We’ve all fallen for a myth before. Like that bulls hate red or George Washington had wooden teeth.
Most of these myths, like bigfoot being real, are fun and don’t cause any harm.
But when myths begin to form about important things like recycling metal, that is when we start to see negative effects.
So, we compiled a few scrap metal recycling myths that we wanted to debunk. Let’s begin!
8 Common Scrap Metal Recycling Myths
Here are 8 common myths people believe about scrap metal recycling from big to small that we wanted to debunk.
1. You Can’t Recycle Crumpled Metal
The first recycling myth we wanted to address is whether you can bring crumpled metal to a recycling facility. While some self-service recycling can machines are sensitive and may not take crumpled cans, your local recycling facility can!
In, fact crumpling up metals is part of the recycling process. When recycling metal it gets crumpled, cut, melted, and more.
So if you work in demolition and have crumpled scraps you think are unwanted, think again.
2. Separating Metal From Your Trash Isn’t Important
Now I know what you may be thinking. It’s easier to just let your scraps go in the trash.
But what goes in the trash ends up in landfills.
Why is this a problem?
When metals are left in landfills to decompose slowly, they leak metals and chemicals into our water and soil. This gets into the fish and produce we eat and the water we drink. Yuck!
On top of that, you are taking up space in already overcrowded landfills and creating the need to mine more metal.
3. Recycling Isn’t Economical
Many people think that recycling metal is an expensive process that is just beneficial for the environment. But that’s not true!
Recycling metal is way more cost-effective than mining and processing new virgin metals. Not only that but it also allows you to keep your scraps out of landfills, which is like letting your money waste away.
By recycling your scrap metal you’re also helping the economy by creating and supporting jobs in the recycling industry. Additionally, many businesses have been able to save money and increase their profits by recycling their scrap metal.
4. Bigger Scrap Pieces are Better
You may have heard the phrase, “bigger is always better”, but when it comes to scrap metal that’s not always true.
This myth brings up a lot of issues. First, people think they shouldn’t bring scraps because they think recycling plants only want big pieces. This leads to them just trashing metal that could have been recycled!
Another reason this is a problem is some businesses when demolishing a building, instead of cutting down the metal with their tools, leave big pieces thinking that’s what facilities want. When in reality it causes more work in order to shred it.
5. Recycling Uses More Energy Than Making New
This has been a myth that has been circulating for years yet has been proven not to be accurate.
In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency found that recycling aluminum cans save 95% of energy compared to using raw materials. Recycling steel and tin cans save about 60-74% of energy.
6. You Can Burn Your Copper Wire to Strip It
This is not only wrong but also dangerous. First off, burning insulated copper wire is illegal in the U.S.
This is because of the toxic fumes it releases which can be very dangerous to breathe in. You can get a hefty fine if you get caught trying to burn your insulated copper wire.
Not only that but it can damage the copper making it less valuable. The heat causes the insulation to leave residue on the wiring.
Your best bet is to give your metal recycling facility your copper wires with the plastic still intact and let the professionals strip them themselves.
7. Recycling Scrap Metal is Dangerous
Many people have never been to a recycling center. That’s because they think of it as dangerous and unwelcoming.
But in reality, metal recycling facilities are very safe! They follow guidelines that are designed to keep employees and customers safe.
Additionally, most of the big machines and equipment you think of are only used by trained professionals. When you drop off your scraps, you will not be anywhere near the heavy machinery.
8. There Is No Demand For Scrap Metal
With the general population becoming more conscious about the impact businesses have on the environment, there is more pressure than ever for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.
Therefore, many businesses in all types of industries have transitioned to using recycled materials in the production of their products. Knowing the financial and economical benefits they have begun getting metal from recycling facilities.
So yes there is a demand for scrap metal, and you can help fill it!
Why Are These Myths Dangerous?
When people believe these myths, they begin to think of recycling as too complex. This deters them from wanting to recycle their metal.
When more and more people stop recycling their metal and begin to dump them in the trash it can lead to negative environmental and economical effects.
Recycling your scrap metal:
- Reduces carbon emissions
- Eliminates waste
- Cutback the need to mine
- Decreases energy consumption
- Saves businesses money
- Creates jobs
So when you recycle your metal your not only cleaning up your warehouse, you’re also making a positive difference!
Recycle Your Scrap Metal with GLE Scrap
Now that you understand scrap metal recycling a bit better are you ready to start recycling?
If so, you have come to the right place!
GLE Scrap is a certified metal recycling facility that recycles metal with environmentally-friendly processes. We have scrap metal recycling facilities near you in Daytona, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Melvindale, and Warren.
Partner with GLE Scrap and give us a call at 855-SCRAP-88 to request a quote.
