SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The new report published by Green Alliance states that nearly 50% of aluminum packaging is not currently recycled. Further, the report titled ‘Closing the Loop: Four steps towards 100% aluminum packaging recycling’ suggests potential reforms that could ensure recovery of all waste aluminum packaging. The reforms to the packaging recycling system could reduce the quantity of aluminum waste from 49% to as low as 3%, said the Green Alliance report.
The report emphasizes the need for harvesting aluminum packaging in the waste management process as early as possible. This is essential because it tends to become increasingly expensive and energy intensive to recover them as they get mixed with other materials. The quality of material collected for recycling is higher, the less mixed it is, said the report.
Green Alliance recommends a four-step approach which comprises of creation of all-in deposit return scheme, notable improvement to kerbside services, ensuring best practice at sorting plants and recovery of the remainder from incinerator bottom ash.
According to the report, the current PRN system, in place for more than 20 years now, has seen producers meet recycling targets at minimal costs. However, its over-dependence on waste exports leads to inconsistent collections and make it difficult to achieve higher levels of recycling. The new deposit return scheme is aimed at minimizing environmental impacts, by simultaneously maximizing recycling rates.
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