The Circular Economy of Lead, Copper & Zinc Roofing
The circular economy aims to tackle climate change and other global challenges by re-using finite resources. But, how specifically does this apply to lead, copper & zinc roofing?
What is a Circular Economy?
The way our current economy works is – we take finite resources from the Earth, use them to make products, and eventually, this turns into waste and pollution. Whereas, the purpose of a circular economy is to solve the problem at the source, by preventing waste from being produced in the first place.
The Oxford Dictionary defines a circular economy as:
‘An economic system based on the reuse and regeneration of materials or products, especially as a means of continuing production in a sustainable or environmentally friendly way’.
The primary aim of a circular economy is to tackle climate change and other global challenges, such as a reduction of biodiversity, waste, and various types of pollution, by separating economic activity from the exhaustion of limited resources.
Therefore, the circular economy is based on three core principles:
- Eliminate waste & pollution
- Circulate products & materials (at their highest value)
- Regenerate nature
How Can Lead, Copper & Zinc Roofing Recycling Contribute to the Circular Economy?
Despite lead, copper and zinc all being valuable metal roofing materials, each of these metals can pose their own environmental risks. That’s why it’s so important for these metals, and all scrap metal for that matter, to be recycled properly once they reach the end of their use.
That way, roofers and other tradespeople can contribute to the circular economy by ensuring the finite materials we take from Earth are re-used as much as possible, and their environmental impact is reduced.
The Pros & Cons of Lead Roofing
One of the most popular roofing materials in the UK, lead is not only long-lasting, durable, and low-maintenance, but it is also malleable, corrosion-resistant, and aesthetically pleasing.
However, this list of pros does unfortunately come with its own counteracting set of cons. Lead is a highly toxic metal which has the potential to cause soil, water, and air pollution.
Pollution can affect wildlife and their natural habitats (leading to a loss of biodiversity), as well as human health and the environment as a whole, because air pollution can cause serious diseases and also contribute to global warming.
This is why it’s crucial we reduce our negative impact on the environment, animals, and ourselves, by recycling and re-using the limited natural resources we use.
The Benefits of Lead Recycling
First and foremost, lead recycling requires around one-third of the energy needed to produce primary lead from raw materials. This in turn saves energy and significantly reduces carbon emissions.
Lead recycling also diverts waste from landfills, preventing potential leaching and contamination.
The Pros & Cons of Copper Roofing
Another popular roofing choice in the UK is copper. Copper roofing boosts a building’s energy efficiency, as the metal absorbs and radiates less heat than others, reducing energy costs in warmer weather.
But, despite its energy efficiency, copper can also be harmful to the planet. Because it doesn’t break down in the environment, copper can cause soil pollution which can lead to an accumulation of the metal in plants and animals – disturbing, and potentially poisoning, natural wildlife and habitats when it is not disposed of correctly.
This is why we must get rid of copper appropriately at a licensed recycling centre.
The Benefits of Copper Recycling
If you’re looking to make a profit, as well as (most importantly) reduce your environmental impact, one of the most valuable non-ferrous metals to sell to scrap metal buyers is copper.
This is because good-quality copper can hold up to 95% of its original value, which is much higher than other scrap metals. A metal that’s always in high demand, copper can be recycled over and over, without losing any of its original properties (e.g. conductivity, durability, etc.).
That’s not to mention, over 85% less energy is needed for copper recycling in comparison to manufacturing copper from scratch. More than one quarter of mined copper is still in use today, as the process produces approximately 65% less CO2 emissions, reduces landfill waste, preserves natural resources, etc.
The Pros & Cons of Zinc Roofing
On the one hand, zinc roofing is lightweight (helping to protect against leakages) as well as durable, low-maintenance, and easy-to-install.
On the other hand, improper disposal of zinc-containing waste can lead to soil and groundwater contamination.
The Benefits of Zinc Recycling
Proper disposal of zinc-containing waste should consist of zinc recycling once the product has reached the end of its usage.
Not only does zinc recycling conserve natural resources, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, but it also mitigates environmental degradation associated with raw zinc mining and extraction.
Scrap Metal Prices
There are several factors that will directly influence the price you receive when selling to us, such as quantity, quality, grade, etc. But, you can rest assured that you’ll always receive the best-value at the Kas Metal scrap yard.
This is thanks to all of our scrap metal prices being based on the London Metal Exchange (LME) – the world centre for industrial metal hedging, trading, and pricing.
By adopting this pricing strategy, we can guarantee the most competitive and fair scrap metal prices for our customers that change in response to the current supply and demand at the point of trading – ensuring we are always following industry-best practices.
For our in-depth guide to the LME, please click here.
Scrap Metal Yard For Trade
As experienced scrap metal merchants, we understand the need for a quick, dependable and hassle-free scrap metal recycling service.
That’s why, if you bring your scrap metal to us before 4pm, we can guarantee you a same-day payment! Can’t get it to us before 4pm? Don’t worry – we’ll simply pay you the following day.
While our scrap metal recycling services are suited to the following tradespeople, we welcome all customers onto our local scrap yard:
Contribute to the Circular Economy With Kas
Now you’re clued up on the circular economy of lead, copper and zinc roofing, if you’re a roofer, tradesperson, or simply someone with a lot of scrap metal, why not trade it in for some cash at our local scrap metal yard to start doing your bit for the environment?
Give us a call, email or visit our local scrap yard today. We are based in Atherton meaning we can also service the following areas: Preston, Leigh, Wigan, Tyldesley, Bolton, Worsley, Lancashire, Chorley, Westhoughton and Salford. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest company updates and industry news.
