The hidden potential of bi-metal beverage containers

For many in the industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) sectors, there is a hidden economic opportunity on the shelf of your storage, warehouse, or cooking and kitchen space. 

Bi-metal beverage containers, which are often mistaken for cans that hold soup or food products, typically hold different types of juices, like pineapple or tomato. That’s why they’re common in ICI sectors, such as restaurants and hospitality, food and beverage distribution, and grocery and food wholesale. 

Every time your business purchases a bi-metal beverage can, you pay a deposit, which ranges from 10 cents for a container less than a litre to 25 cents for containers one litre or larger in volume. This deposit system is designed to encourage consumers to recycle, supporting more sustainable resource use.  

This deposit isn’t a lost cost; it’s returned to your bottom line when you bring the containers back to your local depot, adding value to your overall budget. 

Despite this opportunity, in 2023, approximately 390 million recyclable beverage containers in Alberta were not recovered, resulting in about $35 million in unclaimed deposits. 

For businesses that purchase large quantities of beverages, this can mean hundreds of dollars in returned deposits every year. These funds can go back into your budget, support staff events, or even be donated to a local charity.

The benefits of returning these containers for deposit extend well beyond the financial aspect. It supports a circular economy, where materials are continually reused rather than discarded. Every beverage container can take on a new life through recycling, whether back into another beverage container or other raw materials used in construction or manufacturing. When companies use recycled materials as resources in production, they reduce costs and contribute to economic growth.

Most importantly, the decision to recycle is driven by the commitment to safeguarding our environment for future generations. If a bi-metal container isn’t returned to a depot to start its recycling journey, it could end up in a landfill, where it might remain for decades. However, if returned to a depot, it can be transformed into valuable materials like construction rebar and car parts.

Recycling can be simple and rewarding. The first step in building strong recycling habits is to ensure your coworkers are informed about the benefits of recycling. Some may not realize that bi-metal cans can be returned for a deposit refund and how this can positively impact your business. 

It’s also important to consider how you label recycling bins and stations. Since workplace decisions often need to be made quickly, placing labels near collection areas can help colleagues easily identify which containers are eligible for a refund and where to place them.  

With potential significant financial benefits at stake, encourage your colleagues to recycle by highlighting the opportunity to reclaim deposits. 

What began as a commitment to environmental sustainability now offers substantial benefits for workplaces and industries. By communicating effectively, understanding the potential benefits, and making informed decisions, any business can recover the deposits they’ve already paid and make the most of this opportunity with bi-metal beverage containers.

Learn more about recycling bi-metal beverage containers at https://abcrc.com/bi-metals/.