NOV 22, 2022
There are four types of scrap metal recycling that aren’t just cans. These recycling services include sheet aluminum, siding and trim, auto parts, and electrical wires. By investing in the proper equipment, you can provide new or used parts for cars and trucks. Recycling and scrap metal recycling can be a bit confusing for some people. That said, I want to share a few ideas on putting your scrap metal to work with four aluminum recycling examples that aren't just cans.
Aluminum is one of the most sustainable, versatile, and recyclable materials. It’s also one of the most abundant, comprising about 8.23 percent of Earth’s crust.
While aluminum recycling has been around for decades, it has recently become a hot topic as the EPA works to develop new rules for municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. According to the EPA, only about half of all recyclable aluminum cans reach their destination today; most are sent to landfills with other trash or recycled at a rate below what could be possible with better recycling programs.
It’s not just cans we’re talking about here — other aluminum products like sheets and condensers also play an important role in our economy and environment.
In the United States, sheet aluminum is recycled through various methods, including shredding and melting. This allows the material to be used as a raw material in manufacturing processes such as extrusion or rolling. It can also be used in its original form as a building material or other product that requires sheet metal
Sheet aluminum is a light and sturdy aluminum often used as an alternative to steel in construction projects. It’s also used for home appliances such as refrigerators and freezers and for making parts for cars and airplanes.
Siding is a great example of how aluminum recycling can create new products. Siding is essentially an exterior wall, but it’s often made with aluminum because it’s lightweight and durable. Aluminum siding can last up to 50 years when properly installed, which is an impressive lifespan compared to other building materials. Aluminum siding has also been shown to be more energy efficient than other types of siding.
Aluminum windows are also popular among homeowners. These windows are not only energy efficient, but they are also easy to clean and maintain. Homeowners can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by using aluminum windows instead of wood or vinyl windows.
Gutters are another common product that is made from recycled aluminum cans. This recyclable material reduces the risk of leaks and water damage inside your home or business because it keeps water away from the foundation, where it can cause damage.
Auto parts manufacturers can benefit from aluminum recycling because they often have large amounts of scrap metal that need to be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way. This includes parts like engine blocks, transmissions, radiators, and more. By sending these parts to an aluminum recycler instead of throwing them away in a landfill or shipping them overseas, auto manufacturers can reduce their carbon footprint while saving money on disposal costs.
One example of how aluminum is recycled is through electrical wires. The electrical wires use aluminum to transmit electricity from one place to another. When you recycle your old electrical wires, you can turn them into new ones for future use. This will help reduce waste and pollution because the new wires will be made from recycled materials instead of virgin ore and minerals.
The above list helps you see that aluminum recycling is not just for cans. Many items that would otherwise be discarded can now be donated to scrap metal recycling centers and recycled into new products. This helps keep garbage out of landfills while keeping material flowing through the manufacturing process and making its way back into everyday life. And in the end, your efforts will help keep aluminum prices down, which benefits everyone! Our scrap metal company is always ready to help.
