What can you do with this scrap metal?
If your business operates in the UK, chances are you produce scrap metal regularly. Whether you run a small workshop, a medium-sized factory, or a large manufacturing plant, scrap metal builds up quickly.
The real question is: what can you do with this scrap metal? Can you recycle it? What are the advantages and alternatives?
This article explains what a scrap metal audit is, why your company needs one, and provides a practical scrap audit checklist to help you manage waste more effectively.
WHAT IS A SCRAP METAL AUDIT?
A scrap metal audit is a systematic review of how your company handles scrap. It looks at everything from collection and sorting to storage, delivery, recycling, and disposal.
The goals of an audit for business include:
- Identifying areas for improvement.
- Ensuring compliance with legal and environmental standards.
- Increasing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
- Minimising environmental impact.
A proper audit checks record-keeping, compliance with regulations, efficiency of recycling methods, and staff training. As a result, you get a clear action plan to improve scrap management, reduce waste, and save money.
DOES MY BUSINESS REALLY NEED audit?
Some managers assume that an audit for company is unnecessary or too expensive. However, the opposite is true. Conducting one at least once a year delivers major benefits.
Cost Savings
A scrap audit checklist shows where your business is losing money in collection, storage, transport, or recycling. By spotting inefficiencies, you cut costs and increase the value of your scrap metal.
Compliance with Regulations
An audit keeps your business compliant with UK recycling and disposal laws. Moreover, since regulations change often, regular audits protect you from penalties and safeguard your reputation..
Operational Efficiency
An audit also highlights weaknesses in handling scrap. By improving how materials are sorted, stored, and recycled, your company streamlines operations, reduces waste, and maximises scrap value.
Scrap Audit Checklist: The Questions to Ask
Here is a practical scrap audit checklist to guide your business. These steps will help you understand how scrap metal is managed and where improvements can be made.
1. Understand the Recycling Process
Start by reviewing how your company currently recycles scrap metal. For example, check whether methods are efficient, compliant, and aligned with industry standards. This step provides the foundation for your audit.
2. Review Internal Procedures
Next, examine how your company separates metals. Do you clearly divide ferrous and non-ferrous materials? In addition, make sure processes are documented and explained to employees. Strong internal rules prevent mistakes and boost recycling efficiency.
3. Account for Materials in Inventory
Carry out a physical count of all scrap metal in storage. This gives you an accurate picture of scale and helps forecast potential savings. Keep records up to date for reporting and compliance purposes.
4. Sort the Metals
Ensure scrap is collected from all areas of the business and sorted correctly. For instance, use designated bins for each metal type and document quantities. As a result, sorting improves recycling rates and adds financial value.
5. Decide on Handling Methods
Finally, decide how your company will process and transport scrap. At Metal Scrap Ltd, we support businesses of all sizes with cost-efficient collection, processing, and recycling. In other words, you only need to call us.
Stay Connected
If you enjoyed this article and want more insights on recycling, sustainability, and scrap metal, follow us on Facebook. Join our community for updates, tips, and inspiring stories.
