Scrap Metal Facts: A Focus on Recycling in the United States

The economic impact

Scrap metal recycling contributes approximately $120 billion yearly to the U.S. economy and supports over 500,000 jobs. This industry not only drives economic growth but also plays a pivotal role in local economies; it is particularly effective in areas with robust manufacturing and recycling facilities.

Energy conservation

Recycling metals is considerably more energy-efficient than mining and refining new materials. For example, recycling aluminum uses only 5% of the energy required to produce primary aluminum. Similarly, steel recycling conserves up to 74% of the energy compared to producing virgin steel.

Environmental benefits

Recycling metal dramatically reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In the U.S., the scrap recycling industry reduces these emissions by up to 300 million tons annually. Additionally, using recycled steel cuts air pollution by 86% and water pollution by 76%.

The highest recycling rates

Steel and aluminum are among the most recycled materials in the U.S. Steel is the most recycled material by volume with about 80 million tons recycled annually. Aluminum, meanwhile, boasts a near-infinite recycling potential without quality degradation. This contributes to its popularity in both industrial and consumer applications.

Shrinking landfills

Scrap metal recycling helps divert over 135 million metric tons of materials from landfills each year. This not only reduces environmental harm but also saves valuable landfill space for non-recyclable materials.

Automotive recycling

The automotive industry is a major contributor to scrap metal recycling in Mulberry. In fact, cars are the most recycled consumer product in the U.S. as components such as steel, aluminum, and copper can be repurposed for use in new vehicles or other applications.

The macro economics

The U.S. is a leading exporter of scrap metal. This helps balance trade deficits and generate billions of dollars annually. These exports also support global sustainability efforts by supplying other nations with high-quality recycled materials.

There’s still room for improvement

Despite its successes, the U.S. still has areas for growth in recycling. For example, a significant percentage of aluminum cans and other recyclable metals end up in landfills each year. Efforts to increase public awareness and improve collection systems could unlock even greater environmental and economic benefits?.

Recycle your scrap metals today

If you’re looking for a scrap metal company to pay for and haul away your pile of junk, then consider Just Scrap It. Our team is on standby to take your call or message today.