What Is the Scrap Metal Recycling Process?

One of the biggest hurdles for construction, demolition and manufacturing companies is disposing of large amounts of metal. Whether they consistently need to get rid of metal or have a project that will require specific disposal efforts, companies should understand their options to create a streamlined disposal process.

The good news is that metal can be recycled repeatedly without losing its properties. This guide describes how to recycle metal and how you can benefit from recycling your metal waste.

How Is Metal Recycled?

Discover each of the steps involved in the metal recycling process, from collection to manufacturing:

1. Collection

First, you’ll collect any scrap metal you want to dispose of and store it until your next pickup. These steps help keep your facilities clean and make the recycling process simpler. If you’re only planning to recycle one kind of scrap metal, separate the metals according to type so you can organize and dispose of them more easily.

2. Sorting

Once the metal is received at the recycling facility, it will be sorted again for quality assurance (QA). Operators will separate nonmetal material from metal scraps and debris. Metal is removed from different items, and plastic is also stripped from wires. Nonferrous and nonferrous metals are sorted with the help of magnets.

3. Processing

After segregation, metal scraps are compacted to reduce space and cut by a hydraulic machine. They may be shredded using hammer mills. Cutting metal scraps into smaller pieces helps make the melting process more efficient.

4. Melting

The shredded metal will then be melted in a furnace. The furnace used, as well as melting temperature and time, will depend on the type of metal being melted. Although this step in the metal recycling process uses energy, recycling takes less energy than extracting new metals.

5. Purification

The purification process helps ensure the quality of the recycled metal. There are different forms of purification. Sometimes, the impurities will stay on top after the melting process ends. Other types of metals will require electrolysis to ensure quality, or a strong magnet to separate the metal from impurities.

6. Solidification

After purification, the operators will add chemicals to the melted metal to achieve the desired properties.The melted metal is then passed through a conveyor into a cooling chamber for solidification. Depending on its purposes and applications, it will be shaped into blocks or different forms.

7. Manufacturing

After solidification, the recycled metal is transported to manufacturing facilities of different industries, where it’s used to produce new items. When these items end their useful life, they can be turned into recycling facilities, and the metal recycling process starts over again.

What Are the Benefits of Recycling Metal Scrap?

Recycling scrap metal has several benefits for your company, the environment and your local community.

Financial

Your company can obtain different financial benefits from recycling scrap metal:

• Cost-effective: Using recycled metal allows construction, manufacturing and other industries to reduce their operational costs. 
• Operational efficiency: A metal scrap recycling plan can help reduce employees’ time spent on waste management and improve workflow and productivity.
• Additional revenue: Selling your metal scraps to recycling facilities can bring additional revenue to your business.
• Market competitiveness: Environmentally responsible companies that show a commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management can attract eco-conscious clients and projects.

Environmental

Recycling your metal scraps prevents them from becoming waste and ending up in landfills. This disposal option helps support the local environment and protect the community’s health. For example, some metals contain toxic chemicals like mercury, posing a risk to the water and soil near the landfill.

Social

Recycling helps create jobs and tax revenue. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2020 Recycling Economic Information Report, the recycling industry created 681,000 jobs, $37.8 billion in wages and $5.5 billion in tax revenue. The ferrous and nonferrous industries are the first and third largest contributors.

Additionally, using recycled material for manufacturing reduces operational costs. The final consumer can enjoy this benefit through lower prices for different items. 

How to Dispose of Scrap Metal

To dispose of your scrap metal efficiently, start by creating a management plan. This plan will detail a streamlined process for handling waste in your facilities, construction sites or demolition sites. Begin with noting the specific roles and responsibilities for everyone involved. Include a streamlined process and guidelines for identifying, collecting, sorting and storing metal scraps.

Then, train your employees on the process and guidelines, and partner with a local commercial recycling service to recycle your scrap metal. Using proper techniques, magnetic tools, bins and containers to separate and store ferrous and nonferrous metals can help make recycling more efficient. Document the overall process, goals and results for continuous improvement.

FAQs

We want to answer all your questions about scrap metal recycling. Here are the answers to a few top FAQs:

How Is Steel Recycled?

Steel is recycled like any other metal. Once in the recycling facility, it’s segregated for QA. Then, it’s shredded, melted and separated from impurities before being solidified and sent to manufacturing.

How Do I Prepare My Scrap Metal for Recycling?

Remove any nonmental attachments, such as wood or plastic components, from your scrap metal. It can be helpful to lightly clean the scrap metal, but that step isn’t always necessary — check with your recycling partner for more information. Then, sort the scrap metal according to type and proceed with the next step for disposal.

If you’re curious about how to identify scrap metals that are accepted at recycling centers, talk to your recycling partner to learn more about what they do and don’t accept.

What Is the Scrapping Process?

The scrapping process involves separating nonrecyclable materials from materials that are meant to be recycled. This process allows metals to be recycled responsibly. For example, if your scrap metals are mixed with materials like glass, insulation or rubber, those nonrecyclable items will need to be separated from the metals before they’re recycled.

Can I Get Paid to Recycle My Scrap Metal?

Yes — one of the top benefits of recycling scrap metal is that you can get paid for it. Reliable, trusted companies offer competitive pricing based on current scrap metal values. After your scrap metal is graded and weighed, you’ll receive your payment.

Recycle Your Scrap Metal Today With H&C Metals

H&C Metals is a family-owned metal recycling company located in Newark, New Jersey. Since 1976, we’ve provided commercial scrap metal recycling services for local businesses across the manufacturing, construction and demolition industries.

With our scrap metal dumpster services, you can fill up your dumpster at your own pace and schedule pickup at your convenience. This option is especially ideal when you’re working on a one-off project and need straightforward on-site disposal. Otherwise, you can use our drop-off service to bring us your scrap metal whenever is convenient for you. We accept all ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals and help you turn them into cash.

When you partner with H&C Metals to recycle your scrap metal, you can experience accessible local service, full-service management, personalized attention and an eco-friendly approach. Contact us to learn more or schedule a pickup today.