Metals Recycling

Supply and Demand

Supply of Steel Can and Used Aluminum Beverage Containers (UBC)

In California in 1997, 130,063 tons of aluminum containers were collected in California. The Department of Conservation's Division of Recycling reports that buyback centers collected the majority, followed by curbside programs. The remaining material moved into the system from drop-off and community service programs.

Steel cans are primarily diverted from the waste stream through curbside programs operated by local jurisdictions. Some cans are also diverted from commercial and institutional accounts by waste haulers and recyclers. Additional cans are recovered in waste-to-energy facilities. In California, the diverted material flows to a processor, known as a detinner, where the can scrap is shredded and the tin removed. The shredded, detinned material is then sold to steel producers and copper mines throughout the West.

UBCs are primarily diverted from the waste stream through buyback centers and curbside programs operated by local jurisdictions. The remaining cans are recovered from drop-off and community service programs. The diverted material is baled or shredded (densified) by processors. The densified material is thens old to integrated aluminum sheet can producers producing can sheet (stock) or to secondary smelters producing remelt secondary ingot (RSI).

CalRecycle conducts waste characterization studies which include information about various materials in the waste stream This information can be considered as potential steel and UBC supply.

Demand for Steel Can and Used Aluminum Beverage Container (UBC) Scrap

The primary demand for steel cans in California is from western copper and steel producers, and to a lesser extent, from iron foundries and exporters. Hence, demand is affected by U.S. production rates of copper ore and steel, and the global market for ferrous scrap.

The demand for California UBCs arises primarily from integrated aluminum smelters producing can sheet and from secondary smelters producing remelt secondary ingot (RSI). RSI is used by can sheet producers and die casters. Production rates of aluminum beverage cans, transportation-related components, and foundry products primarily influence the demand for UBCs.

U.S. Production of Steel and Aluminum Mill Products
The U.S. Bureau of the Census provides annual production statistics for steel mill products (http://www.census.gov/cir/www/ma33b.html) and monthly production data for aluminum ingot and mill products (http://www.census.gov/cir/www/m33d.html) for the years 1992-1996.

Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes
The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics (http://www.osha.gov/oshstats/sicser.html) provides a searchable database to identify industries and establishments associated with steel and aluminum production and distribution. SIC codes are provided for these entities.