Who Generates Scrap Metal?

Metal scraps are generated by many industries. Steelworks, foundries, and construction generate a huge amount of scrap metals. A large percentage of scrap materials come from the aircraft and ship industries. These pieces can be used to make new parts for planes and ships, or they can be sold to be used in the manufacturing process of an entirely new product. In the construction industry, scrap comes from demolition of existing structures. From metal framing of commercial walls to smaller residential pieces such as the outer shell of a centralized heating and air conditioning unit, construction sites can generate metal scrap. The auto manufacturing industry generates metal scraps after assembling cars, trucks, and SUVs. Likewise, manufacturers of ships and airplanes use metal in construction, and electrical supply companies use it to make transformers, cabling, and connectors. Other industries create products for the home also create scrap from the manufacturing process.

What is the Most Common Scrap Metal?

Stainless steel is the most common metal used in the construction industry, and is the most valuable. It is often found in appliances, kitchen sinks, and refrigerators. When it comes to metal recycling, the most common metals are non-ferrous and ferrous. Non-ferrous metals are copper, lead, zinc, and titanium. They tend to be worth more per pound than ferrous metals, which are magnetic. If you’d like to sell your scrap, start by looking for a local scrap yard.

Most scraps are classified into two categories – ferrous and non-ferrous. Each category must be free of combustible and non-metallic materials. This includes scrap from automobiles, industrial equipment, plastics, insulated wire, radiators, rubber, and fabric. They must also be free of chemicals, lubricants, and other hazardous materials. In addition, non-ferrous scrap must be completely devoid of pollutants. Ferrous scrap is found in many forms. Concrete barriers, for example, are likely reinforced with steel rebar. The same is true of old structures, such as abandoned warehouses. These structures typically contain a large amount of ferrous scrap. This scrap is commonly used in construction, and is recycled in various ways. This includes in-process processing, including machining and sizing. All processes must result in naturally compacted material.

How much is scrap metal worth?

The price of ferrous scrap is determined by the metal’s purity and the level of metals present in it. Prices are updated monthly to reflect global supply and demand, which ultimately tie back to steel prices. In addition to determining the market price, these factors also influence the amount of money paid for the scrap. Manufacturers have a choice of buying domestically or purchasing it from foreign mills. In this case, it is important to check the specifications of the recycling facility.

Does your business generate scrap metal?

There are many businesses that produce or use metal scrap including manufacturing, commercial and industrial sectors.  All of these are great examples of how the process of recycling scrap materials can be highly beneficial to the environment and can help reduce the amount of virgin ore mined. This helps protect the planet by reducing emissions, while also improving the value of the material. Greenway Metal Recycling is a full-service Chicago area recycling center committed to protecting our environment. Contact us today for a free scrap audit!

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