Recycling process

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Collection: Collected through council kerbside recycling collections, can banks, and council recycling sites. The collected material is sorted according to type of metal, passing beneath a large magnet to separate all the ferrous metals. Steel cans are washed with a caustic chemical substance to remove tin outer layer. Once sorted, the metals are baled and sent to a recycling plant.
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Shredding and cleaning: The sorted metals are then fed into a machine and shredded into small pieces, and any decoration remaining on aluminium is removed by blowing it with hot air at 500degC.
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Melting: The respective metals are then melted in separate furnaces, after which the molten metal flows into a mould and is cooled by jets of water, hardening into an ingot.
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Rolling: The ingot is taken to a rolling mill where it is pre-heated and rolled into a sheet to the exact specifications and thickness required by the onward manufacturer.
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Can-making: If the metal sheet is going to be turned into food and drink cans, the sheet is fed through a press before thousands of shallow cups are cut. The sides of the cups are then rammed through a series of rings to raise the cups and form the can shape. External decoration is applied and the cans are dried in an oven.
- Filling: The cans are cleaned using high-pressure air and water and filled with C02 gas. Liquid is then added to the can, the can ends are attached and the can is sealed up, then go to the retailer.
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