APR 05, 2022
The average scrap metal recycler does not realize that their waste can generate a lot of pollution. The implications for the environment and human health can be severe. When you're in the recycling business, it's easy to assume waste is a necessary part of life. Our team at RCM Recycling begs to differ, and we are prepared to prove it.
We do our best to ensure the recyclable materials in your property's waste are used for the environment's good. Cleaning up is our key goal at RCM, and so far, we couldn't be doing a much better job of it. While other outfits may view garbage as garbage and nothing more, our philosophy recognizes that recycling offers unique material alternatives.
For example, did you know that recycled iron ore is used in cookware to water filtration systems? Or copper found in cable wiring melted down into new springs and gears? And thanks to our scrap metal company, that scrap metal you no longer need can continue giving back.
Scrap metal recycling is the process of turning unwanted metals into usable products. The process saves natural resources, energy, and water by reusing materials instead of creating new ones. Scrap metal can be used to make many new products, from everyday household items to high-tech devices.
Recycling one ton of steel conserves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone.
When producing new metals, harmful gases like carbon dioxide and methane are released into the atmosphere. When scrap is recycled, however, new metals aren't being produced. Instead, old scrap is being used to create new materials. The fewer new products made, the less pollution there will be in the atmosphere, which means you and your family can breathe a lot easier.
The process of recycling metals uses a lot less energy than mining for new ore does. For example, it takes about three times as much energy to mine for new aluminum to recycle old aluminum products. Recycling scrap metal uses up to 97 percent less energy than mining for new metals. This means that you can rest assured knowing that you're not using up a lot of energy when you recycle your scrap metals.
When you think of scrap metal, what do you imagine? Twisted pieces of wire at the bottom of a toolbox? Leftover auto parts from a home project? Steelmakers in America use the most recycled scrap metal to produce new steel for future products. This means that recycling scrap is good for the environment, but it's also good for U.S.-based manufacturing and jobs.
You can help support American manufacturing and jobs by recycling your scrap metal at a local scrap yard or recycling center. Every ton of recycled ferrous metals — like iron or steel — can save enough energy to power 18 million homes!
Aluminum is used in various ways, including soda cans, window frames, etc. It is also a popular material for aviation and construction due to its weight and strength. Energy savings from recycling aluminum cans are 95 percent compared to creating new aluminum.
As far as scrap metal recycling is concerned, magnets make all the difference in identifying and sorting out different types of metals. In some instances, a magnet is the only way to tell just what kind of metal one has.
Magnets are also used to remove impurities from metals. The process of using magnets in scrap metal recycling is called magnetic separation.
As you may have guessed, this process involves using a powerful magnet. The magnet pulls the metal through, leaving the rest behind. This works well with nails, screws, and other small pieces of metal.
This method is used in most scrap yards because it's fast and efficient. It also separates metals into an easier-to-manage pile for further sorting.
RCM Recycling
Nearly 1/4 of all recyclable material ends up in landfills, which is scrap metal. Did you know that scrap metal recycling helps fund community development efforts, parks, playgrounds, and other good causes? Did you know that scrap metal can be recycled into an abundance of valuable things, including skyscrapers, airplanes, bridges, and hundreds of other valuable everyday items? Did you know that RCM Recycling plants work hard to keep our air and water clean while also using environmentally-friendly cleaning processes?
Call RCM Recycling today!
