Recycle the present, save the future: the effects of recycling Approximately 99% of all soda cans are made exclusively of aluminum; for this reason it is very important to recycle. Additionally, more than 80 billion aluminum cans are used in the United States each year. Aluminum recycling can have disastrous effects; everyone should be required to recycle it because it is an important factor in saving our Earth. There are many metals in the world that are not used as well as aluminum, so it is not as imperative that they are recycled, but with this metal being used all over the world we must take a stand. It can take 80 to 200 years for an aluminum can to decompose if left in the ground, and this adds up quickly due to the large number of cans used each year. Recycling aluminum cans has numerous benefits, such as job creation and energy savings. If we don't start mandating aluminum recycling, the future could become shorter than it should be. Aluminum, the most abundant metal on Earth and makes up 8.1% of the crust, with its soft exterior, is most commonly found in soda cans, but can also be used in power lines, building materials, tools kitchenware and much more. Aluminum is never found free in nature. It is found mainly in other natural objects such as rocks and in 250 different minerals. The United States is very focused on aluminum recycling with over 9,000 recycling programs located throughout its states. Aluminum recycling, 20 years ago, was practically unknown, now we have come very far from where we started. There are entire communities that focus on the environment, which has a direct relationship with aluminum recycling. If there is no recycling in the community that can be changed very quickly, the Environment...... middle of paper ......drop of water resulting from physical activity and bodily functions. (CBC News) On a smaller note, Jacksonville, Florida-based Main Metal Recycling says their main goals for their company are summarized as follows: We like to purchase scrap metal from manufacturers, contractors and individuals. Our approach is: build long-term relationships by providing a clean and safe environment for all, being friendly and welcoming, offering fair prices and serving as good citizens of the community” (Main Metal Recycling). Our local recycling company, Advanced Disposal, has over 2,900 trucks serving residential and commercial customers in seventeen states and the Bahamas six days a week and on holidays. With all the companies using these technological advantages for aluminum recycling today, companies that don't use them are at a huge disadvantage.