Anyone who has piles of scrap metal lying around may consider the area to be little more than an eyesore that one day will need attention. What many people do not realize is what may be considered unusable junk could actually be worth money. The collection of various metals and parts may not be useful for resale in their current or previous applications, but the materials they are made out of are likely to be of value as scrap metal. Metal prices tend to vary with daily market fluctuations, but there is value in all material that is recyclable.
Examples of Recyclable Metals
Light Iron metals such as sheet metal duct, furnaces, metal studs, steel and tin cans, a variety of appliances, heavy steel machinery, auto parts, pipes, cast iron, lead batteries, radiators, washers and dryers, ranges, construction scrap, and many other items. The metal prices are what make these items of value in the recycling industry.
Advantages of Recycling Scrap Metals
Recycling scrap metals has a domino effect which is beneficial for the environment when adherence to safety standards is observed. The earth’s natural resources are preserved whenever materials are recycled, leaving virgin ore for later use. For each ton of iron recycled there is a comparable savings of between 40 and 97 percent for energy, raw materials, reduced air pollution, less water use and pollution and mining wastes generated over standard iron collection.
For every ton of steel recycled, significant savings in iron ore, coal and limestone are realized. The same is true in varying degrees for zinc, lead, copper and aluminum. The energy savings range between 60 and 95 percent.
It is difficult to provide exact values for metal prices as the market tends to go up and down and the prices are dependent upon other variables. They are, however, well worth the effort of recycling versus dumping in a landfill. These precious resources hold a key in helping to preserve the finite natural resources which are present in the earth in limited supply.
Much can be accomplished by realizing the value in many items which are considered to be worthless. Looking beyond the current state of scrap metal and considering the fact that recycling them for use in other applications can lessen the volume of virgin ores and other resources which are used in the production of metals and metal products. For more information on scrap metal recycling and metal prices, visit Hcmetals.com. HC Metals is a family owned and operated company which has been in the recycling business for nearly 40 years.
