How long does it take for aluminum to decompose?

According to DoSomething.org, it takes up to 500 years for an aluminum can to decompose. For this reason, aluminum is considered non-biodegradable. Fortunately, aluminum cans are the most recycled items in the United States. When they are recycled, they can be reused within a couple of months.

Many other items are made from aluminum, all of which are recyclable. Aluminum products include house siding, roofing materials, gutters, some lawn furniture, car parts, framing, soup cans and some electronic components. Metro Recycling states that it takes 1/20 of the energy to recycle aluminum products as it does to smelt aluminum from scratch.