In our everyday lives, we are surrounded by a lot of things that still holds value, even after we are done with it. Almost everything that we use can be recycled and can give it a chance for a new life – from paper, plastic, metal or glass. It is our responsibility to do our best to leave our environment better for future generations. Though, scrap metal recycling is a common practice in a wide range of industries, so many questions arises when we consider how to deal with it.

Where to take that extra material? If you are seeing pile of scrap metals cluttering your space, you may think of what to do with metal scraps. Also, you may be unaware about the best scrap metal items to recycle. Recycling, without a doubt, is the best practice you can follow to tidy up your space and also to make a positive difference in the world around us.  Many opt for this process realizing the monetary benefits.

Scrap metals are found everywhere. According to a report by Verified Market Reports, the Global Metal Recycling Market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2020 to 2026 and reach USD 121.8 billion by 2026.

Let us discuss about what is metal scrap, the benefits of recycling metals, and why is it good to consider recycling.

What is Scrap Metal?

These are old, surplus or waste metal that is often collected and reprocessed. These are materials left over from every manner of product consumption, which include household items to industrial machinery. Though majority of all leftover metal can be recycled as scrap, merchants that are dealing with metal scraps will require it to be appropriately sorted into different categories. No matter what metal you’re planning to recycle, the first and foremost thing is to identify the different types of scrap metals. It is important to understand the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

• Ferrous - Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron or an iron alloy. Ferrous metals are all magnetic.
• Non-ferrous metals -Non-ferrous metals are metals that do not contain any iron. Usually made up of base metals that are not magnetic. Common Non-ferrous metals include:
• Copper
• Brass
• Lead
• Aluminum
• Aluminum Copper Coils
• Auto Batteries
• Cans

If you’re really unsure about the type of scrap metal you are handling, make sure to hire the services a professional scrap metal merchant. They will help you identify the type of scrap metal you are dealing with.  

Why is Recycling Metals Important?

Let’s check out the benefits of disposing of a metal scraps? Recycling metal scraps is actually profitable, good for the environment and saves businesses time and energy.There are many benefits, which extends beyond protecting the environment.

Recycling provides many benefits.

• Preserving natural resources
• Reducing pollution
• Safeguards our planet for future generations
• Reduces Landfill
• Conserves raw materials
• Profitable

Where to Recycle Scrap Metals?

To get started with recycling scrap metals, you don’t need to know all the ins and outs. The better option is to contact an expert waste management company with a scrap metal yard. A professional service provider can help in all ways to make the process easier for you. From arranging, separating to remanufacturing, they can provide all the needed assistance to turn your old scrap metal into brand new products. These companies provide metal recycling services to businesses, demolition companies, and the general public.

They can even provide you competitive prices for it. There are different factors that determine the price of scrap metals. The pricing is varied based on a number of factors such as:

• Metal type
• Location
• Market price
• Time of year
• Demand

How to Recycle Metals

The process involves varied steps. Several elements and types of machinery are involved in the process. That’s why when recycling metals, waste management companies must follow strict health and safety and environmental regulations. When the scrap metals reach a recycling company, the recyclers will sort the scrap by category. Then, they will shred into small pieces. Then it is melted and after that remolded into new shapes.

Process of Scrap Metal Recycling

• Collection
• Separation & Preparation
• Melting & Purification
• Solidification
• Remanufacturing

If you have scrap metal lying around, make sure to entrust its disposal to a professional waste management company.

Hope you found this article helpful. We've covered a lot of ground in this article, providing details about the importance of metal scrap recycling and the environmental benefits it can bring.

Let’s think beyond the trash and take proactive steps towards a cleaner, greener future.

You can check out the metal recyclers directory to find scrap yards near you.