How much do you really know about the metal recycling industry? Were you aware that by recycling your scrap metal, you are playing a part in reducing carbon emissions, shrinking your footprint and contributing to the environment?

Recycling isn't just for aluminum cans and paper products. Steel is actually the worlds most recycled material. In 2012, it held an overall recycling rate of 88%! Steel offers 3 different types of scrap. Home scrap, prompt scrap and obsolete scrap. Depending on how long you are able to wait for your scrap metal will determine which of these types will work for you.

There are many very important reasons as to why steel holds such a high recycling rate:

Metals in general can be recycled numerous times without losing their properties.
Recycling steel does not effect the materials performance.
One ton of recycled steel conserves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone.
Greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage are lessened by using recycled metal rather than virgin ore.

The Steel Recycling Institute (SRI) has a fountain of information on this topic, which we believe all manufacturers should be aware of. Take a look at their site and see what else you can learn on the topic.