How Scrap Metal Recycling Helps Combat Climate Change
Scrap metal recycling is the process of bringing metal items that are no longer in use to a recycling facility, where the metal will be sorted, melted down, and created into brand new products. Not only is scrap metal recycling beneficial because it can earn you money, but it also is beneficial for the environment and can help combat climate change! In this article, we’ll discuss why scrap metal recycling is beneficial for the environment! If you have any questions about the scrap metal recycling process or would like to recycle scrap metal in Massachusetts, please contact our team at Allied Recycling Center today!
Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions
When virgin materials are being mined and refined to create new metal products, a massive amount of energy is required, and most of that energy comes from burning fossil fuels. This process releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. Recycling scrap metal significantly reduces the amount of fossil fuels needed to create new metal products.
Preserves Natural Resources
Mining raw materials such as iron ore, bauxite, and copper depletes non-renewable natural resources. Recycling scrap metal helps preserve these resources and ensures they are available for future generations. When metal is mined on a large scale, it destroys ecosystems, and that can lead to soil erosion, deforestation, and water pollution. Recycling existing metals reduces the demand for new mining operations.
Cuts Down on Energy Use
The process of turning raw materials into metal requires a lot of energy. Compared to making new aluminum from bauxite ore, recycling aluminum into new products requires ~95% less energy. This also holds true for copper, steel, and other metals. We can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, a primary cause of climate change, and our carbon footprint by using less energy.
Reduces Landfill Waste
When metal objects are thrown out instead of recycled, they often end up in landfills, wasting valuable space and contributing to pollution. It can take decades or even centuries for some metals to break down, and they might release harmful substances into the soil and water system. Recycling protects the environment and reduces the demand for new landfills.
Sell Scrap Metal to Allied Recycling Center in Walpole, MA!
If you have any questions about scrap metal recycling or are looking to sell scrap metal for the best prices in Southeastern Massachusetts, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Allied Recycling Center! Call us today at (508) 668-8699 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
