6 Environmental Benefits of Scrap Metal

When your building project needs a reliable source of metal, where do you turn? The obvious answer may be to pay out for brand-new sheets that are clean, tough, and ready to turn into strong structures. However, this isn't the most eco-friendly option. You are better off considering greener scrap metal recycling, and here's why.

When we talk about recycling metal waste that comes from scrap metal, metal waste of different origin, vehicles, buildings, electrical installations, etc., we are not really considering them to be waste but rather a great source of raw materials to generate new top-quality products. This helps to reduce the extraction of metals from the natural environment and to use them in a more sustainable and optimized way, considering that metal is a finite resource.

Scrap Metal Recycling is a Must

Scrap metal recycling has various environmental benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and minimizing the amount of waste sent to landfills. By recycling scrap metal, we can save energy, reduce air pollution, and decrease water pollution. Additionally, recycling scrap metal can save natural resources by reducing the need for virgin materials to be extracted and processed.

How is Scrap Metal Recycled?

Various waste management companies in the UK are in charge of collecting, classifying and treating metal waste so that it can be reused in other production processes.

The scrap recycling process has manual phases and mechanized phases that include crushing, screening and separation to get the metals on the one hand and the rest fraction (i.e., plastics, textiles, etc.), on the other. This process can vary depending on the company and location.

The most important phases of scrap recycling are these:

l.  Collection . Generally, it is the consumers themselves who contact specialized companies to sell their metal waste.

2. Processed . Once at the recycling plant, the metal waste is classified and separated according to its composition material. Normally this classification is done manually by plant operators.

3. Fragmentation. Fragmentation consists of crushing the materials classified by typology and then compacting them. In this phase the metals go through a magnetic process and are screened until they are completely separated.

4.  Distribution. The metals, once compacted, are sold to the different industries that will be in charge of giving them a new life.

What are the Benefits of Scrap Metal?

There are many benefits associated with scrap metal, including these 6:

 

1) Reusing Metal Stops Excess Waste in Landfills

Scrap metal can have negative impacts on the environment if not handled properly. Improper disposal can lead to soil and water contamination and can also harm wildlife. However, recycling scrap metal can help mitigate the negative impact by reducing the need for new metal extraction, which requires a lot of energy and can cause additional environmental damage.

Scrap metal merchants offer a great service for handling and supplying pre-used metal. This means that perfectly good sheets of unwanted waste materials are free for reuse, rather than destined for landfill. Why litter the landscape with practical goods when they could help build vital projects with a greener message? Not only can you pick up great pre-used materials, but you can drop off metal in the future to play your part.

2) Mining for Metal Exploits Finite Resources

Reusing scrap metal also lessens the demand for new materials, which can prevent unnecessary mining. There is no consumer-grade metal without mining for metal ore. However, there is only so much ore we can exploit, and so much of the earth's landscape we can damage in the process. The sooner we reduce our reliance on industrial mining, the better.

Reusing scrap metal is a great way to reduce waste and save resources. Scrap metal can be melted down and used to make new products or parts, which can help to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, recycling scrap metal can also help to create jobs and support local economies.

 

3) Mining for Metal Pollutes the Environment

Another problem with mining for new metals is the impact on the environment. Creating mines is damaging enough on its own. However, pollution from machinery and run-off can affect the soil and waterways. You don't have to worry about any of this when turning to scrap metal recycling.

4) Shaping and Manufacturing Metal Requires a Lot of Energy

The metal manufacturing process requires a lot of energy to create each new sheet. Factories need a lot of power to run the machinery and general operations, and this multiplies with every order. Scrap metal cuts all of this out, and the only concerns over power usage relate to on-site applications. In fact, it is said that using scrap aluminium can conserve 92% of the energy used to make a new sheet.

5) Scrap Metal Means a Lower Carbon Footprint

If your company is keen to lower its carbon footprint, your source of materials is a great starting point. In addition to all the energy and CO2 emissions that come from mines and factories, there are the air miles in shipping goods to consider. This isn’t a problem when you turn to a local scrap metal dealer to source metal from local suppliers.

6) Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions refers to decreasing the amount of gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide that is released into the atmosphere. This can be achieved by implementing changes in various sectors such as energy, transportation, and agriculture, among others. Examples include using renewable energy sources, recycling scrap metals, improving energy efficiency, promoting public transportation, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices.

Trust Scrap Metal Merchants and Source Eco-Friendly Materials for Your Project

There are plenty of reasons to reuse scrap metal for your next project rather than buying new. The metal you get will be strong, unique, and have a great story to tell. You can use this story to promote your project or business as a greener option with a lower carbon footprint. It might not seem like much to switch to scrap metal recycling, but it can make a big environmental difference. So, check out your local merchant and play your part in reducing damage to the environment.

like this? Please pin!

About the Author:

Paul Carlsn is a content writer, who is passionate about crafting engaging, informative, and persuasive copy that resonates with readers. With years of experience in the Digital Marketing industry, Paul has honed his skills in creating content that meets the needs of both clients and their audiences.

---

You may also be interested in…