How Does Scrap Metal Recycling Save Money for Consumers

From everyday tools and utensils to the heavy machinery that drives our world, metal in all its forms is indispensable. However, getting it out of the ground and into our hands is arduous and expensive. But more importantly, raw metals are a finite resource, meaning once extracted from the Earth, there is no way for them to “grow back”. 

 

Nevertheless, metals have unique characteristics that solve this problem. Most metals are infinitely recyclable in that no matter how many times you melt and restructure a metal, it will not lose its strength and integrity. Furthermore, this process uses significantly fewer resources and is a cheaper alternative to mining virgin ore. That is why some businesses are dedicated to collecting and selling used metal. For example, Scrap Metal Windsor is a long-running recycling company for scrap metal in North Richmond, Australia. Keep reading to discover more about how recycling scrap metal helps end consumers save money. 

 

Reduced cost of raw materials 

Recycled metals cost significantly less than fresh ones due to reduced production time, purchase rate and logistics. First, the mining and smelting have already been done, so the metal is simply melted down and reshaped. Second, since most recycling companies procure metal scrap from cities and have processing plants nearby, transportation costs are lower. These factors combined help bring down the cost of packaging and core components. Examples include copper in electrical appliances, aluminium cans for drinks and iron for gates and fences. If recycling wasn’t around, the prices for goods we use every day would be significantly higher. This is why it is a blessing that everything from old vehicles, kitchen appliances, debris from construction sites and farm equipment can be transformed into the base ingredients for other products. 

 

Reduced operating costs 

Industries that generate large amounts of scrap metal can sell them to a recycling company and recoup costs. In doing so, businesses can reduce operating expenses which, in turn, means that consumers pay a lower price. Furthermore, by purchasing products made from recycled metal, businesses can also minimise expenditure and contribute to the environment. 

 

Reduced energy consumption 

Another advantage of using scrap metal for manufacturing rather than mined metal ore is that recycling requires less energy than smelting ore. For example, experts at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) suggest that using aluminium scrap to produce cans is 95% more efficient than using virgin materials. 

 

Now for the consumer, this reduction in energy consumption means less load on the primary power grid. The reduced load means a greater supply of electricity for other purposes and, ultimately, lower consumer energy prices. 

 

Cheap furniture & decorations 

Buying furniture is an expensive investment anywhere in the world. However, furnishings made from scrap metal are significantly cheaper than brand-new alternatives. Many businesses also specialise in repurposing mundane items like spark plugs and manhole covers into exciting art pieces. For example, those looking for furniture made from scrap metal in North Richmond can buy select parts from the local recycling facility and customise them into tables, garden benches and more. Although people looking to make DIY furniture and fittings should have a basic understanding of metalworking tools and techniques. Successfully creating hand-made furnishings can help save money in the long term. 

 

Additional income for consumers 

People can indirectly save money by selling household metal scrap to recycling and processing facilities. Anything from aluminium cans, old appliances, exercise equipment, utensils and gates can be sold. Although, bear in mind that not all metals have the same value. Ferrous metals like steel and iron have a higher price than non-ferrous metals like zinc and lead. However, even though copper is a non-ferrous metal, it is one of the most versatile known to man and therefore has a high value. 

 

Reduced environmental impacts 

Many household and office items are made from metals such as copper, steel, aluminium, brass, and iron. However, some also contain heavy metals like mercury and lead. Once worn out or obsolete, these items are often junked rather than recycled. Although it seems harmless, this behaviour can cause substantial environmental problems. As more and more scrap metal ends up in landfills, the more severe, long-term ecological consequences are faced by the communities around them. For example, mercury and lead found in scrap metal in North Richmond could seep into the soil and groundwater surrounding landfills. It could even pollute the Hawkesbury River water creating significant health hazards for the people and wildlife that depend on it in the area. Ensuring that these metals are recycled helps reduce expenditure on healthcare and processes necessary to remove contaminants from the water. 

 

 

Finally, consumers, businesses, and the government can help the community save money by recycling scrap metal. As mentioned earlier, metal is an indispensable part of our daily lives, but mining, smelting and fabricating metal and metal products generate significant energy and resource consumption. However, once that scrap metal has been collected by a recycling firm, it gets cleaned and processed with far fewer inputs. Cheaper, salvaged metal can be used in many sectors, including manufacturing and commodity trading. Helping the economy save money by bringing your scrap metal to an experienced recycling company is how you can do your part.