[Paddlewise] "Tin" cans

From: Robert MacDonald <RMacDonald_at_udl.com>
Date: Mon, 13 Dec 2004 16:01:52 -0800
All so-called "tin" cans are made of steel.  They have a plating of tin on the outside, to prevent corrosion.  Nowadays, the inside is plastic coated, probably over a layer of tin.  Burning the can gets rid of the tin and plastic coatings, and allows the steel underneath to corrode away quickly.

Burning aluminum cans also hastens corrosion, but all the conversion of metal to oxide takes place in the fire.  Not much happens after that.

The best bet is to carry it out.  Burning the can then carrying it out will help reduce the bulk and smell, especially if you are doing the "right thing" with someone else's garbage a long way from civilization.  

The days of "burn, bash and bury" are long gone.   "Burn, bash and CARRY" is a better slogan.

Rob.
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Received on Mon Dec 13 2004 - 16:02:00 PST

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