For the first time since 1997, aluminum can recycling increased in 2004, according to The Aluminum Association, Can Manufacturers Institute and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries.

Over 51.5 billion aluminum cans weighing over 1.51 billion pounds were recycled in 2004, for a beverage can recycling rate of 51.2 percent. This reflects a 1.2 percent increase over the 2003 rate.

The aluminum beverage can is the most recycled consumer beverage container

in the United States. It amounts to more than twice the recycling rate for beverage packages of other materials.

For complete statistics on the latest recycling rates visit the full Aluminum Beverage Can Recycling Rate report.

5/27/2005