Aluminum maker Alcoa dedicates expansion of Smoky Mountain foothills recycling operation

Alcoa dedicates recycling expansion in Tennessee

ALCOA, Tenn. — Alcoa Inc. has expanded its aluminum can recycling operation in East Tennessee, which is already one of the nation’s largest recycling plants.

The Pittsburgh-based company’s president said at a Friday dedication the expansion coincides with a goal to boost the current 54 percent rate of recycling beverage cans in the United States to 75 percent by 2015.

Alcoa President and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld said the beverage can recycling rate in Russia is 75 percent, while the rate is 91 percent in Germany and 95 percent in Brazil.

A company statement says recycling an aluminum can saves 95 percent of the energy it takes to make one from new metal. A used beverage container can be recycled and back on the shelf in 60 days.

The company spent $24 million on the expansion.