Wine bottle capsule question

Liz and I are enjoying a 2005 Earthquake Zin and talking about recycling (our county is considering an incinerator in lieu of our current landfill). Liz asked me what metal most wine bottle capsules are made of and I realized that I don't know. I'd guess aluminum. What are they made of?

[David M. Bueker]

Either tin or aluminum now. Lead is gone. Of course many are plastic these days.

Thanks, David. I know that lead is not used any longer. I still have a 'collection' of old lead capsules from special bottles but I don't handle them much and I never eat one!

[David M. Bueker]

But they are so crunchy and sweet!

Thanks, David. I know that lead is not used any longer. I still have a 'collection' of old lead capsules from special bottles but I don't handle them much and I never eat one!

I still have a number of bottles with lead capsules. Not only do I not eat them, but I scrupulous about wiping down the interior of the neck before pouring. Those white lead acetate deposits on the glass give the wine an off-putting sweetness, doncha know

Mark Lipton

Agree with Mark. Most lead was gone by 1990, but for safety I do extra wiping on anything pre-1995.