Recycling facilities in south-eastern Wisconsin paying more for aluminium cans

Aluminium cans are being paid more at recycling facilities in south-eastern Wisconsin, giving customers an opportunity to profit from the increased demand. Hector Garcia and his colleagues had their hands full sorting cans at All Scrap Metal Recycling in Milwaukee on Friday, April 22. 

As per Gracia, the cost per can was 60-65 cents a pound a year ago, which has now become around 80 cents.

 “Been around this for a while, so I’m pretty used to it, the silver lining is we actually pay money for this. My personal opinion is the war in Russia I think a lot has to do with that. The demand is there across the nation, so I think supply and demand is what it is,” added Gracia.

Alexandra's firm is giving away free trees to anyone who recycles cans as demand grows. Just last week, the facility received towers of crushed cans. It encourages people to recycle and clean up their surroundings.

"Part of it is there is a big demand for aluminium right now, the automotive industry using more of it. The war in Ukraine has caused some disruptions with the trade agreements,” said Lana Alexandra, owner of A&W Iron and Metal in Kewaskum.