Beer enthusiasts love the nitrogenated canned beers for their rich, creamy head. The polypropylene nitrogen “widget” in the can releases its gas when the can is opened, but some wonder if the plastic widget affects the recyclability of the can.
The answer is “No,” as long as you follow a simple step to ensure your can is recycled successfully. Cut the can open and remove the widget, meaning the aluminum will not be contaminated with plastic during the shredding process. Rinse the can and shake it dry before placing it in your aluminum recycling bin. If your local recycler accepts polypropylene, the widget can be placed with your plastic recycling.
It is important to remove the widget, as some recycling plants are unable to identify plastic widgets and may discard the cans. By taking this quick step, you ensure the can will be processed at any location that accepts aluminum.
Understanding the Widget
Guinness developed the first widget in 1988, building on a draft beer system it pioneered in the 1950s. The widget, made of polypropylene, contains nitrous oxide and a small amount of the beer, and is designed to create that rich, creamy head when the can is opened.
Breweries That Use Nitrogenated Cans
Nitrogenated cans were first used by Samuel Adams in 2016, and Budweiser joined the trend in March 2020. Other breweries and even coffee and cocktail companies are experimenting with nitro cans as well. As the technology becomes more popular, you may find more cans with widgets. The flavor benefits of the nitro widget are undeniable, but it’s important to offset potential contamination of aluminum recycling or disposal of the cans where sorting technology is not available.
Spending a moment to cut your cans and remove the nitro widget will make your can recyclable anywhere.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 15, 2020, and was updated in December 2023.
.
