Recycling has undeniably become vital across many industries in society. This initiative has been helping organisations to meet goals, efficiently manage limited resources, reduce expenses, and avoid landfill utilisation. Most people are familiar with the three R’s of recycling—reduce, reuse, and recycle. Of course, what usually comes to mind are items like plastics, paper, cans, bottles and cardboard. However, many people are not aware that scrap metal is a crucial part of the recycling industry as well.
Recycling brings several benefits, especially to the environment. In this post, we will be discussing how this initiative can give Mother Nature some TLC.
Better Energy Consumption Management
When industries recycle scrap metal, they lessen the demand for natural resources. By working on readily available materials instead of mining them, organisations consume a lot less energy. Compared to mining virgin ore, purifying the metal, and giving it shape, working on recycled materials can save a significant amount of energy. The energy conserved depends on the type of metal:
- Aluminium – 92%
- Copper – 90%
- Steel – 56%
It is worth noting that even recycling a single soda can save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for over four hours.
Lower Carbon Emissions
As we’ve mentioned, the industry consumes a lot less energy when it recycles scrap metal. Moreover, the process is more efficient than extracting through traditional mining and material refinement. Keep in mind that mining poses various environmental hazards, including groundwater pollution and toxic runoffs. It can also leave physical scars on the environment, which can take hundreds of years to heal. Mining destroys habitats, causes climate change, and triggers unstable geological conditions.
One of the benefits of metal recycling is that it does not release as much greenhouse gases as new metal mining and processing do. We all know how carbon emissions have a direct relation to climate change. In the cities, they can cause harmful air pollution, which can lead to health and respiratory problems for the dwellers. Make no mistake—the recent bushfires and wildfires had something to do with climate change and carbon emissions too.
According to the reports from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, we can lower the emissions of greenhouse gases by 300 million to 500 million tons when we recycle metal. The National Institute of Health even mentioned that opting for scrap metal instead of virgin ore can lower water consumption by 40% and generate less mining waste by 97%.
Conserve the Natural Resources
Recycling breathes new life into scrap metal. After all, the functionality and quality of repurposed materials do not go down. The only thing that goes down is the demand for using natural resources. When industries do not recycle steel, aluminium, copper and other metal materials, manufacturers will create new products, using raw materials. On the other hand, scrap metal recycling spares these natural resources from being mined. As a consequence of avoiding mining activities, we can protect habitats and their surrounding environments.
Avoid Piling Up Landfills
Through recycling scrap metals, industries can separate these useful materials from waste and discarded items. As a result, they will be able to reduce the total amount of waste that is destined for landfill and incineration. You may think that this is not significant enough, but it can make a big difference to the environment. Metals in the landfills have chemicals that may pollute the air, land, and nearby water resources. Indeed, recycling can improve the quality of life both now and in the future.
Clean Environment
Mining for virgin ores can pollute the environment, mainly because the process involves using chemicals that can contaminate the air, soil and groundwater. Of course, mining also destroys open land and the natural habitat of local wildlife. On the other hand, recycling can lower the demand for mining of ore.
Scrap Metal Recycling Made Easier
Recycling scrap metal does not have to be a tedious task. You can contact the team at Allied Metal Recyclers and make the process a whole lot easier and efficient. We have the tools, equipment and skills necessary to haul away your scrap metal without any hassle. We care for the environment as much as you do. So, you can rest easy knowing that we will recycle your metal instead of throwing it into the tip.
Whether you need to dispose of scrap metal from unwanted appliances, old building materials, or electronics, you can contact Allied Metal Recyclers and let our team take the rubbish off your hands. We can remove the materials from your site promptly and efficiently. You will also be delighted to know that we strive hard to offer competitive prices for your scrap metals. So, whilst you’ll be doing the environment a favour, you’ll also be getting an excellent return from your good deed.
Contact Allied Metal Recyclers today, and we will deliver a bin to collect your scrap metal within 24 hours.
