How to Easily Recycle Scrap Metal

Ever wondered how simple it is to get rid of unwanted scrap metal? All you need to do is hop online, find a directory of recycling firms in your city, compare who offers the best deal, and select the most convenient location. Many companies, such as Mirada Levante, are so eager for your metal that they're willing to pick it up right from your doorstep for free and might even dismantle old structures for you. But where does all this metal go after you've handed it over for recycling? Let's delve into why scrap metal doesn't belong in the landfill and how it transforms into materials for new products.

The Application of Recycled Metals

Using scrap metals allows for more efficient energy use, conservation of natural ore reserves, and a reduction in the environmental impact. According to international associations, recycling non-ferrous scrap metal can reduce toxic emissions by 5 to 10 times. Moreover, the cost of producing finished goods decreases two to fourfold.
Copper scrap leads the way in terms of recycling volumes. It's transformed into wires, power cables, pipes, and computer parts. Aluminum takes second place in the recycling hierarchy, finding its use in construction, aviation and automotive manufacturing, furniture, fasteners, and beverage cans. Lead recycling is also well-established, vital for
Recycling ferrous scrap metal cuts down the amount of harmful substances released into the atmosphere by 85% compared to using iron ore. Around half of the world's steel is produced from scrap metal. Recycled material, melted into ingots, is turned into wire, containers, and metal structures. Recycled metal is extensively used in construction, for example, in reinforcing bars for concrete, shipbuilding, and the railway industry, with the quality of these products matching those made from virgin materials.

Diving Deep into the Process: How Scrap Metal is Recycled

So, what happens to scrap metal after it leaves our yards and garages? Turns out, it embarks on an eventful journey! The metallurgy world is full of industrial behemoths dedicated to recycling from start to finish. But that's not all. Numerous paths lead scrap metal to a new lease on life, with sorting and shredding at collection points being among the most common routes. Then, like the unsung hero of an epic saga, the metal heads to smelting plants, awaiting its transformation.

Before this pivotal moment, the metal undergoes several critical stages:

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  Sorting: This involves separating metals by type and quality since each metal requires a specific approach and recycling technology.
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  Cleaning: The metal sheds all impurities, including paint, plastic, and rust. This step is crucial to ensure the end product is of the highest quality.
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  Shredding: This process makes scrap metal more manageable and readies it for the next step — melting.
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  Melting: Here, scrap metal begins anew, transforming into molten metal, ready for further conversion.
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  Casting: The molten metal solidifies in molds, becoming ingots that will be turned into new products.

Each stage is a vital part of the process, allowing us not only to conserve the planet's resources but also to breathe new life into materials that might otherwise pollute the environment. On this journey, scrap metal morphs from "waste" into valuable raw material for new beginnings.
At Mirada Levante, we're proud to be a part of this eco-friendly cycle, ensuring that every piece of metal we process contributes to a greener planet and a sustainable future.