Local Experts in Scrap Recycling - Greater London
Research by the US Environmental Protection Agency reveals that scrap metal recycling greatly benefits the environment. Recycling metals such as scrap steel, iron (ISS), lead, aluminium, copper, stainless steel, and zinc can reduce waste and conserve resources.
Moreover, using recycled scrap metal in place of virgin iron ore delivers impressive results. As a result, the main benefits include:
In fact, every ton of new steel made from scrap steel prevents the use of:
In addition, other metals also generate major savings. For example:
The Essentials of Metal Recycling
Metals fall into two categories: ferrous and non-ferrous. Specifically, ferrous metals contain iron, while non-ferrous metals do not. The recycling process is similar to other types of recycling; however, metals are sorted based on their properties. For example, ferrous metals can be separated using their magnetic properties.
Therefore, it is essential to understand the basics of metals. By doing so, we can contribute to keeping the planet green through scrap metal recycling.
The recycling process includes the following steps: which we will explain below
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COLLECTION AND SORTING
The first step in metal recycling is collecting metal materials. As a result, an organised system should be in place for collection, with recycling bins at home, shopping malls, and designated recycling centres in large cities. Once metals are collected, they must be sorted based on quality. Indeed, higher-quality metals lead to better recycled products, so checking their quality is vital.
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PROCESSING
Next, we compact the metal. Appliances are squeezed and squashed by machines to reduce their size. This, in turn, reduces the space they occupy on conveyor belts.
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SHREDDING
After compacting, the metal is shredded into small sheets or pieces. Smaller pieces have a larger surface area, which makes melting them more energy-efficient. For example, steel is often transformed into blocks or ingots, while aluminium is processed into sheets.
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MELTING AND PURIFICATION
The next step involves melting the scrap metal in specially designed furnaces. Each metal has a dedicated furnace, customised to suit its properties. Although this process requires a significant amount of energy, it uses less fuel than creating metals from raw materials. After melting, metals are purified using various methods, including electrolysis. Finally, the purified metal blocks are sent to mills for remanufacturing into new products. Recycling can save up to 75% of the energy needed compared to using raw materials.
Don’t Trash It: The Environmental Benefits of Recycling Your Old Appliances
Above all, old or unwanted appliances should never be discarded as waste. Instead, you can exchange them for new ones, donate them to charity, or take them to a recycling centre. This approach ensures that metals are reused, energy is saved, and natural resources remain protected. Consequently, recycling decreases pollution and helps us maintain a cleaner, greener planet.
Contact Us
If you’re in need of efficient and dependable scrap metal recycling and collection services in London, look no further than Metal Scrap Ltd. Reach out to us at 07931 361 034 for expert assistance and prompt service. Let us handle your scrap metal needs with the professionalism and dedication that have become our hallmark since 2008.
