From Guest Blogger Savannah: How Scrap Yards Preserve the Environment By Recycling Metal

More of today’s global citizens are taking responsibility for their lifestyle choices that impact the environment. This is most evident in the increased sales of hybrid and electric cars and the use of alternative energy technologies to heat and cool residential and commercial buildings.

However, many people do not fully realize that recycling their scrap metal has the potential to improve their quality of life, strengthen their local communities and lessen the toxic burden on the environment. Here are some examples of end products that are made from scrap metal which highlights the described benefits of recycling these valuable resources.

Construction Materials for Roads and Bridges

After scrap metal is received by certified recycling companies, hazardous materials are removed and the metal undergoes processing. The level of processing depends upon the intended end use of the metal. For example, a metal manufacturer for bridges and highways may purchase metal from scrap yards in bulk and refine and reform the metal using techniques that require high amounts of heat. A key environmental benefit is that recycled metal requires less heat to form than new metal. Consumers can see how their recycled end of life vehicles and appliances find new purpose that benefits the environment and the whole community. Additionally, national and local governments often encourage their contractors to use recycled materials as much as possible by giving them tax incentives and preferences for contracts. These added perks help provide a little lift to the economy as well.

Home Furnishings

A little known use for recycled metal is found within the home goods manufacturing sector. Home furnishings from patio furniture to indoor lighting fixtures use metal. However, manufacturers who use recycled metal within their production processes can make the furnishings cheaper and more efficiently.

Modern Art

While metal has always been used in forms of artistic expressions, a trend of today’s artists is to use recycled metal in their art work. This form of art can resemble a functional object like a bicycle, or it can be an abstract piece that is used to impart a message.

Repurposing scrap metal simply makes good environmental and economic sense according to General Recycling Industries Ltd., a company that does automobile recycling in Edmonton. The demand for consumer products that contain metal is steadily rising while the time, labor and energy used to procure new or virgin metal remains high. Recycling the metal often equates to turning toxic trash into lucrative treasure.