Modern society is truly a marvel. From technological innovations that would have been unthinkable even a few short decades ago to a deeper understanding of our planet and its ecosystems, the scientific growth of humanity has been unmistakable. With this increased industry has come a larger impact on the environment that sustains us, as well as a recognition that we must do what we can to protect it.
One integral way to protect the environment and facilitate a more sustainable society is to recycle as much as possible. This is especially true when it comes to sustainable building practices. That’s why steel is such a compelling material—according to the Steel Recycling Institute’s director of recycling, around 94% of steel obtained from the demolition of a commercial building is recycled. That’s a significant number!
Better yet, steel can be recycled time and time again without losing any of the physical properties that make it such a stellar construction material, to begin with. In other words, steel is a fantastic building material that not only supports incredibly strong and durable structures but also promotes sustainable recycling for new construction initiatives.
Read on to learn more about metal recycling and the role it plays in a sustainable society.
Metal Basics
There are many types of metal, all with their own unique attributes. Understanding the basics of these materials is key to unlocking their full potential, recycling them in an efficient way, and otherwise utilizing them in the correct ways.
- Steel – Steel features incredible strength at a low cost, making it versatile and integral in a variety of applications, from buildings to appliances. It is composed of iron, carbon, and occasionally other materials.
- Iron– Iron is a very common metal and the most widely used of all. In fact, it is used in over 90% of the world’s metal production.
- Copper – This metal has a high electrical conductivity, making it great for electrical wiring.
- Aluminum – As a lightweight and corrosion-resistant metal, aluminum is frequently used in transportation and building projects.
- Stainless Steel – An iron-based alloy, stainless steel prevents rust, making it a valuable, low-maintenance material.
- Brass – Composed of copper and zinc, brass possesses useful mechanical and electrical properties.
- Bronze – Copper and tin are the primary components of this historical metal.
- Lead – While known by many for its toxicity, lead actually has many valuable uses. It is also inexpensive, making it a cost-effective material.
Metal Recycling and New Steel Construction Initiatives
There are many benefits to metal recycling, especially when done in conjunction with new steel construction initiatives. While the list could probably stretch on indefinitely, we’ve chosen a few key advantages below.
- Reduce Air and Water Pollution – Recycling and reusing steel helps reduce new pollution to the air and water. This is great news for the planet, as limiting pollution is key to a sustainable future.
- Lessen the Load of Waste Materials – Disposing of construction materials is a huge task. By opting to recycle the metal components, you greatly reduce the amount of waste that must be dealt with!
- Cost Less to Buy – Buying recycled steel is a great way to save a bit of money while doing some good. It costs less than new steel, giving you more money to allocate elsewhere.
- Cost Less to Build – Those cost savings carry over to the building process. Using recycled steel actually reduces the cost to build your new steel construction initiative.
- Costs Less to Own – When it comes to metal recycling, the cost savings just keep coming. Buildings constructed from recycled steel are more affordable to own, too!
- Benefits the Planet – By reducing the pollution generated and reusing pre-existing materials, your use of recycled steel in your new construction initiative will benefit the planet tremendously!
How to Prepare Metals for a Recycling Plant
When submitting metals to a recycling plant, certain steps should be taken to retain the integrity of the metal. Cleaning the metal of any debris is key, as is removing any non-metal materials such as wood, plastic, and rubber. You may want to check with your local recycling facility for more tips and tricks, but these basic guidelines should get you started!
American Metal Buildings – The Metal Building Pioneer
As the go-to dealer of steel structures in the United States, American Metal Buildings is on the cutting edge of the buildings made from metal, including the use of recycled steel. If you want a high-quality metal building at an affordable price that will also support a sustainable future for the Earth, you’ve come to the right place. Give American Metal Buildings a call today on +1 (877) 277-3060 to discuss your new construction initiative!