Metal Recycling – Just the Facts From a sustainability perspective, metal recycling is one of the most efficient and effective things you can do for yourself, your business, and our planet. Even after being fully processed, metals retain their chemical and physical properties and don’t degrade – they’re infinitely recyclable. While there are many benefits to metal recycling, some of the key items include: An increase in material diverted away from landfills. Creation of more sustainable industries. A reduction in energy consumption. Less reliance on virgin resources. Support of the circular economy. Environmental protection. Like most things on our planet, there’s a finite amount of metal and we consume it at a very high rate. Unless we keep these resources in circulation, we’ll likely deplete them. So, why recycle metals? Recycling metal uses far less energy than what’s required to extract the ore and process it – a highly energy-intensive exercise. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries estimates that recycled steel requires 60% less energy than what is needed to produce steel from iron ore. Reducing the overall amount of mining also lowers the impact on the environment in other ways. Figures provided by the EU indicate that recycling could help reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 200 million tons every year. Metal recycling is great for the circular economy. Today, 60% of the copper produced since the 1900’s is still in use. Metal recycling can be profitable. According to ISRI, nonferrous scrap typically only accounts for 5% (+/-) of total recycled material in the U.S., it typically accounts for more than half of the recycling earnings. There isn’t a single fact that’s most important – metal recycling is great for many reasons. Metal is already one of the most recycled materials in the world, however, there’s still room for improvement. Don’t let your metal go to waste. Reach out to discuss implementing your own custom recycling program: here, 214-574-4100, or contact@venturemet.com! Back to Blog