Fast Facts

Steel

Generated:
• 2.69 million tons or 1.2% by weight *
• 19.92 pounds of steel cans per person *
• 33.6 billion steel cans, or 125 per person were used in 2000
• The average steel can weighs 2.55 ounces

Recycled:
• 1.5 million tons for a 56.1% recycling rate. *
• 19.5 billion cans for a 58.4% rate in 2000 (industry data)

Recycled Content:
• A minimum of 25% scrap steel is used to manufacture steel products such as tin-plate for cans through the oxygen furnace process; this process uses less than 10% of steel cans.
• Products such as railroad ties, use nearly 100% scrap steel and are produced via electric furnaces.

Composted:
Though not compostable, if exposed to the elements, steel cans will slowly deteriorate and rust.

Density:
• Whole, unflattened steel cans have a density of 150 pounds per cubic yard.
• Baled cans have a density of 850 pounds per cubic yard.
• Landfilled steel cans weigh 560 pounds per cubic yard.
* 1998 estimates

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