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Jan 09

Recycling Refractory Metals: Environmental & Economic Benefits

Common scrap metal like aluminum, steel, and copper tend to dominate the conversation when we talk about scrap metal recycling in Auburndale, FL, but beyond these everyday materials lies another fascinating group of metals: refractory metals.

While they’re not as ubiquitous, refractory metals are essential to high-performance applications – and recycling them offers significant environmental and economic benefits. This brief article brought to you by Just Scrap It will focus on exactly that: the environmental and economic benefits of recycling refractory metals.

If you’re looking for a reputable scrap metal company to buy your pile of “rustables,” then consider Just Scrap It. We offer top dollar for scrap metals and even offer pickup services.

What Are Refractory Metals?

Refractory metals include but are not limited to tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, niobium, and rhenium. They are notable for their extraordinary resistance to heat, wear, and corrosion.

In fact, these metals have some of the highest melting points of any element on the periodic table. Tungsten, for example, melts at a staggering 3,422°C (6,192°F).

This makes refractory metals indispensable for extreme applications like aerospace components, high-speed tools, nuclear reactors, and medical implants.

Why Are Refractory Metals Rare in Recycling?

Despite their immense value, refractory metals are not commonly recycled. Why? There are a few reasons that come to mind:

  • Refractory metals are used in niche industries and are not as widespread as copper or aluminum.
  • These metals often exist in alloys or highly specialized forms. This makes separation and purification challenging.
  • The technology and energy needed to recycle refractory metals can be expensive. This naturally discourages the typical scrap metal buyer from focusing on these metals.

However, given their importance and the increasing demand for sustainable practices, recycling refractory metals is gaining momentum.

Environmental Benefits of Recycling Refractory Metals

Mining refractory metals is an energy-intensive process that disturbs ecosystems and generates significant waste. Tungsten mining, for instance, generates up to 10 tons of waste for every ton of ore extracted! Recycling reduces the need for mining and helps conserve finite resources.

Plus, many high-tech products containing refractory metals end up in landfills. Recycling keeps these materials in circulation and prevents harmful substances from leaching into the environment.

In short, producing metals from recycled materials uses far less energy, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions associated with mining, smelting, and refining metals, and keeps them out of landfills.

Economic Benefits of Recycling Refractory Metals

Refractory metals are among the most valuable materials on the market, making their recycling highly lucrative. Recycling metals not only offers a cheaper way to produce than virgin materials, but also ensures a steady supply of rare metals.

By keeping valuable materials in use, recycling contributes to a sustainable and circular economy that benefits businesses and consumers alike. Plus, it’s an industry that employs countless skilled laborers!

Why Not Just Scrap It?

Just Scrap It is proud to be a leader in the scrap metal recycling industry. We’re your scrap metal and junk car buyer in the Central Florida area.

Not only do we pay top dollar for your scrap metals, but we also offer scrap metal and junk car removal services so that you can make quick cash without leaving your property. Call or message us today to get in touch with a member of our team.

What Our Clients Say

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Juan Martinez
Kissimmee, FL

The people were nice and I was able to sell my scrap metal quickly.

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Mercedes Porsche
Zephyrhills, FL

Whenever I have metal to get rid of, this is the place to bring it. They are fast and friendly.

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Walley Tice
Seffner, FL

I'm thankful for Scrap It. They are great to work with. Friendly and helpful. Thanks

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Landon Bradley
Tampa, FL

Great service. Very friendly. Highly recommended this scrap yard. Ur very welcome and thanks again.