Energy Efficiency in Recycling Services
There are many different types of recycling services, but you may be wondering just how energy efficient it really is to recycle things like scrap metal and plastics. There have been many discussions on this lately, trying to determine if it’s actually better for the environment to recycle.
Overall, recycling uses considerably less energy and is much better for the environment. It does require some energy use, but less than actually producing brand new metal or plastic for the products in question.
Metal Production Uses More Energy
When it comes to metal recycling services, it’s definitely a better idea to recycle your scrap metal than just toss it. That’s because actually making metal available in the first place is rather terrible for the environment. It’s a long drawn out process that can be hazardous to the environment and the living things around it, including animals and humans.
First, the ore must be mined, which is a process that can be rather damaging to the earth on its own. From there, the processing is long and energy intensive before the metal is extracted and can be used. This virgin metal wastes plenty of resources which simply aren’t necessary.
Once the metal is in a usable form, it can be used again and again. For example, aluminium recycling saves around 95% of energy over using virgin metal. Since there is already quite a lot of metal scrap in the world, it makes sense to use it and recycle it. This is the best way to ensure the energy used is minimal.
Steel is 100% Recyclable
The steel that is used in the UK is already around a quarter recycled steel. It can all be recycled, which saves an incredible amount of energy. For every tonne of steel cans that is recycled, air emissions are reduced by 86% and water pollution by 76%. It also saves a lot of metal.
Other Benefits
Recycling services also help prevent toxic leaks which can occur when electronic waste and other similar scrap items are left in the landfill. The toxic substances can drip out and cause some serious contamination, particularly in the ground water.
It’s also possible to save animal habitats, which would otherwise be destroyed by mining. When you recycle metal, then you have fewer reasons to mine. This means more habitats are left intact and fewer animals are displaced. It also helps prevent soil and water pollution, which can affect the areas around the mines.
From plastic recycling to electronic recycling, you have many ways to reduce the energy usage that is attributed to mining and production of new products.
Are you searching “electronic recycling near me?” If so, you may like to know that Broughshire Waste Metals offers a range of recycling services, including recycling electronics and plastics.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
