Scrap Metal Recycling: The Process from Start to Finish

For many of us, the last time we think about our scrap metal is when we drop it off in a scrap yard or have it picked up from our property. While we certainly hear a lot about scrap metal processing, have you ever wondered what exactly this process is? In this blog, we outlined the entire scrap metal recycling process.

Scrap Yard

When scrap metal arrives at our recycling facility, the material is meticulously sorted. This isn't just a casual glance; it's a careful separation based on metal type (ferrous or non-ferrous), size, and quality. Our skilled team use advanced technologies, like magnets and spectrometers to ensure that different metals are grouped appropriately. This initial sorting is critical for efficient processing, as each metal requires a specific treatment.

Metal Size Reduction

Following the sorting phase, the metal undergoes size reduction. Large, bulky items are shredded, crushed, or sheared into smaller, more manageable pieces. This process not only increases the surface area of the metal, making it easier to melt but also aids in removing contaminants. Powerful shredders and hydraulic shears are employed to break everything from old appliances to car bodies. The resulting smaller pieces are then often passed through magnetic separators to further refine the separation of ferrous metals from non-ferrous materials.

Steel Cleaning

 With the metal now correctly sized and sorted, the next step is cleaning. Contaminants like dirt, paint, and other non-metallic materials are removed to ensure the purity of the recycled metal. This can involve chemical stripping, high-temperature burning, or even simple washing. The goal is to eliminate any impurities that could compromise the quality of the final recycled product.

Metal Melting

The cleaned and processed metal is then ready for melting. In large furnaces, the metal is heated to its melting point, transforming it into a molten state. The specific temperature and melting process vary depending on the type of metal. For example, steel requires a different treatment than aluminium. This molten metal is then purified to remove any remaining impurities, ensuring a high-quality product.

Final Metal Recycling Steps

Finally, the molten metal is cast into ingots, sheets, or other forms suitable for reuse. These newly formed metal products are then ready to be sold to manufacturers, who will use them to create a wide range of new goods. From cars and appliances to construction materials and electronics, the recycled metal re-enters the manufacturing cycle, closing the loop and reducing the need for virgin ore extraction.

As you can see, the scrap metal recycling process is in-depth and complex but still ensures the lowest carbon footprint possible.