TIP IT RUBBISH REMOVALStruggling to deal with the empty tin cans accumulating at home? Know that you’re not alone.
Considering the widespread use of canned packaging in the country, this is a challenge that most homeowners face. And the first thought that might come to mind is whether you can recycle them or not. After all, recycling is a constructive way of handling various waste materials.
That’s why we thought of preparing a guide to answer this much-asked question. So, without further ado, let’s get to the details!
What Are Tin Cans Made Of?
Surprising as it might sound, most of the cans available today aren’t actually made using tin though they’re popularly referred to as tin cans. Instead, aluminium and other different metals are used for making these cans. Note that aluminium is preferred due to its widespread availability, high corrosion and rust resistance, and malleability.
Can Tin Cans Be Recycled?
If you need a short and simple answer, then yes — the cans we discussed above can be recycled, whether they are old or new. The recycling process comprises melting down the cans and reshaping them for a new purpose.
That said, when it comes to recycling tin, metal, or aluminium cans, you’ll have to consider several aspects of their recyclability. While most cans come with lids, they are also available in several variants composed of different materials. So, let’s take a brief look at the recyclability of each of these items:
A. Tin Can Lids
Like the tin cans themselves, their lids are made of recyclable metals.
Firstly, if you’re dealing with ring pull cans, you must completely pull out the lid and give it a thorough clean. Once the lid is free of dirt, debris, or food materials, you can dispose of it in a recycling bin.
Alternatively, you may choose to place the tin lids inside the can and squeeze the top so that they don’t fall out. This will ensure the sharp lids are kept secured.
On a side note, the glass jars containing sauce or jam may also come with metal or tin lids. Indeed, you can use the same methods to dispose of them.
B. Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans, such as soda, beer and other drink cans, deodorant spray containers, etc., can be recycled just like any other tin and metal cans. In case your aerosol can is in intact condition and doesn’t have hazardous chemicals, you can easily recycle it in the household bin.
As a matter of fact, aluminium or steel cans containing aerosols can be recycled infinitely in Australia.
Coming to the disposal method, the first step will be to ensure there’s nothing inside by holding down the trigger. Once the can is empty, you must remove its lid and other plastic parts, placing it in the bin as per the guidelines of the local council. But be careful not to pierce or squash the bottle in the process.
And if the aerosol can is not empty or contains hazardous waste, you should dispose of it according to the rules set by your municipal council. More often than not, you shouldn’t recycle butane canisters or cans used for camping and cooking in a curbside bin if any gas is left within them.
These are highly flammable and have to be disposed of through the chemical disposal system supervised by your local council. Alternatively, you can hire a reliable rubbish removal service such as Tip It Rubbish Removal for the purpose.
C. Sardine Cans
Like aerosol and tin cans, sardine or soup tin cans are also made of recyclable materials. Mainly, the construction comprises aluminium foil and features a convenient peel-off lid, all of which has to be washed thoroughly to wipe traces of liquid or leftover food. After all, they might contaminate other recyclable materials in the course of the recycling process.
Apart from the types discussed above, your home might contain other variants such as paint tins and tuna cans. If you wish to recycle them, you must ensure the cans and their lids are dry and free from any residue. After that, toss them in the recycling or general collection bin, as permitted by the council guidelines, and you’re good to go.
And that’s not all; even the plastic caps on some tin cans can be recycled. You need to take one of the empty cans and fill it with the caps. And once it’s full, crimp the top to keep it closed. You can then put the can in the recycling bin.
Where Can You Recycle Tin Cans?
After all the aluminium, metals, steel, or tin cans have been set aside for effective and responsible disposal, the next big question is where can they be recycled?
1. Council Recycling Centre
If you have a fairly large amount of metal or tin rubbish to dispose of or items with hazardous materials in them, it’s best to take them to council recycling centres. But make sure you check the opening time as it might be intermittent.
2. Professional Rubbish Removal
Perhaps, you have a large number of tin cans in your home and are looking to dispose of them right away. In that case, you should choose to take professional help to ensure the job is done fast with minimal effort on your part.
3. Household Recycling Bins
Remember when we talked about putting tin can lids in recycling bins? Yes, you can add all tin cans and lids made of similar recycling materials into such a bin. Just ensure that the bin isn’t heavy and all the loose items are stored securely.
All Australian councils collect the bins as part of their fortnightly or weekly rubbish collection service.
Final Words
On that note, we’re going to wrap things up for now. Hopefully, you’ve understood the nitty-gritty of recycling tin cans, and there are no doubts on your mind.
So, start gathering and organising all the tin cans in your home to have them recycled at the earliest. That way, you can declutter your house while also protecting the environment.
