Recycling scrap metal reduces greenhouse gas emissions and uses less energy than making metal from virgin ore.
Metal Recycling Conserves
Natural Resources
Metal recycling also conserves natural resources. Recycling one ton of steel conserves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone. Recycling a ton of aluminium conserves up to 8 tons of bauxite ore and 14 megawatt hours of electricity.
Environmental Benefits
Recycling metal has numerous benefits for the environment. Compared with making products from recycled metal, the production of new metal from mined ore releases far greater amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions may influence climate change and may also cause harmful levels of air pollution in cities, resulting in potential respiratory health problems for you and other residents. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries reports that recycling metal may cut greenhouse gas emissions by 300 million to 500 million tons. In addition, using scrap metal in lieu of virgin ore generates 97 percent less mining waste and uses 40 percent less water, according to the National Institutes of Health.