Aluminum Recycling: A metal that was once more precious than gold

Aluminum is something we use every day, but many of us we take it for granted. Alum is a class of aluminum metals that has been used since Roman and Greek times. Even though it is the most common metal in the earth's crust, It has been very difficult to extract it from ores. A German chemist was finally able to extract some flakes in the 1820s, and because of its unique shine, it actually became more precious than gold for a period of time in the 19th century.

Since that time, new ways to extract aluminum have been discovered, and the price of a pound of aluminum dropped from $550 in the mid-1800s to 25 cents a pound 50 years later. The price reduction has made it very feasible to use the light-weight metal in many projects, including construction, and its recycle-ability has made it popular for people trying to conserve the Earth's resources.

Listed below are some interesting facts about aluminum, found in EPA articles on the Internet. These facts make you stop and think before you discard your aluminum cans in the trash.

1. If you decide to toss an aluminum can in the trash, it will still be there in 500 years.

2. Aluminum cans are the greatest use of aluminum.

3. Aluminum cans are the most recycled product in the United States and many other countries.

4. One recycled aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.

5. According to EPA estimates, aluminum cans account for less than 1% of the total U.S. waste.

6. Because so many of them are recycled, aluminum cans account for less than 1% of the total U.S. waste stream, according to EPA estimates.

7. On average, an aluminum can is recycled and back in use within 60 days.

8. There is no limit to the amount of times an aluminum can be recycled.

A final interesting fact is that an aluminum can and a chocolate bar can be used as a survival tool, because of the fact, in conjunction on a sunny day, a fire can be started with them. How's this possible, you ask? Well, it is really a simple process. Smear the chocolate on the curved bottom of the can, and use a soft cloth to polish the can, with the chocolate. When it is very shiny, direct the can's bottom at an angle toward some dry leaves or grass, so that the sun is reflected onto the surface of the leaves or grass. Be patient, and the tender will eventually catch fire. This is described in the video in this article.

Remember, before you throw that next aluminum can in the trash, it is worth money to you and it helps save our valuable resources.

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