According to the EPA, metal recycling is one of the most important steps we can take to reduce our negative environmental impact. It also helps us use fewer resources and lowers the production costs of new materials. In a circular economy, metals can be scrapped, melted down, reused, and brought back to be recycled once more. In this blog, we’ll showcase some of the advantages of metal recycling!
What Is Metal Recycling?
Metal recycling is the process of reusing metal from end-of-life materials and scrap and using it as raw material for new goods. There are many benefits to recycling metal, including environmental preservation and energy savings.
Advantages Of Metal Recycling
Metal recycling helps preserve natural resources, reduces energy consumption, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA, every ton of recycled aluminum saves four tons of bauxite ore from being mined. And since bauxite mining is a significant source of pollution, metal recycling can have a significant environmental impact.
Metal recycling also consumes less energy than producing metal products from scratch. Recycling just one aluminum can save enough energy to power a TV for three hours! And since metal recycling doesn’t make any harmful emissions, it’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you want to become more eco-friendly, metal recycling is a great place to start. And with so many benefits, it’s something everyone can do to make a difference. So next time you recycle your aluminum cans, remember that you’re not just helping the environment but also saving energy and resources.
How to Recycle Metals?
It would be best to drop off scrap metals at whatever local place accepts them. Cities and towns often have a scrap metal drop-off location. All recyclable metals can typically be sold to private metal recycling facilities.
What Metals Cannot Be Recycled?
- Propane Tanks: Propane tanks pose a danger due to the interaction between propane gas and the tank. This is why it is better to keep them in good condition and switch them for filled ones once they run low.
- Certain Car Parts: Some car parts can’t be recycled, and you should ask ahead of time or go through a facility that deals specifically with vehicles
- Radioactive Metal: Items such as fluorescent lamps, smoke detectors, clocks, and silverware may contain uranium. It would be best not to recycle these with other metals due to safety concerns.
- Paint Cans: Paint can contain hazardous waste.
- Items That Contain Mercury: Old products such as thermostats, light switches, jewelry, fluorescent lights, toys, and CFL light bulbs may contain mercury.
Why Do You Need to Recycle?
- Preserving Natural Resources: Metal recycling helps preserve natural resources, reduces energy consumption, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions.
- Creates Jobs: According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, there are over 157,000 jobs in the United States alone that are directly related to metal recycling.
- Perfect for Businesses: Metal recycling is suitable for businesses, too; it saves money on waste disposal costs and can provide a new source of revenue.
- Economic Benefits: Metal recycling is essential for our economy; it helps to keep metal products in circulation and supports sustainable development.
So there are many reasons to recycle metal – it’s good for the environment, good for businesses, and good for the economy.
Recycling Specialties will purchase your scrap metal. We are open to the public and accept all types of scrap metals, contact us today or call us at 705-735-2145.
