It is wise to recycle metal in every way possible in order to preserve our Earth’s naturally-occurring metal deposits. If we recycle metal, we can mine less, preserve energy, and reuse more! There are a few different kinds of steel used in today’s industries, all of which can be recycled! Continue reading to learn the different types of steel and how to get a metal recycling program started in your household or even the entire community!
Metal Steel Recycling
All steel can be recycled, and so can commodities that contain steel. In fact, all metal can be recycled, as well as, all commodities that contain metal! When it comes to steel, finding items to recycle is easy since it is such a prevalently-used metal. Things like appliances, power tools, construction equipment, cars, machinery, and even soup cans are all things that contain steel and can be recycled.
Here are the Four Types of Steel:
Carbon Steel
Accounts for over 80% of the world’s steel production. Comes in low, medium, or high carbon content, ranging from 0.04 to 1.5 percent.
Stainless Steel
Contains anywhere from 10% to 20% Chromium. Comes in three groups based on crystalline structure: Ferritic, Austenitic, and Martensitic.
Alloy Steel
Contains traces of non-ferrous alloying metals like copper, nickel, aluminum, titanium, and more. Used for automotive parts, power generators, pipelines, and more.
Tool Steel
Contains cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, and molybdenum. Used for cutting and drilling equipment. Depending on quantities, these metals increase heat resistance and strength.
Start Recycling Metal Today
Locate a nearby scrap metal company and ask about their metal recycling guidelines and services. Designate a box or receptacle in the home or office to remind and promote recycling habits. At the end of each month, donate or drop-off your collection of steel recyclables at your local scrap metal center, or place them in a public recycling bin assigned for metal. Either way, you are doing something positive for the environment, the community, and the steel industry all at once. Go ahead and treat yourself to something nice each month, like a sweet scoop of ice cream or new golf glove, as a reward for starting a recycling program in your home or office and remembering to keep at it every day.
As for the community, get neighbors and residents on board by posting flyers, holding free awareness fundraisers like car washes or concerts, and additional social initiatives to promote a recycling program in your town.