ALUMINIUM

Aluminium is mainly used for drinks cans as it is very light and chills quickly. Aluminium foil is also used for takeaway containers, milk bottle tops and for wrapping up food.

Look out for this symbol to find out whether or not your can is recyclable...

Recycling method - the items are sorted and squashed together into large bales which are then shredded up into small pieces before being cleaned. These are then melted down into large blocks and rolled into thin sheets when new items can be made with the aluminium.

You can even get paid for recycling aluminium at 'Cash for Can' centres! Make sure it's thoroughly washed first though.