05/12/2019
According to research conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency, recycling scrap metals can be quite beneficial to the environment. Using recycled scrap metal in place of virgin iron ore can yield:[1]
75% savings in energy.
90% savings in raw materials used.
86% reduction in air pollution.
40% reduction in water use.
76% reduction in water pollution.
97% reduction in mining wastes.
Every ton of new steel made from scrap steel saves:
1,115 kg of iron ore.
625 kg of coal.
53 kg of limestone.
Energy savings from other metals include:
Aluminium savings of 95% energy.
Copper savings of 85% energy.
Lead savings of 65% energy.
Zinc savings of 60% energy
The scrap industry was valued at more than $90 billion in 2012, up from $54 billion in 2009 balance of trade, exporting $28 billion in scrap commodities to 160 countries. Since 2010, the industry has added more than 15,000 jobs, and supports 463,000 workers, both directly and indirectly. In addition, it generates more than $10 billion in revenue for federal, state, and local governments.[12] Scrap recycling also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserves energy and natural resources. For example, scrap recycling diverts 135 million short tons (121,000,000 long tons; 122,000,000 t) of materials away from landfills. Recycled scrap is a raw material feedstock for nearly 60% of steel made in the US, for almost 50% of the copper and copper alloys produced in the US, for more than 75% of the US paper industry's needs, and for 50% of US aluminum. Recycled scrap helps keep air and water cleaner by removing potentially hazardous materials and keeping them out of landfills.[13
