this post was submitted on 06 Dec 2024
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This may be a stupid idea, but to my knowledge metals is are some of the best materials when it comes to being easily recyclable.

Ignoring the cost and reusability, wouldn't recyclable disposable cups made of metal be a better deal than the largely incinerated plastic cups?

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[–] tehWrapper@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

A can holds it shape cause it has the top and bottom. To make an aluminum cup would take a fair amount more aluminum and cost a fair bit more. It would prob be better, but no one is going to pay that much and toss them.

[–] MrMakabar 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Aluminium cans work pretty well. The only thing needed would be to have a bigger hole at the top..

[–] tehWrapper@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Aluminum cans are so thin to cut cost that they are like an egg. Open the end more and it will have no support to it.

They would need to be thicker and that would make it much more expensive.

[–] Aussiemandeus@aussie.zone 3 points 2 weeks ago

You absolutely can open the top of one more.

I can use my tooth and take the top right off and make cups out of cans. Do it all the time camping.

They work fine except for the sharp edge because it's just like being opened with a can opener.

You can crush a disposable paper cup easier then a soda can with the top taken off

[–] Boomkop3@reddthat.com 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

If they'd be getting recycled and/or reused, the price shouldn't be as high as new production cups

[–] tehWrapper@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I think they would need a deposit system if your expect to get anything back on them?

[–] Aussiemandeus@aussie.zone 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Where i live we have 10 cent deposits for retuning all recycled bottles and cans

[–] Boomkop3@reddthat.com 1 points 2 weeks ago

It's 15 cents for cans, 60 cents for bottles here