When you get rid of unwanted metal, you might wonder what happens to it afterwards. Does it simply go to waste, or can it actually be used again? Well, in many cases, scrap metal is collected, sorted, processed and recycled into new materials and products. This means that an old radiator, piece of copper pipe, steel frame or unwanted machinery could have another useful life rather than being thrown away.
Where does scrap metal go?
Once scrap metal has been collected, it will usually be taken to a scrap metal merchant or recycling facility. Depending on how much you have, this could involve taking your own scrap to a licensed scrap yard, arranging for it to be collected from your chosen location or using a dedicated scrap metal skip for a larger project.
Once the metal arrives, it can be assessed, weighed and sorted ready for the next stage.
How is scrap metal sorted?
Not all scrap metal is the same, so sorting is an important part of the recycling process.
Scrap is generally separated into ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals contain iron and include materials such as steel and cast iron. Non-ferrous metals include copper, aluminium, brass, lead and zinc.
Different types of metal can then be separated further to ensure they are processed appropriately. Items may also need to be separated from other materials such as plastic, rubber or wood.
Good sorting helps make sure valuable recyclable metals are recovered efficiently.
What happens when scrap metal is processed?
After sorting, scrap metal may be prepared for recycling. Depending on the type and condition of the material, this could involve cutting, crushing, compacting or stripping it down into a more manageable form.
For example, larger pieces of steel may need to be cut down before they can be processed, while cables can be stripped or processed to recover the metal inside.
The aim is to prepare the material so that it can be efficiently processed and used as a raw material again.
Is scrap metal melted down?
In many recycling processes, metal is eventually melted down and used to produce new metal products.
Different metals are processed separately because they have different properties and melting points. Once processed, the recovered metal can be supplied to manufacturers for use in new products and components.
What can recycled scrap metal be used for?
Recycled metal can have many different uses depending on the type of material.no
For example, recycled steel can be used in construction and manufacturing, while aluminium can be used in products such as vehicle components, building materials and packaging. Copper is also highly recyclable and can be used again in electrical wiring, plumbing and other applications.
What happens to scrap metal at a scrap yard?
When you take your scrap metal to a licensed scrap yard, the material can be assessed and weighed before being sorted for recycling.
The value of your scrap will depend on factors such as:
* The type of metal
* The weight or quantity
* The condition of the material
* Current scrap metal prices
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals can have different values, so keeping different types of scrap separate where possible can be useful.
For larger quantities, a scrap metal merchant may also be able to arrange collection from your home, workplace, construction site or commercial premises.
What happens if you have a large amount of scrap?
If you’re completing a renovation, demolition, property clearance or construction project, you may generate scrap metal over several days or weeks. In this situation, scrap metal skip hire can be a convenient option. A dedicated skip gives you somewhere to place unwanted metal as you work, helping to keep the site tidy while separating recyclable material from general waste.
Once the skip is collected, the scrap can be taken away for sorting and recycling.
For more information about scrap metal recycling, get in touch with our experienced team today here at X-Met Metals. We offer competitive weigh and pay services, convenient scrap metal collection from your chosen location, scrap metal skip hire for larger projects, and fully licensed scrap yards where you can recycle a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. In fact, for scrap metal recycling across the North West, from Chorley to St Helens and Blackburn to Skelmersdale, we are the team you can count on. Whether you’re clearing a home, managing a construction site or disposing of industrial scrap, our experienced team is here to help you recycle your metal quickly, safely and responsibly.