How Eco-Friendly is Scrap Metal Recycling?
Scrap metal recycling diverts materials from landfill, turning them back into valuable metals that can be re-used again and again. At Kas Metal Trading, our reliable scrap metal recycling services help tradespeople across the North West make a profit on their waste products, while taking one of the most effective steps towards a circular economy. Not only does this benefit their pocket, but it also helps the environment!
So, what are the environmental benefits of scrap metal recycling? Find out more below.
What are the Environmental Benefits of Scrap Metal Recycling?
- Preserves natural resources: Scrap metal recycling replaces the need to produce new metals from scratch, which would usually involve mining and processing natural ores, such as coal and iron ore. Quick Fact: In 2010, coal accounted for 43% of global greenhouse gas emissions, so preserving these natural resources counteracts one of the main contributors to climate change.
- Reduces energy use: Recycling requires much less energy than repeatedly creating new materials from scratch. E.g. aluminium recycling uses 95% less energy than producing it from raw materials.
- Reduces pollution: Creating new, virgin metal from raw materials requires natural ore to be mined and processed, which in turn creates waste that is sent to landfills.
- Protects natural habitats & wildlife: Mining contaminants (e.g. cyanide, heavy metals, acids, etc.) can be extremely harmful to animals. Recycling negates the need to mine for raw materials, protecting natural habitats and the wildlife living in them.
What Goes Around Comes Around: Scrap Metal Recycling & the Circular Economy
We’ve mentioned the concept of a circular economy, but what is it exactly?
What is a Circular Economy?
The concept of a circular economy refers to an economic system that’s based on reusing materials in order to make current manufacturing processes more sustainable. This concept is founded on 3 core principles:
- Eliminate waste and pollution
- Circulate products and materials at their highest value
- Regenerate nature
How Does Scrap Metal Recycling Contribute to a Circular Economy?
Scrap metal recycling keeps valuable metals in use, indefinitely. Instead of taking the metals, making products and disposing of them – reusing them reduces the need to mine for new materials, preserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems.
Learn about the circular economy of lead, copper and zinc roofing via our scrap metal recycling blog.
What are the Benefits of Sustainable Construction Projects?
Recycling unneeded metals leads to more sustainable construction projects, but what are the benefits of this approach?
- Reduces site waste: Reducing waste not only saves costs by using less materials, but it also improves workplace safety and helps meet legal requirements.
- Less landfill tax, less hassle: Directly decreases project expenses and removes the hassle of dealing with construction waste.
- Appeals to eco-conscious clients: If some of your clients take a keen interest in sustainability, using recycled materials for your construction projects can be a good selling point for them. This in turn boosts customer satisfaction (as well as your company’s reputation) and encourages repeat business.
Visit Our Local Scrap Yard Today
Recycling your leftover scrap is a simple, yet very effective, way to partake in sustainable construction practices and help protect the environment.
As fellow tradespeople, we understand how busy trading can be. Which is why we offer same-day payments, always based on the London Metal Exchange (LME), if you bring your scrap metal to us before 4pm!
Visit our local scrap metal yard today to carry less weight to your next job, earn some extra cash and do your bit for the environment.
Based in Atherton, our scrap metal merchants can also service the following locations:
How Eco-Friendly is Scrap Metal Recycling: FAQs
Which scrap metals can be recycled most efficiently?
The following non-ferrous metals are all generally regarded as the most efficient to recycle. This is because they can be recycled repeatedly, they retain their high quality afterwards and they require much less energy to recycle than to process virgin ore from scratch.
Is scrap metal recycling sustainable in the long-term?
Yes, while the risk of pollution from transportation requires careful management, scrap metal recycling is sustainable in the long-term. This is because it conserves limited natural resources instead of using them all without sufficient replacement.
Can scrap metal recycling reduce construction project costs?
Yes, scrap metal recycling can significantly reduce construction project costs. Here’s how:
- Generates extra revenue: If you save up leftover scrap metals from a few particularly large or complex construction projects, selling this excess to a reputable scrap metal trader can generate an extra stream of profit. Learn more about maximising the value of your scrap metal via our blog.
- Lowers waste disposal fees: As landfill tax continues to rise, disposing of scrap metal is becoming more and more expensive. Recycling provides a cheaper way to handle waste, while turning it into something productive.
- Saves money on new materials: Instead of buying new materials, using recycled metals offer a cost-effective and much more sustainable alternative.
