Scrap metal recycling is an eco-friendly way of taking care of metals. Metals are essential in many sectors, and once you do not need them, you should ensure you appropriately dispose of them. Scrap metal recycling services entail reintroducing end-life metals as new metals to produce new products. You can't recycle all metals. Recyclable metals are of two types, mainly ferrous and non-ferrous. 

What is the scrap metal recycling process?

Ready below to learn more about the five steps of the metal recycling process.

Collecting 

A scrap metal yard first collects and weighs your unwanted metals. A scale operator can upload and measure the weight of your materials while you wait in the car before handing you a weight ticket that enables you to cash in. Metal collection can occur through scrap metal collectors, public recycling services, and large generators. Public and curbside recycling services only handle household metal items. 

Sorting

The second step in metal recycling entails the sorting of metals. There are various ways of separating and sorting metals, such as magnets, spectrometers, electric currents, and visual identification. The grouping of metals is vital to prevent cross-contamination and meet needed quality standards. You can earn more if you dismantle metals from materials before offering them for collection.

Preparing into forms

After being sorted, scrap metal undergoes cutting into various shapes and sizes. Scrap metal yards can torch, shred and ball scrap to prepare the scrap metals into specific shapes, weights and compositions depending on awaiting orders and demand. Some millers, smelters, and foundries can take the scrap metals in these forms.

Refining

The following process involves metal and refining. The metal recycling process varies according to the type of metals and the purity level needed. Impurities rise to the top and are separated from metals when melted. Additional refinement processes like electrolysis can yield more pure metals. Refined scrap metals retain pure metals' properties; sometimes, scrap yards can combine recycled and virgin metals.

Solidifying and Manufacturing

The last process of scrap metal recycling entails solidifying and manufacturing refined metals. The molten metal, free of contaminants, is solidified into different forms such as wire, coil, sheets, and bars. Scrap metal recycling plants can add chemicals to make metals change their properties or become denser. The solidified metals are then available for distribution to other sectors, such as robotics, the public sector, automakers, and many more. 

Conclusion

You can contact professional scrap metal recycling services to guide you on the minimum material amount you can recycle and what materials are recyclable. A product must also contain a certain amount of metals to be accepted before being weighed. Carry your identity card and ownership documents to the scrap metal yard for validation.

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