sort UBCs from other materials and remove contaminants to ensure purity
- Compacting and Baling: Cans are compressed into dense bales or briquettes for efficient transportation
- Shredding: Baled cans are shredded into small pieces to facilitate melting
- Melting: Shredded aluminum is melted in furnaces at approximately 1,220°F (660°C)
- Purification: Molten aluminum is treated to remove impurities and adjust alloy composition
- Casting: Purified aluminum is cast into large ingots or rolled into thin sheets
- Manufacturing: Aluminum sheets are formed into new beverage cans and other products
- Distribution: New cans are delivered to beverage companies and returned to consumers
ISRI Specifications for Used Beverage Can Scrap
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) provides standardized specifications for aluminum UBC scrap under the following codes:
| ISRI Code | Description |
|---|---|
| Take | New Aluminum Can Stock - new, unused aluminum beverage can material |
| Talc | Post-Consumer Aluminum Can Scrap - used beverage cans, may be loose or in bags |
| Talcred | Shredded Aluminum UBC Scrap - processed through shredding operations |
| Taldack | Densified UBC Scrap - compacted cans with increased density |
| Taldon | Baled Aluminum UBC Scrap - compressed and baled for transport |
| Taldork | Briquetted UBC Scrap - compressed into briquette form |
For complete ISRI specifications and guidelines, visit our Material Specs Guide.
Current UBC Scrap Prices & Market Trends
Aluminum UBC prices fluctuate based on global aluminum markets, regional supply and demand, contamination levels, and quantity volumes. Prices typically range from $0.30 to $0.60 per pound but vary significantly by location and market conditions.
To access real-time pricing information:
- View current Scrap Aluminum Prices by region
- Check local Scrap Yard Prices in your area
- Monitor market trends through our price tracking tools
Where to Sell Your Aluminum UBCs for Cash
Individual Sellers & Small Quantities:
- Local scrap yards and metal recyclers accept drop-offs
- Use our Scrap Yard Finder to locate nearby facilities
- Browse our US Scrap Yard Directory for American locations
- ?? Explore our Canada Scrap Yards for Canadian facilities
Business & Large Volume Sellers:
- Post bulk offers on the ScrapMonster Marketplace
- Connect with can sheet manufacturers and brokers
- Negotiate truckload quantities for better pricing
- Use our B2B platform to find verified buyers
People Also Ask (PAA)
What makes aluminum UBCs so valuable for recycling?
Aluminum UBCs contain high-purity aluminum alloy (typically 3004 for the body and 5182 for the lid) that is in constant demand by beverage manufacturers. The recycling process uses only 5% of the energy needed for primary production, making recycled aluminum extremely cost-effective and environmentally beneficial.
How much money can you make recycling aluminum cans?
Earnings depend on current scrap prices and quantity. At average rates of $0.30-$0.60 per pound, approximately 24-32 empty cans equal one pound. Collecting 1,000 cans (about 31 pounds) could yield $9-$19. Large-scale collectors and businesses with consistent volumes can generate significant supplementary income.
Do I need to remove the tabs from aluminum cans before recycling?
No, the tabs should remain attached. Modern recycling facilities process entire cans including tabs, which are made from the same aluminum alloy. Removing tabs can actually reduce the total aluminum content and value.
What's the difference between UBCs and other aluminum scrap?
UBCs are specifically beverage cans made from high-grade aluminum alloy. Other aluminum scrap categories include extrusions, castings, automotive parts, siding, and wire, each with different alloy compositions, recycling processes, and market values.
How are UBCs different from steel cans?
Aluminum cans are lightweight, non-magnetic, and primarily used for beverages. Steel cans are heavier, magnetic, and commonly used for food products. Aluminum commands higher scrap prices due to its superior energy savings during recycling.
What contaminants should be avoided when selling UBCs?
Remove or minimize liquids, dirt, plastic bags, steel cans, glass, paper, bi-metal lids, and other non-aluminum materials. Higher purity levels command better prices and are preferred by buyers.
How long does it take for an aluminum can to decompose in a landfill?
Aluminum cans take 200-500 years to decompose naturally, making recycling the environmentally responsible choice and highlighting the importance of proper disposal.
Fun Facts About Used Beverage Cans
- World's Most Recycled Container: Over 65% of aluminum cans are recycled globally, with some regions achieving rates above 90%
- 60-Day Turnaround: A recycled aluminum can returns to store shelves as a new can in just 60 days
- Energy Champion: Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a laptop for 3 hours or a TV for 2 hours
- Infinite Recycling: Unlike plastic, aluminum can be recycled infinitely without any loss of quality or material properties
- Annual Volume: Americans use approximately 100 billion aluminum cans annually
- Original Invention: The aluminum beverage can was invented in 1958, revolutionizing the beverage industry
- Weight Reduction: Modern aluminum cans are 40% lighter than cans produced 30 years ago
- Global Production: Over 400 billion aluminum cans are produced worldwide each year
- Economic Impact: The aluminum can recycling industry generates over $800 million annually in the United States alone
- Space Efficiency: Crushed aluminum cans save 90% of space during transportation and storage
Having Large Quantities of Aluminum UBCs to Sell?
Bulk quantities of aluminum UBCs are typically baled and stored until truckload quantities are accumulated. These truckloads of baled UBCs are purchased by can sheet manufacturers, aluminum recyclers, and brokers.
The ScrapMonster Marketplace is an advanced B2B trading platform where aluminum scrap materials are traded daily by thousands of verified members worldwide.
Connect with Buyers & Resources:
- Post and/or search the latest Sell Offers for aluminum UBC scrap to connect with buyers
- Browse current Buy Offers to find companies actively purchasing aluminum cans
- Connect with Top Aluminum Scrap Dealers and recycling companies in your region
- Find Aluminum Scrap Suppliers & Exporters for international trade opportunities
- Locate nearby facilities using our Scrap Yard Finder to sell aluminum cans locally
- Explore our comprehensive US Scrap Yard Directory for locations across America
- Visit Scrap Yards in Canada for Canadian recycling facilities and buyers
- Access up-to-date Scrap Aluminum Prices to understand current market values
- Review detailed Scrap Yard Prices by location and material type
Conclusion
Used Beverage Cans (UBCs) represent a valuable, infinitely recyclable resource that benefits both the environment and the economy. Whether you're an individual collector, a business with regular aluminum waste, or a large-scale scrap dealer, understanding UBC specifications, pricing, and market dynamics helps you maximize value while contributing to sustainable aluminum recycling.
ScrapMonster provides comprehensive tools, market data, and connections to help you successfully buy, sell, and trade aluminum UBC scrap. Join our marketplace today to unlock the full potential of your aluminum recycling operations.