Abstract
This report investigates the collection of aluminium packaging, particularly in China, the United States and the European Union. A literature search among journal articles using Google Scholar, company and organization reports and newspapers was conducted. As recycling of aluminium requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminium, it is desirable to recycle as much aluminium as possible. The article presents the main characteristics of the collection systems in the three regions and how it is influenced by consumer behaviour, processing requirements, economy and policies. Convenience and money were identified to have the largest influence on consumers’ willingness to recycle. Source separation conducted by the consumer was found to have a positive influence on the possible recycling rate with today’s processing technology. Different ways of source separation and how they influence collection rate and processing requirements were discussed. No single best-practice system for collection of aluminium packaging was found, but key factors influencing the collection system and aluminium recycling rates was identified and discussed.
