Aluminum Cans vs. Plastic Bottles

conserve water

One of the most common questions asked about recycling is whether it’s better to recycle aluminum cans or plastic bottles. This can be hard to answer because there are so many factors to consider, and the answer may be different depending on where you live and the material costs your city government pays to collect recyclables. However, once we consider all the variables, plastic bottles appear to be more environmentally friendly than aluminum cans.

Aluminum Cans Pros and Cons

Glass vs. Aluminum Cans

Assuming that we’re talking about water bottles here, there are a few pros and cons to using aluminum cans over plastic bottles

On the plus side, aluminum cans are more durable than plastic, meaning they won’t crack or break as easily. They’re also 100% recyclable, whereas plastic bottles can only be recycled a few times before they have to be sent to the landfill. 

On the downside, aluminum cans are more expensive to produce than plastic bottles, so they may cost a bit more upfront. They’re also not as easy to transport since they weigh more than plastic bottles

So, which is the better option? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for something cheap and lightweight, go with plastic bottles.

Effects of plastic pollution
Learning how to recycle properly is vital.

Plastic Bottles Pros and Cons

Plastic bottles have a few advantages over aluminum cans. They’re usually lighter, so they cost less to ship. They’re also more flexible, so you can squish them down to save space when you’re packing them up. And they don’t conduct heat as well as metal, so your drinks will stay cooler in a plastic bottle than in a can. On the other hand, plastics are made from petroleum and take lots of energy to produce and recycle. Lots of people avoid plastic bottles because some contain bisphenol A (BPA), which is thought to cause cancer and hormone disruption. If you do use plastics, look for BPA-free ones that say PETE or HDPE.

Accessibility Toolbar