Ferrous And Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap Metal Recycling: The Solution For A Sustainable Future

• 11 May 2023
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Numerous manufacturing industries have been using recycled metals in creating different types of products, appliances, tools, devices, and equipment. Metal recycling can singlehandedly reduce pollution, save natural resources, minimise waste, and prevent the destruction of key habitats. The industry behind recycling metal has been improving over the years, making this specific industry thrive amidst any challenges in the world.

Classification of Scrap Metals

The metals used in metal recycling can be classified into two: ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Ferrous metals possess iron, which makes them durable. They also have a magnetic property that is useful in certain applications. The only downside of ferrous metals is that they are prone to rust due to high carbon content. While stainless steel and wrought iron are grouped as ferrous metals, they do not rust easily because of the protection provided by chromium and iron, respectively. Ferrous metals are often used in architectural and industrial fabrication, appliances, and engines. Some more examples of ferrous metals include carbon steel, cast iron, and other alloy steels.

Non-ferrous metals, on the other hand, do not contain iron. This specific characteristic helps them resist corrosion. These metals are also non-magnetic, malleable, and lightweight, making them suitable for industrial applications such as gutters, roofing, pipes, and electrical products. They are also ideal for aircraft and other similar applications. Some examples of non-ferrous metal include brass, gold, nickel, silver, tin, lead, and zinc. Aluminium, aluminium alloys, and coppers are also categorised as non-ferrous metals.

Scrap Metals for Greater Future

Recycling metals can certainly help build a sustainable future. The act of recycling metal can readily provide benefits to the environment. Greenhouse gas emissions with metal recycling can be reduced by a huge amount. This type of recycling also spends little energy, which can help conserve our remaining non-renewable energy source. Even our ore reserves are left untouched since the technology behind metal recycling can now produce high-quality recycled metals. Based on a study, consumption of scrap metals can generate 97% less mining waste and use 40% less water.

Aside from the environment, recycling metal can also benefit the global economy. There is a continuous demand for workforce in the metal recycling industry, which helps cut down the unemployment rate of countries around the world. The metal recycling industry can even help save a lot of money since costly mining activities are minimised. As for the revenues, it is believed that this industry has already generated around $230 billion yearly. Given these statistics, metal recycling indeed can sustain the economic growth that will be passed on to the future generation.

As for you, scrap metal recycling enables you to support the recycling initiative for a sustainable future. You get to use new products, equipment, and other materials that are made from scrap metals. In case you do not know, most of the products you use today have some scrap metals on them. Some of these products include smartphones, appliances, cars, sporting goods, and many more. Scrap metals are also used in building homes, creating aircraft, constructing highways, and many more.

Through the metal recycling industry, it gives the world a chance to obtain a sustainable future. After all, this industry can readily benefit not only our environment but also the whole of humanity. If you need to recycle some metal products, then visit us now at Melbourne Metal Recycling. We buy and sell all grades of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal.