When it comes to recycling, metal can often find itself as an afterthought. When in reality, metal recycling boasts a range of notable environmental and economic advantages! When getting started with metal recycling, it can be hard to know what’s what and how different types of metal should be recycled.

At ETM Recycling, we provide a range of services such as skip hire, recycling, waste management and tipping. In this blog, we offer a complete guide to metal recycling – outlining the process, its importance and best practices for those wishing to recycle their metal waste. Providing detailed guidance on how to recycle the various types of metal and the benefits of doing so.

 

Types of Metals That Can Be Recycled

The wide variety of metals used in our homes and workplaces can make it tricky to know how each metal variety should be recycled – or whether it can be recycled at all! Below, we outline some key metal types, offering some useful details on how each is processed.

Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals such as steel and iron are especially common within the construction and healthcare industries, known for their tensile strength and durability. Of the range of metals available, ferrous metals offer a particularly fitting candidate for recycling, as they can be recycled time and time again without losing their quality. To allow for recycling, ferrous metals should first be separated from non-ferrous metals, before being processed, melted down and purified and solidified. Discover more about how ferrous metals are recycled.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals such as aluminium and copper do not contain iron and are consequently highly resistant to corrosion and rust. To begin, non-ferrous metals are collected and then sorted using electromagnetic separators which allow the separation of non-ferrous metals from ferrous metals based on their magnetic and conductive properties. Metals are then processed, shredded, melted and solidified ahead of forming.

Precious Metals

Precious metals can be either ferrous or non-ferrous depending on their alloys, with common metals including gold and silver. To begin the recycling process, precious metals should be inspected and separated before shredding, purifying and melting.

Hazardous Metals

Hazardous meals such as lead can often be the subject of confusion when it comes to recycling. Not only is lead recyclable, but it actually possesses some of the highest rates of recycling of commonly used materials. To commence recycling, hazardous metals should first be cleaned and treated to remove contamination, remaining attentive to contaminated runoff. When looking to recycle hazardous materials, it is recommended that the person organising the recycling check available labels and seek support from a specialist recycling centre, especially when recycling electronics containing batteries. If a centre requires additional guidance, they may seek advice from government sources.

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Steps to Recycle Metal Waste

As mentioned above, the steps required to recycle metal waste can vary from one type of metal to another. However, most metal recycling processes contain some, if not all of the following steps.

1.   Collection

Metal is gathered in bins or other collection containers. UK legislation requires your business waste to be sorted by type, so you’ll want to make sure you have adequate bins and a proper waste management partner to ensure a smooth process.

2.   Sorting

The sorting stage prioritises quality assurance. First, metals will be separated from non-metals, metals are then separated into subcategories using magnets.

3.   Processing

During this step, metals are compacted and squeezed together so they take up less space and then cut into smaller pieces. It is then shredded into smaller pieces using hammer mills ahead of melting.

4.   Melting

Metals are then melted down in a large furnace, separating them out into individual elements and preparing them for further refinement.

5.   Purification

Metals are then purified to remove contaminants – often using purification methods such as electrolysis.

6.   Solidifying

In this final stage, chemicals are added to the melted metal before it is solidified in a cooling chamber.

Learn more about the latest changes in recycling legislation for 2024/2025 >

 

The Benefits of Metal Recycling

Reduce Energy Consumption

Recycling metal uses comparatively less energy than processes that would be required to produce new metal materials. This allows for the preservation of natural resources by lessening the need for new mining activities.

Minimise Landfill Waste

Recycling offers an alternative outcome for materials that would otherwise be disposed of in landfill. This in turn reduces the contribution to greenhouse emissions through by-products such as carbon dioxide and methane.

A More Economical Option

In addition to boasting benefits for the environment, the reduced energy required to recycle metal over producing new materials also has financial benefits. Processes that require less energy are also less costly to run.

Common Challenges in Metal Recycling

Contamination

During the recycling process, non-metallic materials and chemicals such as paint, oil and dirt often find their way into the recycling product. If these contaminants aren’t removed, the quality and value of the recycled materials can be compromised. This challenge can be countered through the use of thorough cleaning and sorting processes ahead of melting.

Find out more about the disposal of hazardous waste >

End of Life Product Variation

In a world that uses such a breadth of technology, the challenge of recycling electronics that have reached the end of their life is growing, (e.g. electronics and vehicle parts). These products are often made up of a mix of materials, including metals, plastics and other materials. This can make recycling these products both challenging and costly.

Adhering to Legislation

The metal recycling industry is heavily informed by environmental regulations. As these regulations continuously evolve, metal recycling services must ensure their process remains compliant. This requires regular monitoring and adjustment as well as financial investments in new machinery and technologies.

 

How to Maximise Metal Recycling Efficiency

Currently in the UK, the main options for metal recycling include visiting a local recycling centre, scrap yard or enlisting the help of industry specialists such as ETM Recycling. In attempts to develop the UK metal recycling sector over coming years, key figures within the recycling industry have suggested that notable changes will emerge across the sector – it is anticipated that advances in technology, new corporate initiatives and government strategies will direct attention to safe and effective mental recycling.

 

Metal Recycling with ETM Recycling

ETM Recycling offers a range of waste management and recycling services, Including tipping, waste management and recycling.  Following recent investment in our scrap metal recycling services, we are now able to segregate and recycle both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, assisting clients with varying metal waste management needs. To learn more about our range of services or to speak to a member of staff about selling your scrap metal, get in touch today.

Find out how to sell your scrap metal >

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