I have always used foil instead of plastic clingwrap thinking it was bio-degradable and hence more environmentally friendly. However, I spoke to someone the other day who said the foil is treated and not actually bio-degradable at all. Does anyone know for sure?
2007-06-15 12:53:20 · 13 answers · asked by angeldrac 2 in Environment ➔ Green Living
Ok, maybe "bio-degradable" isn't the right word, to some people thinking. I am well aware that foil is metal - thank you for pointing that out.
What I mean is is the foil "capable of being broken down into its constituent elements by natural processes"?
2007-06-15 13:05:46 · update #1
Biodegradable refers to matters broken down by microbes. Metals are usually melted and formed.
Maybe your friend was talking about a different kind of foil? They are actually very recyclable. Just toss them in the soda can bin.
The extensive use of aluminium foil has been criticised by some environmentalists because of the high resource cost of extracting aluminium, primarily as a result of the large amount of electricity used to decompose bauxite.
However, this cost is greatly reduced via recycling and the fact that many foods that would otherwise perish can be protected over long periods without refrigeration thanks to the total barrier properties of aluminum foil. Many aluminium foil products can be recycled at around 5% of the original energy cost.
2007-06-17 15:33:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aluminium Foil Paper Price
2016-12-18 05:24:16 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aluminum has ALREADY been broken down. The process of refining aluminum ore is one of extracting the metal from the compound that exists in nature. Over a period of time, the foil will oxidize and revert back to its natural form. This might take centuries because the oxide layer that forms on the surface of the aluminum is air-tight and prevents any more oxygen from reaching the raw metal.
2007-06-15 13:15:23 · answer #3 · answered by Geezer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Aluminum foil is not bio-degradable. It is recyclable. It costs less to recycle aluminum than it does to smelt new aluminum. Plastic wrap, on the other hand does not recycle or biodegrade easily.
You have my permission to continue to use aluminum foil. just remember to put it with your aluminum cans and recycle it.
2007-06-15 13:05:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Aluminum foil is not easily biodegradable, but it is recyclable. Most recycling centers will accept it. -RKO- 06/16/07
2007-06-16 13:27:53 · answer #5 · answered by -RKO- 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
as long as foil goes with all other aluminum for recycling ,you are not adding to land fill
,you are doing the right thing & that should make you feel good.
2007-06-15 14:50:24 · answer #6 · answered by dee k 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
everything degrades over time. alumiunium foil I think is like 400 years! but you can recycle it too!
2007-06-15 13:40:02 · answer #7 · answered by Ivan S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't bio degradable, but it can be used and re-used and one day it will break down some.....
What is really gross is the waste by-product which is produced by its mining and manufacture......
bless
2007-06-15 14:59:20 · answer #8 · answered by Wood Smoke ~ Free2Bme! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eventually Aluminum in any form will corrode and form aluminum oxide. It is not biodegradable.
2007-06-15 13:09:55 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just throw it in with your other aluminum recyclables and you can continue to use it guilt free ;)
2007-06-16 04:45:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋