As aforementioned, it is more important than ever to recycle waste materials where possible. Aside from general benefits of recycling, such as reduced landfill, there are metal-specific advantages.Metal does not biodegrade quickly, if at all, so it important to ensure metal does not end up in landfill. Landfill capacity is limited and encouraged not to grow as the amounting waste can have devastating effects on both the surrounding environment and greenhouse emissions.
Reduce Energy Use
The creation of virgin metal materials uses far more energy than using recycled metal. From mining and processing the ore to shaping and treating the metal for use, lots of expensive and environmentally damaging energy must be used.
The process of repurposing waste metal is far more waste efficient; for example, recycled aluminium requires 95% less energy! Copper is another energy efficient waste metal, with recycled copper requiring 90% less energy.
Protect Natural Resources
Virgin metal requires natural ore to be mined and processed, using up limited natural resources. However, when using recycled metal, no additional materials need to be mined, helping to preserve natural resources.
Mining is a disruptive process, to natural resources and local environments and wildlife. It is also costly, reflected in high consumer prices for virgin metal. By increasing metal recycling and reducing mining of ores, the environment, consumers and ore reserves benefit greatly.
Benefit Economy
Money isn’t everything, but the recycling industry greatly benefits the economy through job creation and local investment. Where dumping metal in landfill may take one employee driving a truck, the recycling process takes many employees performing vital steps.