Hardware Resources: A Guide to Recycling Metal

Recycling metal is an important part of the environment. Aluminum and steel can be recycled continuously. It takes over 400 years for aluminum to naturally degrade. Not recycling metal can increase land and water pollution. The damage cause by not recycling metal is detrimental to the environment. By recycling metal greenhouse gases and energy consumption can be reduced. Not only does recycling metal benefit the environment it benefits the economy. In 2007, 36 billion aluminum cans were placed in landfills. That’s a value of over $600 million. Rather you recycle for the environment or for the economy you’re conserving a natural resource.

Household Metal

Anything that is metal and meets your states requirements can be recycled from home. Depending on the size of the product it may need to recycle through a recycler. All metal products such as cans, foil, gutters, siding and scrap metal can be recycled. Out of all the products ones made out of aluminum, such as cans can recycle endless with out losing integrity.

Scrap Metal

 Scrap metal is a recyclable material derived from all sorts of products. These products are comprised predominantly of copper, copper wire, tin, steel and aluminum. The recycling process can include sorting, shredding, media separation, shearing and bailing. After scrap metal is recycled it can find its in products such as railways, buildings, appliance, vehicles and of course cans.

Metal Recycling Resources For Educators

Government Resources

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