Tackling Environmental Challenges: The Crucial Role of Metal Recycling


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Pragati Tiwari
1-6-2023

In the era of growing industrialisation and civilisation needs our planet continues facing several environmental issues that are causing serious harm. Visual and chemical pollution are two of the most pressing issues faced by our planet, with both having a dangerous effect on its ecosystems and inhabitants. 

Metal extraction from the earth is one such industrialisation, which requires a large amount of energy and materials. Continued metal mining and processing results in more pollution and habitat degradation. Metal is obtained through mining metal ores, and the majority of metal ores are discovered in untainted, isolated locations. In addition to destroying a once-perfect environment, mining also ruins the homes of species, some of which may never recover. Since recycling metal doesn't need the extraction of non-renewable metal ore, it can help prevent mining and the subsequent damage to these ecosystems.

Metal recycling also reduces chemical pollution and visual pollution. Visual pollution refers to the presence of man-made objects that degrade the aesthetically pleasing quality of the surrounding environment and chemical pollution refers to the contamination of the environment by harmful chemicals or substances that can have detrimental effects on ecosystems and human health. By recycling metal, we can prevent the accumulation of discarded metal objects, such as rusted machinery or abandoned structures. These objects contribute to visual clutter and degradation and by reducing the quantity of transportation, carbon emissions and the quantity of fuel consumed can be reduced helping in overcoming both visual and chemical pollution respectively.

We are all aware that recycling is beneficial for the environment and that we should recycle wherever feasible, but do you know the benefits of recycling metal? Here are some of the reasons why recycling metal is recommended.

Industrial benefits: According to the National Institute of Health, incinerating 10,000 tonnes of garbage results in one job, but landfilling the waste results in six. Recycling the same garbage, on the other hand, will provide 36 employment. Metal recycling benefits a wide range of industries and enterprises. Metal-using companies usually create a substantial quantity of waste after creating their goods, therefore recycling the metal scrap instead of dumping it may assist strengthen the economy and contribute to the creation of new employment. 

Reduced landfill site demand: Landfills, a common technique of waste management, are a substantial source of chemical and visual pollution. India generates 62 million tonnes of trash each year and is expanding at a 4% annual pace. According to studies, India would require an 88-square-kilometer landfill, almost the size of Bengaluru, to dispose of all of its trash by 2030. Recycling scrap metals, on the other hand, can reduce the need for landfills, resulting in cleaner air, water, and land. 

Reusing scrap metal decreases visual pollution: Over time, metal mining excavation sites become depleted, and workers shift to new places in search of metals to mine. As a result, most places are riddled with excavation holes. By providing an alternative to unprocessed ore, metal recycling reduces the environmental effect of mining. Mining activities disturb natural ecosystems and contaminate the surrounding air, water, and soil; hence, metal recycling is vital to decreasing the visual pollution associated with metal mining.

Why is Metal Recycling important?

It lowers the need to deal with virgin metal, which helps to save coal and iron ore, both of which are required to make metal. As a result, valuable natural resources such as coal and iron ore utilised in metal manufacturing are preserved. It is critical to analyse resources such as coal since its burning is a major contributor to climate change. Coal accounted for 43% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions in 2010, and the climate crisis has persisted ever since. Recycling metals is an environmental activity and a simple method to take corporate responsibility because it utilizes less energy and fewer natural resources.

Metals are one of the few basic materials that may be recycled without losing their original qualities. This means that, except for meeting rising demand, there is no compelling motive to generate more metal. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on corporations recycling all raw materials to meet lofty "zero to landfill" objectives. Recycling metals is a more environmentally friendly option than other kinds of disposal since it minimizes emissions and air pollution. A tonne of recycled aluminum prevents nine tonnes of CO2 emissions from entering the environment.


Do you know how to recycle metal?

Metal recycling consists of four stages: sorting, preparation, burning, and formation. You won't have to bother about these processes if you're wanting to recycle metals within your firm, but it helps if you can identify the sorts of scrap metal you'll be giving. Because numerous components and types of machinery are involved in the recycling of metals, facilities must adhere to severe health and safety, and environmental requirements.

Finally, recycling is the only option for businesses to stay in business and ensure the future of the metal production industry. Recycling is a simple and effective way to demonstrate corporate responsibility, and recyclers are cognizant of public opinion of the business. At Metalbook, we believe in the power of recycling metals and sustainability to make a difference in the world. We help our customers in procuring the best quality scrap steel, as we believe that reuse, repurposing and recycling is part of achieving a circular economy. We are committed to promoting these values in an effective and responsible way to ensure a better tomorrow for generations to come.