There are many different places scrap metal can come from. Whether it’s a discarded washer and dryer, beams from an old building, or excess metal from a bridge. Wherever these scraps come from however, it’s important to make sure they are recycled properly. If scraps are tossed in a landfill, certain metals may contain toxins which can contaminate water and soil in that surrounding area. Industrial scrap recycling is important for economic and environmental reasons and can help to provide manufacturers with metals for everyday uses. Scrap metals go through a process which includes collection, sorting, and shipping. They then go on to a shredding and melting process that may include purifying the metals.
Here are the top 5 industries that produce scrap metal:
The Auto Manufacturing Industry
Car parts are widely used in scrap metal recycling. Steel and aluminum are some of the most common metals found within this industry. In 2015, it was reported that the United States recycled 67 million metric tons of ferrous metal. Automobiles were the largest source recycled, totaling a whopping 11 million cars.
The Construction Industry
An incredibly reliable source for scrap metals, the construction industry generates very large amounts of scrap from skyscrapers, residential and commercial buildings, and new homes. Carbon steel is widely used within this industry. Electrical components, piping, and wiring are common scrap metals as well; usually being made of copper.
Appliances
Appliances can range from industrial kitchen equipment to home washer and dryers. Consumer demand for new products such as air conditioners, ovens, and refrigerators is constantly increasing. This creates an ongoing demand for new metals, showing the importance of recycling our old appliances.
Airplanes
Similar to the auto body and auto manufacturing industry, airplane manufacturing develops lots of leftover parts in their plants. Common metals seen within this industry include aluminum, steel, and titanium.
Home furnishings
Home furnishings can include interior structures, furniture, and large appliances. There are many different parts of the home that can create scrap metals that you wouldn’t expect. For instance, storm windows are often made with aluminum frames. Also, a screen door’s frame can be entirely made of aluminum which can be recycled.
The Importance of Recycling Scrap Metal
Scrap metal recycling lays the groundwork for a very powerful industry. In 2014, U.S. nonferrous scrap had a value approaching $32 billion. In 2015, the U.S. ferrous scrap industry was worth $18.3 billion. End-of-life structures, appliances, and products can be made new again through this industrial process. Scrap metals can be recycled time and again with no degradation of its properties. Offering a much lower carbon footprint, it provides the raw material for new products and is a much more eco-friendly way to mass-produce.
Choose Consolidate Resources for your Scrap Metal Recycling Needs
Consolidated Resources, Inc. strives to provide the very best industrial metal recycling solutions to businesses in the Phoenix metro area of Arizona.
If your business produces scrap metals, give us a call at (623) 931-5009. We can review your waste and provide you with a custom recycling program that maximizes the value of your scrap metal. We look forward to discussing your waste stream needs!
