Metal recycling is not a new process, it is in fact a common practice which has taken place since the early 1900s. Metal recycling was, however, a low-profile activity until the late 1960s when the exploding popularity of aluminium beverage cans finally placed metal recycling into the public consciousness.
All metal products can be recycled after use. Most commonly, used aluminium cans are recycled as part of the metal recycling process to create new aluminum cans.
Metal Scrap is generally taken by road to a metal recycling depot where it is checked and sorted to determine composition and value.
If the metal is of unknown quality the metal will first be passed through some large magnets to remove any ferrous metal. Depending upon the type of contamination present, some scrap must be processed further, used beverage cans for example must have their lacquer removed prior to metal recycling. The metal is then re-melted as part of the metal recycling process.
The scrap metal is then loaded into a furnace, which melts the metal completely. This molten metal is then cast or processed - using the same techniques as primary processing.
Other sources for metal recycling include automobile parts, windows and doors, appliances, containers and other products.
Metal recycling has several known benefits primarily that it conserves the Earth’s natural resources and that it saves energy. For example, Used aluminium beverage cans are replaced within six to eight weeks in countries that have dedicated metal recycling schemes.
