How Can I Recycle Scrap Metal in the UK?

Every time a material is produced in massive amounts, it has the potential to become an environmental issue and an economic burden. As such, recycling has become increasingly important to society and is essential for businesses now more than ever in the age of mass production. When you choose to recycle used materials, you manage limited resources, reduce costs on production and minimise the waste you send to landfills.

Scrap metal is one of the most highly produced materials on the market. Recycling scrap metal helps stimulate the economy and benefits the environment in many ways. Here’s how you can start.

You can split scrap metal into two types: ferrous and non-ferrous.

Ferrous metals contain iron and have little resistance to corrosion. They often include vehicle scraps, demolition site scraps, metal cuts from manufacturing industries and steel swarf. On the other hand, non-ferrous metals are those that have no iron content and are much easier to recycle. Some of the non-ferrous metals we deal with are zinc, stainless steel, mixed copper and aluminium.

Differentiating between the two metals is important as recycling processes differ for each type.

The Benefits

Recycling scrap metal has a vast array of benefits for both the economy and the environment:

• Prevents Waste

Perhaps the most obvious and the most important advantage of recycling scrap metal is its sustainability. When you choose to recycle scrap metal, you lessen the waste that goes to incinerators and landfills.

• Eliminates the Need for Mining

Mining is an invasive act. This involves extracting raw materials from the earth using heavy duty equipment to dig it out from the ground. This digging can destroy the soil and release toxic compounds into the water and atmosphere. Recycling scrap metals takes away the need for unnecessary mining and, instead, encourages businesses to reuse existing metals.

• Boosts the Economy

Metal recycling in the UK is a booming industry. In 2016, 68.7 per cent of produced metal was recycled, generating millions of pounds for the economy. If the number continues to rise, homes and businesses can divert scrap metal from the waste sites and contribute to the overall economic growth of the UK.

• Conserves Energy

Extracting metals from ore is a very energy-intensive process. Recycling scrap metal rather than extracting them from natural resources will save 95 per cent more energy. In fact, recycling one aluminium soda can save enough energy to power a 60 watt light bulb for four hours.

LKM Recycling

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, LKM Recycling is at the forefront of total waste management solutions. As a leading waste management company in Sittingbourne, we offer a wide range of services, such as wood waste, plastic, scrap car collections, paper and cardboard recycling, shredding services and many more. Our skips and containers pick up waste directly from your area—commit to safe waste disposal with us.

Do not let your scrap metal end up in the landfills. Entrust your recycling needs with a team of scrap metal merchants at LKM Recycling by calling us on 01795 439393. Send us an email at enquiries@lkm.org.uk for other questions and concerns.