The Benefits of Recycling Metal

Virtually all types of metals can be recycled intoTake an average aluminum can that has been
new metal that can be used to make newplaced in a recycling bin for another example.
products. Recycling metals protect theRecycling this single can saves enough energy to
environment and saves on energy consumption.run an average computer or three hours a day.
Using second-hand raw materials means that lessThe recycled can will be returned to a store shelf
natural resources are being depleted such as ironas a new can in as little as 3 months after it was
ore for steel production, nickel for makingplaced in the bin. Recycling one ton of cans made
stainless steel and alumina for making aluminum.of aluminum saves 37 barrels of oil and we all
There is only so much metal available on earthknow that oil is a commodity that is becoming
and the more we strip the ground of thesemore and more expensive with time.
natural resources, the more scarce and valuableIt requires much less energy to melt down waste
these metals will become.metal and have it recycled that it does to make
C02 emissions are also reduced dramatically withnew metal. Recycling metal also means that there
metal recycling. For example, when new aluminumis a decreased need to mine for raw materials
is made using recycled metals it results in anwhich saves our planet's natural resources.
energy savings of 95 percent. Copper made fromAlthough the majority of earth's metal is being
recycled metals saves 85% in energyused by industries, it is still important for
consumption while steel produced from recycledconsumers to recycle cans and unwanted metal
metals adds up to 70 percent energy savings.so that it does not end up filling landfills.