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U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2005-3145

Aluminum Stocks in Use in Automobiles in the United States

The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the quantity of aluminum stocks in use in the United States to be 142 million metric tons as of 2002. Stocks in use include the aluminum in airplanes, automobiles, bridges, buildings, household appliances, machinery, and many other applications and exclude aluminum in solid-waste facilities. Continuous use of aluminum through recycling, remanufacturing, and reuse allows stocks to be considered a resource in place.

This Fact Sheet compares all aluminum stocks in use with the aluminum contained in automobile stocks in use in the United States. Automobiles in use in the United States include domestic and imported passenger cars, sports utility vehicles, trucks, light trucks, vans, and minivans in commercial (taxicabs and limousines), government, and private use. Data on vehicles with an average curb weight greater than 8,500 pounds are not included in the Fact Sheet. The curb weight is the total weight of a vehicle without passengers or cargo.

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