Why the U.S. Is Stuck at 43% Aluminum Can Recycling | Scott Breen, President of CMI

In this episode of Dirty Scrap Podcast, we sit down with Scott Breen, President of the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), the organization representing U.S. metal can manufacturers and their suppliers.Scott leads CMI’s industry strategy, serves as the chief spokesperson with policymakers and media, and oversees the organization’s culture and operations. He also brings a unique perspective from his role as Chair of The Recycling Partnership’s Board of Directors, and from his previous work at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and NOAA.In this conversation, we explore:Why the U.S. aluminum can recycling rate remains around 43%Why fixing sorting alone won’t get us to 70–90% recyclingThe role of deposit return systems and infrastructureHow fragmented recycling programs limit performanceWhat truly scales in aluminum circularity—and what doesn’tThis episode is especially relevant for professionals in:aluminum recycling, scrap processing, MRF operations, sustainability strategy, and industrial manufacturing.🎧 Listen to understand what’s really holding recycling back—and what could finally move the needle This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com