Steel: The World's Most Recycled Material
Wasatch Steel 243 W 3300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84115 (801) 486-4463
According to the Bureau of International Recycling, steel is the most recycled material on the planet. This iron-containing alloy retains an extremely high overall recycling rate. Commonly recycled steel items include scrap from industrial process and other products such as vehicles, appliances, containers, construction materials, and industrial machinery. Ideal for Recycling Steel is excellent for recycling, as it does not lose its inherent physical properties during the process. It has amazing metallurgical properties that enable it to be recycled continually without compromising performance. The most common products made of recycled steel include electrical appliances, cans and containers, vehicles, and hardware such as screws, bolts, and nuts. Amazing Facts Steel recycling uses 74 percent less energy and 40 percent less water. The process also produces fewer pollutants and less mining waste. Recycling at least one ton of steel can save 630 kilograms of coal, 55 kilograms of limestone, and 1,100 kilograms of iron ore. It can also save 1.8 barrels (287 liters) of oil, 2.3 cubic meters of landfill space, and 642 kWh of energy. Promotes Recycling of Goods The Steel Recycling Institute reports that for the US, the overall steel recycling rate in 2012 was 88 percent, with almost 84 million tons of steel recycled. Steel promotes the recycling of different goods such as automobiles, appliances, and steel packaging. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Almost all available steel is today recycled. In the construction sector, recycling rates differ depending on the steel application and product. It is possible to reuse construction steel without reprocessing, which helps saves extra greenhouse gas emissions.
Steel-to-Steel Recycling This means that steel can is become part of vehicle, bridge, or ship in its next life. Even after incineration, people can still recover steel for recycling. This is because of the material’s unique magnetic properties. Its properties remain unchanged no matter how many times the material is recycled. Because of steel’s durability, recyclability, and lightweight potential, steel naturally contributes to resource conservation. Steel recycling ensures that the resources invested in its production can be infinitely reused.
RESOURCES: http://www.wasatchsteel.com/services.html http://www.bir.org/industry/ferrous-metals/ http://www.recycle-steel.org/Sustainability.aspx