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The Importance Of Metal Recycling

June 28, 2023

Have you ever thought about where your empty soft drink cans, old car parts or other metal items end up after you've used them? While we might not give it much thought, how we handle metal waste makes a big difference. That's where metal recycling comes in. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of metal recycling. First, let’s explore what it means to recycle metal and how it works to better understand its significance.

What Is Metal Recycling?

Metal recycling is essentially the process of reusing metal that has already served its purpose and turning it into new products. By giving metal waste a new life, we can reduce the need for mining new metal, a process known to harm the environment and deplete our natural resources.

How It Works

Metal recycling is a multi-step process that includes:


  1. Collection: This involves gathering scrap metal from various sources, such as homes, businesses and construction sites.
  2. Sorting and Separation: The collected metals are then sorted and separated based on type.
  3. Processing: Once sorted, the metals are processed, often through shedding.
  4. Melting: The processed metals are then placed in a furnace for melting.
  5. Purification: After melting, the metal is purified using techniques like electrolysis.
  6. Solidification: The purified, molten metal is then allowed to cool and solidify.
  7. Transportation of the Recycled Metal: Once solidified, the recycled metal is transported to various factories where it will be used to create new products.


Now, let’s talk about what makes metal recycling important.

Why Is It Important?

  • Conservation of Natural Resources

When we recycle metal, we help preserve the planet's precious natural resources. Every tonne of recycled steel, for instance, can save up to 1.5 tonnes of iron ore. With the world's reserves of many metals dwindling rapidly, recycling offers an effective and sustainable way to meet global demand without resorting to additional extraction.

  • Energy Efficiency

The process of extracting metal from ore is highly energy-intensive. Conversely, recycling metal requires less energy. For instance, recycling aluminium saves up to 95% of the energy it would take to produce the metal from raw materials. By switching to recycling, we can make more efficient use of our energy resources and reduce the associated carbon emissions.

  • Reduction In Landfill Waste

When we discard metal items, they often end up in landfill, where they take hundreds of years to decompose. By recycling these items, we can divert a substantial amount of waste from landfills, reducing environmental damage.

  • Economic Value

The importance of metal recycling extends beyond environmental benefits. It also has economic implications. Metal recycling can stimulate local economies by generating income. Furthermore, since recycled metal is often more affordable, it can help reduce costs for industries that rely on these materials.

Embrace Metal Recycling With BCM Scrap Steel

Metal recycling might seem complex, but it yields numerous benefits for our planet. And the best part? It all starts with a simple act—disposing of your metal waste in the right place. At BCM Scrap Steel, we are committed to recycling all metal waste effectively and responsibly. Call us today for more information!

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