Because of their durability, few pallets need to be recycled. The few that do get recycled are ground up and reused in the production of new pallets and top frames. Approximately 60 percent of new beverage cans and ends contain recycled aluminum. Steel cans contain approximately 25 percent of recycled steel on average. All scrap metal generated from Ball s can manufacturing operations is recycled.
Ball also recycles metal strapping and steel drums.
After Ball has used them, the oils are sent to an outside refinery where they become part of a fuel supplement, rather than waste. Can cleaning consists of using various corrosive chemicals to remove manufacturing lubricants from the can. The oil wastes are typically recycled into other petroleum products. The water is discharged to public sewer systems in accordance with plant discharge standards. In recent years, Ball plants have been honored with a variety of environmental awards.