Wittman Introduces Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) introduced the Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act - legislation that requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Geological Survey, to conduct an ongoing study assessing how much aluminum is disposed of in U.S. landfills and how aluminum scrap moves through domestic and international markets.

"This Global Recycling Day, I am proud to introduce the CANS Act - which will reduce waste and promote resource efficiency, " said Rep. Wittman. "This legislation is not only critical for conservation and recycling efforts, but also for defense supply chain security and U.S. economic competitiveness. I look forward to supporting the CANS Act as it moves through the legislative process."

Why It Matters:

• Supply chain security: Aluminum is critical for defense, transportation, and manufacturing.

• National security: Reducing exports of aluminum scrap limits reliance on foreign entities of concern.

• Economic competitiveness: Improved recycling supports U.S. manufacturers and domestic jobs.

• Environmental benefits: Diverting aluminum from landfills reduces waste and promotes resource efficiency.\

"Every year, nearly $1.2 billion worth of aluminum is lost in landfills across the country. Aluminum is too valuable a resource to bury underground and remove from our supply chain. The CANS Act will give policymakers the clear, transparent data necessary to strengthen domestic recycling and support American manufacturers while cutting waste and improving supply chain resilience. Ball Corporation is grateful to Congressman Wittman for his leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working closely with him to advance this policy in the months ahead." - John Campbell, Vice President, Government Relations, Ball Corporation

"The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) applauds Congressman Wittman for introducing the Counting Aluminum Net Surplus (CANS) Act of 2026. This bill will assess how much aluminum is being lost to landfills or exported instead of being recycled domestically," said CMI President Scott Breen. "By studying aluminum disposal and recycling flows, policymakers will have actionable data to boost U.S. recycling systems and keep valuable materials, like aluminum, in the domestic supply chain. Improving aluminum recovery and keeping recyclable materials in the United States ultimately will help strengthen American manufacturing and protect our national food security." - Scott Breen, President of CMI

"Every year, thousands of tons of recyclable aluminum end up in landfills, material that should become new products and create economic value. The CANS Act brings the data we need to see where aluminum is being lost so we can capture more of it, recycle it, and keep it working in the American economy. When we recover valuable materials instead of burying them, we strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and build a more resilient domestic manufacturing system." - Anthony Tusino, Senior Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs at The Recycling Partnership

Read the full bill text here.