Steel recycling is an excellent way for businesses to save money and ensure that they are being eco-friendly. However, it’s important to know the cost of steel recycling before getting started.
There are several factors that will affect the price of steel recycling, including the type of steel being recycled and the process used. However, on average, businesses can expect to save between 30% to 50% by recycling their steel instead of buying new materials.
This article discusses the cost of steel recycling for businesses, including the type of steel and the process used.
Steel vs. Metal: What’s the Difference?
Is steel a metal? This is a common question we get asked here at Generated Materials Recovery. The short answer is yes, steel is metal. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, and it’s this combination that gives steel its strength and durability.
However, there are different types of steel, and each type has its own unique properties. For example, mild steel is a low-carbon steel that’s easy to work with, while stainless steel is a high-strength steel resistant to corrosion.
Types of Steel
When recycling steel, it’s important to know the difference between these types of steel so that you can get the best price for your recycling. Three main types of steel can be recycled: ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless.
Ferrous steel is the most common type of steel recycled, as it contains iron and is magnetic. This type of steel can be found in everyday items such as cans, appliances, and even car engines.
Non-ferrous steel does not contain iron and is not magnetic. This type of steel is more expensive to recycle but can be found in items such as aluminum cans, copper pipes, and brass fixtures.
Stainless steel is a high-strength steel that’s resistant to corrosion. This type of steel is often used in medical and food-processing equipment.
Why Recycle Steel?
There are many benefits to recycling steel, both for businesses and the environment. Steel recycling is a cost-effective way to obtain steel for your business, as well as reduce the environmental impact of mining and manufacturing new steel.
In addition, recycling steel can help businesses save on energy costs. The recycling process uses less energy than producing new steel from scratch, making it a more sustainable option for businesses. Steel is 100% recyclable, so it can be recycled over and over again without losing its quality.
The Process of Steel Recycling
Now that you know the different types of steel, let’s take a look at the process of recycling steel. The first step is to sort the steel by type. Ferrous steel is the most common type of recycled steel, so it’s important to know how to identify it.
The easiest way to tell if steel is ferrous is to use a magnet. If the steel is attracted to the magnet, then it’s ferrous steel and can be recycled. If the steel is not attracted to the magnet, then it’s non-ferrous steel and cannot be recycled.
Once the steel is sorted by type, it’s then shredded into small pieces. This makes it easier to recycle and also separates any contaminants that may be mixed in with the steel.
After the steel is shredded, it’s then melted down and formed into new products. This is where the steel is recycled into new products such as cans, appliances, and even car engines.
At GMR, we used different sized open-top vehicles to collect your steel waste. We understand that every client is different, which is why we offer maximum flexibility to ensure that the material is collected in the most efficient way possible. We take into consideration your floorspace, dock space, equipment, and labor so that we can be respectful of your parameters. We tailor our recycling programs to fit the specific needs of each client.
We not only deliver and install the equipment but also create a service schedule that works best for your business’s operation. Because we are experts in recycling, we understand what material grades are needed, what services are required, and how to turn these materials into commodities that can be sold. This allows us to get the most value out of them.
GMR runs its own recycling facilities in several states across the U.S. and even in Asia.
The Cost of Steel Recycling
The cost of steel recycling will vary depending on the type of steel being recycled and the process used. However, on average, businesses can expect significant savings by recycling their steel waste.
Steel recycling is a great way to save money and reduce environmental impact. Contact GMR today to learn more about our steel recycling services. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and provide you with a free quote.
