Why Should You Recycle Non Ferrous Metals?
Posted on 11 January 2016To begin with, let’s define non ferrous metals. Non ferrous metals are any metals that do not contain iron, such as: copper, aluminum, lead, zinc and more. The great thing about these metals is that they are all recyclable. The non ferrous metals that can be recycled can also be repurposed. There are many benefits to recycling non ferrous metals, and this article will outline the top reasons as to why you should recycle non ferrous metals.
First, non ferrous metals are some of the most popular metals in the world. There is a high demand for them, but they have a semi-dangerous extraction process. The extraction of these metals has the potential to release toxic gases into the atmosphere. Therefore, it is crucial that we recycle and repurpose what we already have extracted for our needs to protect the environment, and minimize the risk of further extraction.
Additionally, there is such a high demand for recycled non ferrous metals, especially for copper. Copper is one of the most leading non ferrous recycled metals in the world. Currently, 40% of the world’s demand of copper is met from using recycled materials. There are so many amazing statistics that come with the notion of recycling non ferrous metals. For example:
- If you recycle an aluminum pop can, it is estimated to be back on a grocery shelf within two months.
- Since 1880, there has been 700 million tonnes of aluminum produced commercially, and 75% of that 700 mill tonnes, is still being used as secondary recycled material today.
- If you use recycled copper material, it saves roughly 85% of energy that would have been used in its primary extraction and production process.
- By using scrap copper, we are effectively reducing CO2 emissions on our environment by 65%.
- Roughly 50% of the lead that is manufactured and used around the world each year has been previously used and recycled from other products.
Imagine all the great things that we can do and change if we all chip into to recycling our non ferrous metals! Plus, recycling non ferrous metals can be a great way to earn some extra income in your spare time.
The most popular non ferrous metals are aluminum, copper, lead, zinc and tin. They can be used and reused more than any non ferrous metal material out there. Most popularly, aluminum is often used and reused for the same purpose. For example, once there is a part of a car or a plane that is not in use any more, it’s melted down, repurposed, reshaped and remade into the same item that it was before, but for another structure. Additionally, you see zinc everyday, in the form of a coin! But perhaps the zinc in your coin was once a component in a battery. There are endless ideas that you can think of that a piece of non ferrous metals used to be.
If you are looking for a place to buy, sell or recycle non ferrous metals, visit Tal Metal. We’re located in the GTA and offer some of the best recycling services on non ferrous metals and even other metals too. We have a strong focus on sustainability and our environment, and provide some of the most respectable customer service around. Visit our website at www.talmetal.ca or call for more information at 905-660-7081.