In 2023, approximately 390 million recyclable beverage containers were not recovered, resulting in approximately $35 million in unclaimed deposits. This includes bi-metal beverage containers, often used in industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) settings such as hospitals, apartments, hotels, offices, work camps, long-term care facilities, senior housing, and conference centers.
What are bi-metal beverage containers?
Although non-deposit containers, like soup cans and other food products are shaped like to bi-metal beverage containers and both are made from two separate metals, it’s important to note that only bi-metal beverage containers carry a deposit and can be returned for a refund.
When scanning the shelves of your workplace to spot a bi-metal beverage container, look for different types of juices, such as pineapple or tomato. You’ll likely see them in bi-metal containers!
Does your industry use bi-metal
beverage containers?
If you work in one of the following industries, your business or employer may be using a high quantity of bi-metal beverage containers:
FOOD AND BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION
RESTAURANTS AND HOSPITALITY
BUILDING OWNERS OR MANAGEMENT
GROCERY AND FOOD WHOLESALE
LONG-TERM CARE
HEALTH CARE
DAYCARE AND
CHILDREN
SCHOOL AND
EDUCATION
REMOTE AND RURAL
WORK SITES
Why does returning bi-metal for recycling matter?
1
You help the environment by diverting this material from the landfill, where it would take decades to slowly break down. Instead, recycling means it will be turned into new products like construction rebar and car parts.
2
Recycling puts money back towards your bottom line. Every time you purchase a bi-metal beverage container, your business pays a 10¢ or 25¢ deposit, depending on its volume size. Your company gets the deposit back when you return it to a bottle depot, which can then be directed towards charities of your choice or other meaningful initiatives
3
It contributes to the circular economy. Every beverage container can take on a new life through recycling, whether that’s back into another beverage container or into other raw materials used in construction or manufacturing. When a company uses recycled materials as resources in production, it saves them money and sparks economic growth, too.
Making Recycling Easy
Here are some tips and tricks for how you can make recycling bi-metal cans an easier choice for your business and colleagues:
INFORM AND
EDUCATE
Some of your coworkers might not be aware that bi-metal cans are returnable for a deposit refund!! Make sure you inform them about making the choice to return bi-metal beverage containers to a bottle depot.
CLEARLY MARK
RECYCLING BINS
Knowing where to put your container is the hardest part! Consider placing labels near collection stations to help colleagues identify which containers are eligible for a refund and the correct bin to put them in.
