EDUCATION
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Scrap Metal - What is scrap metal waste?
 Scrap
metal includes ferrous metals such as iron and steel, and
various nonferrous materials such as aluminum, copper, tin,
brass, etc. Metal appliances include clothes washers and
dryers, refrigerators, stoves, water heaters, and other
metal household appliances.
Appliance waste can be divided into refrigerants (Freon)
and non-refrigerants containing appliances. Appliances containing
refrigerants (Freon) can destroy the ozone layer if not
properly recycled. Appliances are comprised of approximately
75% steel, which is recyclable.
- Refrigerator/freezers
- Ranges/ovens
- Washers/dryers
- Dishwashers
- Microwave ovens
- Dehumidifiers
- Room air conditioners
- Trash compactors
The Process
Four Stages: Collection, Processing, Shredding, and Sale
- The best way to get rid of appliances is to have retailers
collect when the new is dropped off.
- Different components of appliances must be removed professionally.
They are then sent to be crushed, bailed and/or shredded.
- The scrap is then separated and compacted.
- They are then sold to minimills, which process them
to steel. Processing scrap metal to steel instead of virgin
ore require about 74% less energy.
Facts
- Steel content of appliances ranges from 25 to 125 pounds
- Appliances account for about 10% of the steel recycled
by the recycling industry.3
- We throw away enough iron and steel to continuously
supply all the nation’s automakers.
- Every day Americans use enough steel and tin cans to
make a steel pipe running from Los Angeles to New York…
and back.
- About 70% of all metal is used just once and is discarded.
Benefits
- 97% Reduction in mining wastes
- 90% Savings in virgin materials use
- 86% Reduction in air pollution
- 76% Reduction in water pollution
- 74% Reduction in energy
- 40% Reduction in water use
In a year, the steel industry saves the equivalent energy
to electrically power about 18 million households for a
year. By recycling one ton of steel, 2500 pounds of iron
ore, 1400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone are
conserved.
Problem with Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping of appliances can lead to big problems:
-It can lead to groundwater pollution.
-Air pollution
-Can cause extra money to taxpayers for cleanup.
-Can be unpleasing to the eye.
-Impacts on wildlife and plant life.
-Exposure to hazards such as PCBs, CFCs & Mercury.
Guidelines for scrap metal facilities:
Owners of metal stockpile sites are requested to provide
the Department a basic description of the facility site
and its operation. The Department has information available
on recyclers for metal materials. If a local recycler is
not available, owners are asked to inform the Department
on a regular basis of the amount and condition of stockpiled
recyclable metals so that a statewide inventory can be maintained
for interested recyclers.
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