There are two categories of scrap metals – ferrous and non-ferrous. Ferrous contain iron, including steel, gray iron, and malleable iron. You will know if they’re ferrous by using a magnet. Non-ferrous metals have no iron. They include aluminum and copper-based alloys. While they may have different properties, both are recyclable. Ferrous metals get shipped to steel mills, while non-ferrous metals have other uses.
Recycling steel takes up more than 50% less energy. It helps reduce carbon emissions. Since we use metals for different applications, it helps if we can save more energy during production. It’s great seeing these changes, given how high the carbon footprint during production is. The environmental benefit is only one of the reasons why you should recycle scrap metals.
There are economic benefits too
Another reason for recycling metals is that it leads to economic benefits. The scrap metal recycling industry creates over 500,000 jobs. The government also collected billions of dollars in taxes as a result. The value of each metal depends on the classification and usefulness. You can sell them per ton. Even non-ferrous metals can also bring a healthy amount of money. If you decided to support the industry, you could sell your scrap metals at home. You can ask the facilities to sort things out, or do it yourself. Sorted scrap metals are easier to weigh and price.
There are many uses
You might not see the benefits of recycling scrap metals, but it’s helpful in many ways. From smartphones to cars, companies use scrap metals for production. Instead of producing new metals to meet the demands, these scrap metals can help fill in. The good thing is that for some types of metals, recycling doesn’t degrade quality. Besides, if they don’t get recycled, scrap metals end in landfills. These items don’t decompose quickly. You can’t keep throwing away things that are still useful if you want things to change.
You will continue your recycling efforts
You might be hesitant to recycle at first. You don’t want to put too much effort into segregating your trash. If you realize that it’s easy to recycle and make money from it, you will feel more motivated. You’re helping the environment, so you’re in the right direction. Inspire others to do the same. Make them realize how important it is to recycle metals and how they can make money from doing so. You might know some people who also hesitate in taking the right steps like you were.
It’s not yet too late to save the environment. Even if recycling metals is only a small portion of environmental protection efforts, it’s still a good idea. If everyone does the same, it can transform the industry. Remember that our needs remain the same. If we can’t keep up with the metal supply due to the lack of recycling efforts, we might not meet these needs. Again, given the vast applications of metals across industries, we have to do our share by recycling.
