How To Recycle Metal
Metal is one material we should look forward to recycling the most. They are used in major construction and manufacturing industries, from automobiles, trucks, airplanes, railways, and ships to kitchen equipment and household appliances. Perhaps, the most important quality of metals that make them very useful in recycling is that they don’t lose their properties regardless of how many times they have been recycled.
There are generally two types of metals: nonferrous metals that typically contain iron and carbon, such as steel, and nonferrous metals, including aluminum, zinc, copper, tin, and lead. Precious metals such as gold, silver, and palladium are also nonferrous metals.
Here’s Why Dimension Thinks You Should Recycle Metals?
In 2019 alone, more than 1.5 billion metric tons of steel were produced, out of which only 32% was made of recycled steel. While steel and iron are still the most recycled materials globally, millions of tons are still generated as waste. In 2018, more than 2 million tons of steel cans were generated as waste. Yet, recycling metal waste can save so much energy and power.
- Power Saving: Just one aluminum unit will save enough energy to power a TV for three years.
- Longevity: Nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today.
- Profitability and Economic Development: More than $25 billion have been made since 1975 by recycling aluminum cans.
- Reduces Greenhous Gas Emission
- Reduces Pollution as a result of intensified mining
- Make some landfill space for non-recyclable materials
- Improved Air and soil quality
The choice to recycle your metal is quite literally worth its weight in gold. Nearly every kind of metal can be recycled repeatedly, opening up endless opportunities for your business. Right now, a variety of industries aren’t aware of the value of the metal and continue to toss this commodity into the trash. This means they’re not only missing out on running a sustainable business, but they’re also missing out on potential profits.
Which Metal Scraps Can You Recycle?
You can recycle steel, brass, copper, aluminum, bronze, tin, and cast iron. However, if these metal scraps have radioactive materials, paint materials, or oil, they’re not recyclable. Therefore, you can’t recycle a paint can, propane gas tank, or motor tanks, although it’s possible to repurpose these items. You can’t recycle pots and pans either.
How to Prepare Your Scrap Metal for Recycling
Step 1: Check that it’s 50% metal
Generally, the scrap metal intended for recycling should be mostly metal. This means that it may be with other materials such as plastic, but it should contain 50% metal at least. If the metal is less than 50% of the total material, you can consider separating the metal part from the other materials and recycling just that part.
Step 2: Check the type of metal
We highlighted the types of metals earlier, which are ferrous and nonferrous metals. You should know what type it is before recycling. Ferrous metals are generally magnetic, so this can be a way to determine what kind of metal you have.
Step 3: Find a Scrap metal recycler.
Once you’ve identified the type of metal you have, find a scrap metal recycler or scrap metal drop-off location around you. Also, find out if there’s a minimum acceptable weight of metal you can drop off for recycling.
Step 4: You may be entitled to some payment! Check.
You could get paid if you’re directly disposing your scrap metal to a scrap yard, recycler, or a scrap metal buyer. Generally, nonferrous metals pay more than ferrous metals, and this is why it’s important to check the type of metal you have. Ask the facility whether they pay for scrap metals.
Step 5: Get your ID ready.
To ensure that the scrap metal has not been stolen or isn’t public property, you may be asked to identify yourself, especially if you’re selling to a scrap metal buyer.
Step 6: Call a Disposal Service
If you can’t find a suitable scrap yard or don’t have the means to transport the bulk of metals to a scrap metal recycler, call a disposal service.
Use Dimension, a junk removal service, to reboot your metal recycling and disposal plans. Our team of experts will help you find new and innovative ways to reuse your metal materials, save you money, and develop an easy, sustainable waste management system. We’ll help you be a part of the solution!
How The Metal is Treated at the Recycling Facility
Step 1: Collection and Transportation
The waste disposal service collects scrap metal waste from homes, offices, or businesses. The collected metals are then transported to the collection centers, usually the scrap yards. Dimension can help collect your metal waste and transport it to a waste recycling facility.
Step 2: Sorting
It is then checked and sorted to ensure all the materials are recyclable. Any materials that are not recyclable are separated for further disposal.
Step 3: Processing
In processing, the metals deemed recyclable are pressed and squashed together, so they don’t occupy too much space in the conveyor belt.
Step 4: Shredding
After squashing, they are then shredded into tiny pieces that allow further processing. Steel may be converted into blocks in further processing, while aluminum is converted into sheets.
Step 5: Melting and purification
The furnace in which the metal is metal depends on the properties of the metal. After melting, it is purified to ensure it’s free of unwanted substances. Several methods, e.g., electrolysis, may be used for purification.
Step 6: Solidification
Once purified, the metal is then allowed to cool and solidify. Some chemicals may be added to enhance the properties of the metal. This is the final product that is transported to different industries for use.
Hiring a Trash Removal and Disposal Professional
Metal Waste Disposal
Something to think about: tossing out one single aluminum can is the equivalent cost of filling that same can with gas. That’s right! Recycling that metal can will bring money back into your business.
If you’re not ready to deal with the stress of recycling or repurposing, and you still want to dispose of your stacks of metal scraps responsibly, the easiest way to go about this is to hire a professional waste disposal service and let them handle it. Some waste disposal services may offer this service for a price. Google “Metal scrap Disposal Services Near Me” and find some suggestions.
Dimension can help you out here!
Use Dimension to reboot your metal recycling and disposal plans. Our team of experts will help you find new and innovative ways to reuse your metal materials, save you money, and develop an easy, sustainable waste management system. We’ll help you be a part of the solution!
We are a team of professionals, and we preach responsibility and compliance in waste disposal. We know how best to handle your paper and make sure it is disposed of and recycled sustainably.
What’s more? We don’t only handle metal scrap disposal; we can help with other items you don’t need, including mattress disposal, couch disposal, furniture removal, cardboard recycling, appliance disposal, etc. And unlike most waste disposal/ junk removal companies, we are very affordable.
Give us a call today!