Steps Of Metal Recycling

Metals are valuable resources that are highly reusable and recyclable, but they are not renewable. They are found in ores in a finite amount. It is mined out of ores and then refined into a suitable product.

Metals are malleable or ductile. Metals are found in different forms. It may be a chemical element such as iron, an alloy such as stainless steel or a molecular compound such as polymeric sulfur nitride.

Metals can be recycled repeatedly without changing their properties. Steel is the most recycling material on earth. The other highly recycled metals are aluminum, copper, silver, brass, and gold.

Metal Recycling

Advantages of metal recycling: 

• Scrap metal has value, which can be sold or recycled.
• Metal recycling preserves natural resources which require less energy than manufacturing new products.
• The process of metal recycling produces less carbon dioxide and other harmful gases.
• Recycling of metals is cost-effective, and manufacturers can save money by recycling instead of manufacturing.
• Metal recycling also generates employment.
• The metals in cell phones and computers are precious. Recycling them will not only conserve them but also preserve the environment. Recycling will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Some metals are highly toxic. The environment is finite and if we don’t recycle the toxic metals, we will end up living in a toxic dump.
• Disadvantages of metal recycling
• Metals like aluminum degrade in quality after each recycles.
• When waste metals break down, they emit harmful chemical pollutants in the environment. Constant recycle and reuse continuously contaminates the environment and the final product.
• Recycling is eco-friendly but cost-inefficient. The process of metal recycling is also a labor incentive.
• If debris and toxic waste are not handled properly while recycling metals, it can have harmful effects on health and the environment. As a result, experience and training are essential in the process of metal recycling.
• Products obtained from recycled waste may always not be durable.

Metal Recycling

Steps of metal recycling

• Step 1: The first and most important step in metal recycling is the collection. The process involves collecting all materials made of metal in the scrap metal yards. People are encouraged to sell their metal at a reasonable price. Different metals are sold at different prices.
• Step 2: After the metals are collected, they are sorted according to recyclable and non-recyclable metals. The quality of the collected metals is also checked because the quality of the final product depends on the quality of the metal scrap used.
• Step 3: The third step in the process of metal recycling is processing. All the recyclable metals are squeezed and squashed by machines so that they occupy less space.
• Step 4: After squeezing, the metals are shredded into tiny pieces.
• Step 5: The fifth step involves melting the metals in a large furnace. Melting of metals involves a lot of energy. Melting of metals can take minutes or hours depending upon the size of the furnace, the amount of metal and the heat of the furnace.
• Step 6: The next step of metal recycling is purification. Purification ensures good quality of the final product. Electrolysis is a common method of metal purification.
• Step 7: After purification, the molten metal is taken to the cooling chamber and solidified to be used again. Other chemicals are added, and the metal is given its desired shape and size.
• Step 8: The final stage in the process of metal recycling is transportation to different factories and people who need metal.

Recycled metal is used in the production of a wide range of final products. About 40% of worldwide steel is made using recycled steel. Every year about 400 million tons of metal are recycled around the world. The process of metal recycling is healthy but if done in the right way.