Which metals are recyclable?

Aluminum, steel, iron, tin, brass, bronze, copper, and zinc are all recyclable, just not necessarily in your home bin.

A good rule of thumb is this: If you bought it at a grocery store, ate/drank from it, and it doesn’t crumple easily, it can go in your recycling bin.

Most everything else not mentioned in the previous paragraph will need to find a different recycling method. Terracycle is a great program that can help with hard-to-recycle items, as well as community recycling programs.

Keep very small items or wires that can tangle equipment out of curbside recycling.

Can all metals be put in the recycle bin?

No. Thin (aluminum foil & foil serving pans) and dirty items will contaminate batches of recycling and cause it to be thrown into the trash. A good rule of thumb is this: If you bought it at a grocery store, ate/drank from it, and it doesn’t crumple easily, it can go in your recycling bin. Place clean & dry metal and aluminum cans (no loose can tabs or bottle tops) in recycling bin.

Additionally, electronics need to be processed separately, so don’t just toss them in the recycle bin even if they’re mostly metal.

Tip: Put metal can lids inside empty can to avoid cuts.

https://www.republicservices.com/recycling/metal

How are metals separated?

The metals travel down a conveyer belt where they are separated by magnets, check out the video below!

What happens to aluminum cans?

In short, cans are melted down and turned into large blocks of aluminum to be used in various ways.

Check out this video from Discovery channel’s DCODE on how Europe’s Novelis facility recycles aluminum cans: https://youtu.be/KmMP67eC2tg

Novelis also has facilities in North America (https://www.novelis.com/locations/), South America, and Asia that cans for several known brands. https://www.novelis.com/beverage-can/

What about large metal appliances?

Large appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, washers & dryers can be broken down into recyclable and non-recyclable parts. The metals and plastics can be recycled into new products, any glass obtained can be used in cement mixes for roads, and foams can be burned to create energy. 90% of an old refrigerator can be recycled!

Watch how refrigerators are recycled in the UK: https://youtu.be/qAGCI0-pQ3E

Who can pick up large appliances or scrap metal?

Large appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, washers & dryers can be picked up by a company for a fee. Old cars can also be collected. The effort on your part is much lower since you do not have to lift & transport items and locate the facilities yourself.

Some Seattle local companies: (awaiting conformation)

• Action Junk Hauling- https://actionjunkhauling.com/scrap-metal-recycling-pickup-seattle/