What Kinds of Metals can be Recycled?
Assisting the environment is a vital contribution from any and all members of society in the present time. And what can be more helpful for the society than recycling utilized resources for reuse. Sometimes when resources are numbered and require is increasing by the minute, it is important to minimize, reuse and recycle. Recycling of metals plays a much more crucial duty. They are the easiest materials to reuse and are available easily too. Likewise, they hold their value relatively well. Metals can be reused often times. The following metals can be recycled and recycled as valuable resources:
1. Steel:
People have been recycling steel for more than 150 years. Iron to steel alloys can be melted down to create new products. All the steel products available in the market have between 25 to 100 percent recycled content, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Scrap-metal dealers often take appliances like refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers which are made mostly of steel. Other appliances have steel in their framing or casing. Recycled steel is used in making cars or framing buildings or making utensils for daily use. Steel recycling needs a fraction of the energy that is used in producing new steel. The more it is recycled, the more manufacturers can rely on cheaper existing steel supplies rather than scraping for new steel. This also helps maintain the price margin in the market.
2. Aluminium:
This metal is recycled all over the nation and needs the least time to recycle - just 60 days. Lots of drop-off bins or shops accept aluminum cans and foils to be reused. While they are not part of curbside recycling, they are acceptable in lots of recycling centers. Reusing a lots of aluminum can conserve sufficient energy to power a home for 10 years, according to a study performed in Oberlin College. Recycled aluminum can produce new cans, food containers and as part of mechanical devices, cars and sheet metal.
3. Copper:
A big part of plumbing equipment, building materials and electrical wires, copper is a strong metal that has a rich natural coloring which also makes it a popular option for ornamental objects for homes. It is likewise used to make brass or bronze alloys. Individuals have actually been using copper for centuries, it being the earliest metal used in making utensils. Now only 12 percent of the world's raw copper supply has actually been mined in 2010, according to the International Copper Association. This is due to the fact that of the high recycling rates for copper. Scrap copper has 95 percent of the value of brand-new copper, making it an useful commodity for scrap dealerships. Typically copper things are not sold as scrap because of their ancient or creative value. Copper is a restricted resource and thus should be maintained.
4. Brass:
A metal found in hardware objects like keys, door handles, light fixtures and bathroom fixtures, brass is a heavy metal made from copper and zinc. Because of its durability and weight, it is not an easy metal to recycle, but it is certainly one that is advantageous for people. Brass objects are known for their valuable carvings and scrapings. Like copper, it is durable and long lasting, hence recycling it will provide the world with valuable resources.
5. Lead:
It is used in medical equipment, building materials and car batteries. When such objects are disposed off or buried, lead percolates and finds its way into the ground water system, which is very harmful for people. It can harm the marine life and even the ecosystem, and people who rely on the ground water for their everyday use. it is linked with kidney and liver damage, especially among children. Hence, carefully taking lead out of equipments after use is extremely important for human beings and the environment.
Recycling metal might sound cumbersome, but it is a very advantageous occupation, and one that helps save the environment from more probing and destruction.
Sources:
1. http://earth911.com/news/2012/10/31/scrap-metal-recycling-for-money/
2. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/metals-can-recycled-79315.html
3. http://www.doitpoms.ac.uk/tlplib/recycling-metals/what.php
4. http://www.livestrong.com/article/127520-types-metal-can-recycled/
5. http://www.ehow.com/list_6968163_types-metal-can-recycled.html
