Every year, millions of aluminium cans and plastic bottles are used worldwide, yet a large percentage still ends up in landfills or the ocean. Many people want to recycle but are not sure how to do it correctly.
This guide will show you how to recycle your drink cans and bottles properly, what happens to them after disposal, and simple habits that make a big environmental impact. Whether you are at home, in the office, or grabbing a drink from a vending machine, these small changes can make a difference.
How to recycle your drinks properly
Recycling bins are available in most cities, shopping malls, and public spaces, but improper disposal, like tossing food-contaminated waste into recycling bins can make entire batches non-recyclable. Follow these steps to recycle correctly:
Aluminium cans
- Empty the can completely – No leftover liquid.
- Drop it into the nearest recycling bin – Ensure it’s clean and dry.
Plastic bottles (PET, type 1 plastic)
- Rinse out leftover liquid – Prevents contamination.
- Do not flatten the bottle – Some sorting facilities recognize bottles by shape.
Fun fact: Recycling just one aluminium can save enough energy to power a TV for three hours!
The journey of a recycled can and bottle
Ever wondered what happens after you toss your drink container into the recycling bin?
Step 1: Collection and sorting
- Recycling trucks collect waste from bins and transport it to sorting facilities.
- Machines separate aluminium cans, PET bottles, and other materials using magnets and air jets.
Step 2: Cleaning and processing
- Aluminium: Cans are shredded, melted, and turned into new aluminium sheets to make fresh cans.
- Plastic: PET bottles are washed, shredded into flakes, melted, and repurposed into new plastic bottles or textiles.
Step 3: Repurposing into new products
- Aluminium can be recycled endlessly into new cans, saving up to 95% of the energy required to produce new metal.
- Plastic bottles can be turned into clothing, carpets, or even reusable bags used in supermarkets.
Some brands and beverage companies have also introduced bottle return schemes, where consumers get rewarded for recycling. In cities like Singapore, pilot programs with reverse vending machines encourage proper disposal habits.
How small recycling habits can make a big environmental impact
With landfills filling up and plastic pollution rising, individual habits matter. Here’s why:
- Less landfill waste – Proper recycling helps reduce overflowing waste sites.
- Lower carbon footprint – Recycling uses far less energy than producing new materials.
Whether you are at home, at work, or enjoying a drink outdoors, small recycling actions can make a big difference!
Drink, recycle, repeat: Building a greener future together
Recycling is easy and effective, but only if done correctly. By making mindful choices, we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener future—one drink at a time!
