Posted on 10 Jul 2024
Steel recycling has several benefits and is both economically and environmentally required. The most recycled material in the world is steel. It is found in food packaging, household appliances, automobiles, and more.
Steel recycling is crucial since it lowers consumption, costs, energy usage, and labour. Up to 1.5 tonnes of iron ore, 1/2 tonnes of coal, and 40% of the water typically needed in the production process can all be saved by recycling steel. The production of iron and steel from ferrous trash reduces CO2 emissions by 58%.1
Conserves Energy
According to estimations from the International Copper Association, recycling metal uses 95% less energy than producing new metal from ore sources. Recycling steel, aluminium, copper, and other metals only require 15–25% of the initial energy needed! 2
Fewer Landfills
Reducing the number of landfills will improve public health and the economy while establishing a more ecologically friendly and sustainable waste management system.
Economic Benefits
Manufacturers purchase recycled metal to create new items. With this, they can save money on cost savings, revenue generation, energy efficiency, and environmental cost reduction. Embracing steel recycling as part of a circular economy strategy can lead to long-term economic growth and sustainability.3
Protects Natural Resources
One of the essential ingredients in steel production is coal. Coal burning contributes to climate change. In 2010, 43% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions came from coal. It is crucial that we treat this issue seriously.5
Good for the Environment
Steel recycling is good for the environment. This is among the methods for protecting the environment. Job creation for green job is also available such as collecting and processing scrap to manufacturing and selling recycled steel products.6
Benefits of Using Recycled Steel
i. Eco-Friendly
This is a great way to make the world a greener place to live. Each tonne of recycled steel will save approximately ½ tonne of coal and 1.5 tonnes of iron ore. You also save thousands of gallons of water as well.7
ii. Steel Retains Excellent Quality after Recycling
Steel can be recycled many times and built to last. Recycled steel has high quality grade. It can be stronger than non-recycled steel due to its unique composition and production process.7
iii. Versatility and Flexibility
Recycled steels are used in various application such as construction and automotive. Steel’s exceptional durability, resistance to corrosion, and great tensile strength has become a popular choice in construction.8
How steel recycling serves in the long run?
Steel takes a hundred years to break down in a landfill. Over time, steel recycling helps to preserve the environment by offering substitutes for the building and manufacturing sectors.9
Source: nationalmaterial.com, 2024
Recycling steel is a great help to the mother nature. It helps to cut down green gas emissions and a crucial way to curb pollution. Although steel recycling is currently done in the west, there will be a paradigm shift to ASEAN countries in the future.
Source:- 1 tampasteel.com, 2024
2 federalmetals.ca, 2022
3 millerrecycling.com, 2023
4 pubs.nmsu.edu, 2024
5 axil-is.com, 2022
6 dwreinforcing.com, 2024
7 tampasteel.com, 2024
8 buildingrenewable.com, 2023
9 ptmetals.com, 2023
Source:SEAISI
