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Recycling is a buzzword that’s often tossed around, especially in the context of plastics and paper. However, scrap metal is another important area of recycling that doesn’t get as much attention.
Whether you’re renovating your home, cleaning out the garage, or disposing of old appliances, recycling scrap metal should be on your to-do list. Let’s take a closer look at why it’s important.
Environmental Benefits
Reducing Waste
One of the most significant advantages of recycling scrap metal is reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Metals like aluminum, steel, copper, and brass are typically used in a wide range of products and, if not recycled, can take hundreds of years to decompose.
By recycling, we can significantly cut down on the volume of waste, making our waste management systems more efficient and reducing the amount of landfill waste.
Conserving Natural Resources
Mining and processing new metals require a lot of energy and natural resources. Recycling aluminum can use up to 95% less energy than producing it from raw materials. By recycling scrap metal, we conserve natural resources and reduce the energy required to process these materials.
Economic Benefits
Financial Incentives
Many people don’t realize that recycling scrap metal can also be financially beneficial. Scrap metal yards and recycling centers often pay for scrap metal by weight. If you have old appliances, car parts, or even scattered metal objects lying around, they could be worth more than you think. It’s an excellent way to declutter your space while making extra money.
Supporting the Economy
The recycling industry plays a major role in the economy by creating jobs and generating revenue. By recycling scrap metal, you’re contributing to an industry that supports economic growth and job creation.
Energy Efficiency
Lower Energy Consumption
Recycling metal saves a significant amount of energy compared to producing new metal. For example, recycling steel can save more than half of the energy required to make new steel from raw materials. Reducing energy consumption also results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions, a great step to helping the planet.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Mining and refining metals are not only energy-intensive but also major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling helps reduce the need for both, reducing the carbon footprint associated with these processes. This helps mitigate the impact of climate change and contributes to a cleaner, healthier planet.
How to Get Started
Identify Scrap Metal
The first step is to identify the types of scrap metal you have. Everyday household items that contain recyclable metal include old appliances, bicycles, car parts, and even aluminum cans. Separate these items from your regular trash.
Prepare Your Scrap Metal
Before taking your scrap metal to a recycling center, make sure it’s clean and free from anything non-metal. This might involve removing screws, plastic parts, or rubber parts. Clean, sorted metal is more valuable and easier to recycle.
Find a Local Recycling Center
Next, locate a scrap metal recycling center or yard near you. Many centers have specific guidelines on the types of metal they accept and how they should be prepared. When you recycle your scrap metal with Canada Iron, you receive the most profit for your contribution and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping create a more sustainable planet.
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