Recycling metal generates revenue for the community because recycling facilities process the metals and sell them to manufacturers.

 

The manufacturers then create new products using the recycled metals rather than mining raw materials, which saves energy and natural resources.

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The revenue generated by the recycling facilities funds the community recycling program and since metal recycling keeps hundreds of millions of cubic yards of metal out of regular household trash and local landfills each year, it also helps to reduce the cost of community trash collection programs.

 

Recycling facilities earn revenue from selling recycled metals to manufacturers. In turn, many will pay consumers and businesses for their household and scrap metal.

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Recycling scrap metal reduces greenhouse gas emissions and uses less energy than making metal from virgin ore.

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The amount of energy saved using various recycled metals compared to virgin ore is 

 

92% for Aluminum

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90% for Copper

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70% for Iron

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56% for Steel

 

 

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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.

 

Recyling a ton of aluminum conserves up to 8 tons of bauxite ore and 14 megawatt hours of electricity.

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