Metal recycling involves recovering used metals and processing them to form new products. Metals including steel, iron, and gold are recycled from many industries. According to The Balance, 70-90% of gold is recycled from industrial applications and 10-15% from electronic goods, but gold is relatively limited in its applications. Since steel is one of the essential metals globally, here's everything you need to know about its recycling.
Steel is the most recycled metal and material worldwide. North America recycles more than 80 million tons of steel every year. Steel recycling is more than all the aluminum, glass, paper, and plastic recycled in the continent in a year. It is the most recycled metal because of its endless life cycle, making it 100% recyclable without losing strength and quality. Steel is also magnetic, making it easier to separate from other materials.
Recycling steel helps to conserve the environment in various ways. Steel recycling helps preserve natural resources and promotes less mining of new materials. For every ton of steel recycled, 120 pounds of limestone, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 2,500 pounds of iron are saved. Recycling steel uses 74% less energy than mining and creating new steel, thus saving energy and reducing carbon footprint. Recycling prevents air and water pollution. It also reduces the accumulation of landfills full of used and scrap steel.
The cost of manufacturing new steel is expensive. That said, recycling steel saves money because it is cheaper and faster. Making new steel materials from scrap steel metals is easier than using raw materials. Companies recycle steel to reduce production costs because scrap steel is readily available and affordable.
Recycled steel is used in many industries as a raw material or finished product. Recycled steel can be used to make automotive parts and structural construction parts. It can also make appliances, utensils, and other items. Steel's versatility is due to its ductile and malleable attributes that make it easier to be molded into different shapes and sizes.
There's so much to know about steel recycling. A metal recycling company can help you to recycle steel or answer any questions. If you're looking for steel recycling in Miami, FL, call us!
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