Membership Matters · Participation Matters
As communities across Illinois continue to grapple with the growing challenges of waste management and recycling, one national trade association is working diligently to advance practical, impactful solutions. The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), headquartered in Washington, D.C., represents U.S. metal can manufacturers and their suppliers, but its influence extends far beyond boardrooms and industry events—it’s actively helping shape how aluminum beverage cans are recycled, recovered, and reused, especially in states like Illinois.
With sustainability at the core of its mission, CMI is proving to be more than an industry voice—it’s a driving force for legislative reform, innovation, and consumer engagement in the circular economy. In Illinois, their efforts are already making waves, offering both environmental benefits and economic opportunities. One of the most impactful ways CMI supports recycling in Illinois is through legislative advocacy. In 2023, the organization helped spearhead support for Illinois Senate Bill 85 (SB 85), a proposed beverage container deposit return system—commonly known as a bottle bill. This policy would establish a refundable deposit on cans and bottles, encouraging consumers to return them for recycling.
The logic behind bottle bills is simple but powerful: offer people a small cash incentive (typically 5–10 cents) per container to recycle, and recovery rates soar. In states where deposit return systems exist, aluminum can recycling rates regularly top 75–80%. In contrast, Illinois’ recycling rates for aluminum beverage containers hover well below that mark. Scott Breen, Vice President of Sustainability at CMI, explained the benefits in a public statement: “Illinois has the chance to boost its recycling rate, reduce litter, and provide a reliable stream of high-quality recyclable material to manufacturers—all through a well-designed deposit return system.” CMI’s support of SB 85, which was introduced by Senator Laura Murphy, demonstrates a willingness to engage with stakeholders across sectors—from environmental advocates to manufacturers—to build a better recycling infrastructure.
However, reform doesn’t come without resistance. Some local and national groups, such as the Illinois chapter of the National Waste & Recycling Association, voiced concerns that a bottle bill could disrupt existing curbside recycling programs. They argued that the removal of high-value aluminum cans from these systems could impact the economics of municipal recycling operations. In response, CMI and allied organizations emphasized a cooperative approach. Their stance: a well-structured deposit system wouldn’t undermine curbside programs but would instead complement them by significantly increasing overall material recovery.
“This isn’t an either-or situation,” said Breen during a recent sustainability forum. “It’s about optimizing the system. We can design policies that strengthen both deposit and curbside programs, ultimately delivering better outcomes for everyone.”
Legislation isn’t the only avenue through which CMI is boosting recycling in Illinois. On the ground, it’s actively involved in initiatives aimed at modernizing and improving materials recovery facilities (MRFs). One standout partnership involves CMI and LRS, a Chicago-based waste and recycling company that recently opened “The Exchange,” a state-of-the-art MRF on the city’s West Side. There, CMI collaborated with facility managers to implement AI-powered robotic sorters designed specifically to increase aluminum can capture rates.
“Aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable and have a high market value,” noted a spokesperson from LRS. “CMI’s insights and support helped us refine our sorting process, so we can recover more cans that used to slip through the cracks.” The result? More efficient operations, increased revenue from recovered materials, and less recyclable aluminum ending up in landfills.
CMI’s work in Illinois is part of a broader strategy to make aluminum can recycling more efficient and more widespread across the country. But what’s happening in Illinois is particularly promising: a convergence of public interest, political momentum, and private-sector innovation. As climate concerns mount and cities seek cost-effective ways to manage waste, models like CMI’s—centered on smart policy, technology, and education—offer a roadmap forward. Whether it’s helping shape state legislation, fine-tuning recycling operations, or engaging the next generation of eco-conscious consumers, the Can Manufacturers Institute is demonstrating how industry can be a catalyst for meaningful environmental change.
In Illinois, that change is already underway.
For more on the Can Manufacturers Institute’s recycling efforts, visit their website at: https://www.cancentral.com/.