Before discussing the ins and outs of metal recycling, you have to ask the question, “Why do it at all?” There are tons of great reasons to recycle metal, so let’s get down to it. Before recycling, the first thing is scrap removal, that should be done using the right scrap metal tools. By recycling metals, we:
- Protect the environment
- Help to create more sustainable industries
- Lower energy consumption
- Reduce the amount of material in landfills
All You Need to Know About Scrap Metal Recycling
Of course, these are reason enough, but if you needed anything more, recycling metal can be profitable even for people like you and me. Let’s check out which metals can be recycled and which ones can’t. In most cases, chances are you’ll have these all around the house, so it’s more than important to be able to differentiate between them.
What You Can Recycle
Part of what makes scrap metal recycling so intriguing is you’ll find tons of recyclable metals all around you. The list below will show you what common household metals you can recycle easily. While there are more metals than these that can be recycled, you’re most likely to find these four around your home:
- Food cans (cans for soups, vegetables, chili)
- Drink cans (soda cans, beer cans)
- Lids and caps (bottle caps, jar lids)
- Aluminum foil and baking trays
Any of these items are perfect for any curbside recycling project. However, for your sharper items, such as can lids, push the lids down, so those sorting don’t cut themselves!
What You Can’t Recycle
While just as easy to find in your house, you’re not going to want to put certain metals out on the curb. While these things are made of metal, they are either too thick, such as the keys or piping, or contain hazardous materials like battery chemicals, etc. For items like these, you’re better of taking them to a scrap metal yard or even a reseller:
- Metal coat hangers
- Tools
- Piping
- Keys
- E-waste (TVs, batteries, monitors, phones)
The Recycling Process: Demolition
While there’s some scrap metal recycling you can do on your own, demolition is scrap metal recycling on a much larger scale. Demolition is the most fundamental recycling process. However, to be done right, you have to make sure you partner with a trusted company. Here’s what you should expect from some of the best companies in the business:
- Containers and boxes for your nonferrous metals
- Torch cutting
- Cleanliness and top-notch scrap management
- Some companies will even provide a completely free assessment of your project and expected returns.
Demolition contractors will often pay competitive prices for plate and structural metals (beams), rebar, and any nonferrous metals (aluminum, copper, brass). One of our favorites is Fulton Metals Recycling. Head over to https://fultonmetalsrecycling.com/commercial-services/demolition/ to learn more!
Where Does It All Go?
It makes sense to wonder exactly where all this metal goes and what it actually gets recycled into, so let’s talk about it! Surprisingly, the metals you recycle are back on shelves quicker than you think, usually in just a month or two! Most food cans and soda cans are already made out of recycled materials, but also on things like:
- Car parts
- Bike parts
- Airplane parts
Buildings - Kitchen appliances
Final Thoughts
As you can see, scrap metal recycling is a much bigger industry than you might have initially thought, with recycled metals appearing everywhere! In places as small as your food shelf and as big as the planes that you fly on. With the current worry about our environment’s future, the scrap metal recycling industry is seeing some pretty sizeable growth. If you have any projects at all, great or small, I would highly suggest you look into some of the very many, highly reputable demolition companies in your area. With your help, we can create a more sustainable and healthier environment for everyone!