If you run a manufacturing firm how do you deal with the scrap materials that are left over from your manufacturing processes? Almost every process is going to generate some level of waste whether that is leftover paper, plastic or metal. There is always something left at the end, and you need to dispose of that waste responsibly.
It is often the scrap metal in particular which creates the greatest problem for manufacturers. Plastic along with paper and cardboard is generally fairly lightweight, and recycling or waste disposal facilities are readily available. Disposing of scrap metal frequently involves specialist contractors.
Why recycle your waste?
While it can be tempting to arrange for all of your waste to go to the landfill, that is rarely the right choice. Scrap metal recycling not only preserves the natural resources of the planet and is better for the environment but is also better for your business. Today, the ability to promote the green credentials of your business helps to attract new customers who in turn, are able to advertise the fact that their suppliers are minimizing waste in their supply chain.
The economic advantages for your business should be even more obvious than the environmental benefits. Instead of paying someone to take away your waste you are now able to sell your unused waste materials to the recycling company. Selling your scrap means that what would have been an economic loss now becomes another way of adding to your balance sheet.
Which metals can be recycled?
Industrial scrap recycling starts by separating the scrap into ferrous and non-ferrous materials. The ferrous metals, such as iron and steel will generally be going to foundries and steel mills to be turned into something new. Already, the majority of iron and steel going into foundries is gathered from scrap metal recycling. Foundry owners generally prefer to use scrap metal as their source since it requires less than 50% of the energy compared to producing steel from iron ore.
Non-ferrous metals, such as copper and aluminium, are also easy to recycle. Your scrap aluminium and copper could one day soon be turned into anything from a drink can to part of an aeroplane. The infinite recyclability of the material means that once the product has become life expired the metal components can be melted down and turned into something new ready for the process to begin all over again. By choosing to get involved with scrap metal recycling not only are you saving your company money you are benefiting the environment and ensuring that our natural resources will survive for many years into the future.
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