You might be surprised just how much potential a used beverage container has, and how many different things it can become.
Some materials are recycled into products that can be recycled again. For example, used aluminum cans often become new cans. This is called “closed-loop recycling.” Other times, materials find new life as something not easily recycled—for example, plastic may be used in carpets. This is called “open-loop recycling.”
Plastic
All plastic containers, including PET and HDPE, are purchased by Hebert’s Recycling Incorporated. Containers are ground into flakes/chips that are sold to various manufacturers in North America, who use them for the production of new products.
Possible uses for recycled plastic:
- New plastic containers and packaging
- Insulation for jackets and sleeping bags
- Fibre for carpets
- Fabric for hats, sweaters, jackets or t-shirts
Glass
Glass is sent to RAYAN in Moncton, New Brunswick. There, the glass is crushed into fine pieces called “cullet” and sold to markets throughout North America for production of new products.
Possible uses for recycled glass:
- New glass bottles
- Fibreglass insulation
- Reflective asphalt paint
Tetra and Gable
Tetra and gable top containers (such as juice boxes) are brokered by Hebert’s Recycling Inc. Containers are sent to paper mills that specialize in recovering the highest grade of fibre. The material is mixed with water to create a pulp mixture that allows paper fibre to be separated from the plastic layers and coatings. The paper fibre is then manufactured into boxboard and other materials.
Possible uses for recycled tetra and gable:
- Boxboard for products like cereal and crackers
- Paper towel
- Tissue
- Corrugated cardboard
Aluminum Cans
Aluminum cans are sent to the Novelis facility in Berea, Kentucky. There, the aluminum is shredded, melted and rolled into sheets to be cut into new aluminum products.
Possible uses for recycled aluminum:
- Aluminum cans
- Aluminum foil
- Pie plates
- Small appliances
- Siding
Steel Cans
Almost all the original material from steel containers is recovered during recycling. Steel containers are sent to American Iron and Metal (AIM) in Montreal. There, it is sold to markets throughout North America for production of new steel products.
Possible uses for recycled steel:
- Steel cans
- Appliances
- Automobiles
- Construction materials
