What is Scrap Metal Recycling Scrap metal recycling is a process as well as being
The Scrap Metal Recycling Process:
the basis for industry. Scrap metal recycling
The scrap metal process involves several steps. It
involves the recovery and processing of scrap
starts with the collection. At the micro-level, scrap
metal from end-of-life products or structures and
metal collectors pick up small quantities of scrap for
manufacturing scrap to be introduced as a raw
sale to scrap yards. Metal is also recovered from
material in producing new goods. It can be recycled
larger generators by larger scrap dealers or through
repeatedly with no degradation of its properties.
curbside recycling.
Thus, it provides the raw material for new products while offering a much lower carbon footprint and
Metals are then sorted, baled for shipment,
more efficient utilization of resources than new
shredded, and then melted. A purification process
material.
can involve the use of electrolysis, powerful magnet systems, or other technologies.
When talking about scrap metal recycling, it is essential to differentiate between the two main
Benefits of Recycling:
categories of scrap metal: ferrous metal and
Aside from the diversion of material from landfills,
nonferrous metal.
other significant benefits of metal recycling versus the creation of pure metal include reducing energy consumption and using different materials. For
While ferrous metal contains some iron (its name
example, recycled aluminum requires 95 percent
is derived from the Latin term meaning iron),
less energy, copper needs 90 percent less, and steel
nonferrous metal does not have iron as a
56 percent less. Additionally, the recycling of one
component. Nonferrous scrap includes aluminum,
ton of steel avoids the use of 2,500 pounds of iron
copper, lead, nickel, tin, zinc, and others.
ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone.