The Scrap Metal Recycling Industry: A Promising, Growing Trend

The scrap metal recycling industry has immense growth potential. Scrap metal extends beyond recycling empty soda and beer cans. Steel, iron, nickel, and copper are also bringing in profits from recycling.

The Immense Energy Savings Created By Scrap Metal Recycling

Scrap metal recycling is often advertised as good for the environment, but it also saves money by reducing production costs. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycled aluminum saves the nation 95 percent of the energy used to make new aluminum from scratch.

Recycled iron and steel result in an additional energy savings of 74 percent! Recycling reduces the levels of energy consumed by the Nation, which is good for everyone, including those directly responsible for the metal manufacturing process. In fact, government funded scrap metal recycling plants help to offset the national debt.

In a single year, the U.S. alone can expect to recycle:

• 68 million tons of scrap iron & steel
• 4.3 million tons of scrap aluminum
• 2 million tons of scrap copper
• 1.4 million tons of stainless steel scrap
• 1.3 million tons of scrap lead
• 214,000 tons of zinc

Additional benefits of the scrap metal recycling industry are reduced water usage, reduced air and water pollution, reduced consumer waste, reduced natural material usage, and a reduction in the amount of mining waste.

What Can be Recycled?

Once you begin to look for possible sources of scrap metal, you will be surprised to find how much metal is used in your everyday life.

• Missed Opportunities for Recycling Scrap Metal
• Plumbers replace old copper pipes with plastic, electricians snip scraps of copper wire during new construction
• Factories toss away rejected metal parts that do not pass quality inspections
• Contractors leave scraps of ductwork behind at a job site
• Computer repair companies toss old computers, keyboards and monitors into the dumpster,
• Bridge and highway supports are replaced by subcontracted companies unaware of the value fo recycling
• Welders toss out scrap projects without recycling
• Hospitals throw out single-use suture removers and metal instruments
• Beverage cans, fruit and vegetable cans, aluminum foil, and aerosol cans are placed in the trash every week by average American families
• Disabled and abandoned vehicles rot away in lots and backyards

The scrap metal recycling industry continues to grow. Current scrap metal prices are available online and by contacting your local scrap metal recycling plant. Scrap metal recycling benefits the consumer, the environment, and the sheet metal industry.