Metal is one of the most versatile resources on the planet. However, the more natural resources we cultivate from the earth, the more important it is to recycle what we already use. When you recycle metal, it turns to scrap metal which can be anything from old pipes to metal wire, soda cans, and more. Recycled scrap metal can be used to produce construction equipment, home appliances, canned goods, automobiles, air crafts, and other materials.

So whether you have a pile of scrap from your latest construction project or a garbage bag full of soda cans, here are all the benefits of recycling your scrap metal today.

Recycled Scrap Metal Benefits the Environment

Recycling your scrap metal is one of the easiest ways to have a positive effect on your environment. Just recycling one bag of cans will make a huge difference.

Clears Up Landfills

It is no secret that landfills are filling up fast, and we are running out of places to dispose of waste. However, recycling scrap metal can help free up space in our landfills. The more metal you recycle, the less it ends up in landfills leaving more room for biodegradable waste like food and other non-recyclable items.

Reduces Green House Gas Emissions

One of the best advantages recycling scrap metal has on the environment is its effect on greenhouse gas emissions. When new metal is produced and cultivated, it creates a significant amount of greenhouse gas which is extremely harmful to the environment. For example, greenhouse gas can lead to dangerous levels of air pollution and cause global warming. However, recycling scrab metal can drastically reduce greenhouse gasses and, in turn, reduce air and water pollution.

Recycling Scrap Metal Can Be Profitable

If your looking for a lucrative side hustle, starting a scrap metal business is a great way to earn some extra income. Scrap yards will not only take metals like aluminum, brass, copper, iron, and steel off your hands but will pay you for it. While different metals hold different values, you can make a nice chunk of change depending on how much scrap metal you have. For example, non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminum are worth more than ferrous metals like iron and steel.

Recycling Scrap Metal Frees Up Space

If you work in the construction or demolition industry, you may have piles of scrap metal taking up room in your yard, shop, or garage from old projects and job sites. Not only is a pile of old metal an eyesore, but it can get in the way and take up a lot of space. Taking that old metal to the scrap yard will not only free up space but provide a nice payday in the process.

Recycling Scrap Metal Saves Energy

Believe it on not, recycling just one soda can save enough energy to run a 60-watt lightbulb for 20 hours. Manufacturing materials, tools, and equipment out of recycled metals requires significantly less energy than making products with metals derived from raw materials. For example, recycled steel uses 60% less energy than steel from raw materials, while recycled aluminum saves 95%.

Recycling Scrap Metal Creates More Jobs

Not only is recycling metal lucrative and good for the environment, but it helps create more jobs. The more metal is recycled, the more need there is for recycling centers and workers. According to the National Recycling Coalition Report, recycling alone has created over 1 million new jobs and over 200 billion dollars in revenue.

Loading Your Scrap Metal

If you are in the construction industry with piles of scrap metal sitting around your yard, construction site, or garage, consider renting a truck with a tow package to make hauling scrap metal a nice and easy process.

Make Recycling a Priority

Sometimes it is easy to just want to throw scrap in the trash and be done with it. However, there are plenty of incentives and benefits of recycling scrap metal. From helping the environment to creating jobs and turning a profit, it is essential to make recycling scrap metal a priority.