Simple Job-Site Recycling
A dedicated setup for recycling aluminum cans keeps the site clean and eco-friendly.
I’ve always done my duty when it comes to recycling, but I never considered myself a recycling enthusiast. That changed recently after I heard some stats about recycling aluminum. It only takes 5% of the energy to recycle aluminum than it does to mine it from bauxite ore, and about 58% of the material in aluminum cans comes from recycled aluminum. And unlike plastic, which can only be reused a limited number of times, aluminum is virtually infinitely recyclable.
With this knowledge, I started placing a dedicated aluminum-can recycling receptacle in the garage at every project. The receptacle is simply a standard plastic trash can with a hole cut in the lid and a label made with a large marker. Believe it or not, the subs have been pretty good about using them. And as a bonus, I’ve noticed that the recycling receptacle sends a message about conscientiousness, because I’m finding fewer plastic bottles scattered on the ground as well. When the receptacle is full, I drop the cans off at a local charity that collects them.
—Mark Petersen, Waco, Ky.
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller.
From Fine Homebuilding #312
