Steel: The World’s Most Recycled Metal
Have you ever wondered what the most sustainable and recycled materials on our planet are? Made with a combination of iron and carbon, steel is one of the most reused metals. It has high strength and is resistant to fracture. Iron has been used in various forms throughout history, from Egypt to the Greeks.
However, large and efficient production wasn’t discovered until the 17th century by Henry Bessemer. After that, it became a major part of the Industrial Revolution – from railroads and automotive to construction, such as 12-gauge steel buildings are widely in use for manufacturing plants, factories, and agribusinesses, as they are durable, cost-effective, and low maintenance.
But why do we need to recycle steel? It reduces the demand for new iron ore, coal, and limestone, all of which are non-renewable sources. Moreover, it reduces waste that otherwise would have ended up in the landfill, eliminating water & air pollution related to mining and processing. Plus, it creates several jobs to boost the economy.
The recycling process is a simple one. Collect and sort all scraps as per type and quality. Then, shred them into small pieces. This is done using a sophisticated machine. Finally, all scraps are melted, purified, and rolled into sheets, bars, or other shapes. How much is the steel scrap in your home worth? Find all the intriguing visual details in the infographic attached below.
