Let’s discuss scrap metal recycling. It’s not only beneficial to your business but essential. The UK generates over 10 million tonnes of scrap metal annually, and the economic and environmental benefits are widely known. However, despite the UK’s achievement in recycling a significant proportion of scrap metal, the scrap metal heap continues to grow.
We all have the opportunity to recycle more, and metal stands out as one of the most endlessly recyclable materials. Unlike plastic and glass, the potential uses for re-purposed metals are very high, and recycling metal uses up to 95% less energy than producing new materials.
Every aspect of scrap metal, from old cables and machine parts to industrial waste, can be collected, processed, and reused in manufacturing. Even waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) plays a significant role in the metals recycling industry, as glass, plastics, and precious metals can be found in appliances and electronic items.
Scrap metal recycling is an important resource in the circular economy, whether for financial benefits or to build a future that’s a few shades greener. By fully embracing metal recycling, businesses can conserve natural resources, lower energy consumption, divert waste from landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and bolster profits.
What Is Scrap Metal?
Scrap metal includes any old, surplus, or waste metal from manufacturing processes, broken appliances, unwanted tools, electronic equipment, and other sources. This valuable resource can be melted and repurposed, reducing the need for new materials and helping conserve resources.
There are two types of scrap metal. Ferrous metals contain iron and will stick to a magnet. Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and will not stick to a magnet. If you are interested in scrap metal recycling, it is important to know the difference.
Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals contain iron, making them magnetic. Common examples include steel, cast iron, and wrought iron. These metals are used in construction and manufacturing for their strength and durability. A magnet test can identify ferrous metals: if the magnet sticks, it’s ferrous.
Nonferrous metals, such as aluminium, copper, brass, zinc, magnesium, tin, lead, and nickel, lack iron and are nonmagnetic. They resist corrosion and conduct electricity well. Due to their applications in various industries, nonferrous scrap metal often holds more value than ferrous scrap.
Common Sources of Scrap Metal
Scrap metal is found in many everyday items. Old appliances like washing machines and refrigerators contain valuable scrap metal. Vehicles, industrial machinery, and construction materials also contribute significantly to the pool of ferrous scrap metal.
Electrical and electronic equipment, including IT equipment, televisions, and medical devices, are significant sources of scrap metal. Electronic gadgets are common sources of non-ferrous scrap and other materials. Copper wires and aluminium cans are abundant non-ferrous metals that can be recycled.
At Waste Mission, we have many specialist recycling divisions. Our carbide division focuses on recycling carbide by breaking it down into a powder, which can then be used to make new carbide products.
Our WEEE division safely disposes of and recycles unwanted electronics. Disposing of these items incorrectly can lead to hazardous substances leaking out or potentially releasing toxic substances such as mercury and cadmium, which can be problematic for human health.
Waste Mission also have a cable recycling division that strips the cables to remove valuable metals, mostly aluminium and copper. These metals are melted down and repurposed into new products.
The Benefits of Recycling Scrap Metal
Recycling scrap metal has several environmental benefits. It requires much less energy than producing it from raw materials. Recycling can also divert large volumes of waste from landfills, which helps to protect the environment and secure a sustainable future for all.
The economic benefits of scrap metal recycling are also significant. Recycling can add value to a business's bottom line. By recycling scrap metal, businesses can help build a sustainable economy and create business value.
Environmental Impact of Recycling Scrap Metal
Scrap metal recycling is a powerful asset for environmental conservation. It saves energy, minimises the use of natural resources, and reduces CO2 emissions. For instance, recycling copper saves significant energy, requiring just a tenth of the energy needed to extract the source material. Similarly, recycling aluminium can save up to 80% of the energy used to produce it initially.
Proper recycling practices also include the safe disposal of hazardous materials. Empty aerosol cans can be recycled through designated collections, while full or partially full canisters should be treated as hazardous waste and require safe disposal through specialised facilities.
Economic Advantages of Scrap Metal Recycling
You can make money from scrap metal by transforming it into valuable resources, enabling businesses to generate revenue from materials that might otherwise be discarded.
Utilising recycled metals reduces production costs, helping businesses stay competitive.
Recycling also supports job creation within the metals recycling industry, sustaining roles in collection, processing, and transportation.
Incorporating recycled metals can help build a company's reputation for environmental responsibility, attract eco-conscious consumers and open up new market opportunities. Deloitte’s ‘2023 Sustainable Consumer’ survey revealed that 30% of consumers had stopped buying products due to ethical or sustainability-related concerns. Additionally, almost 50% see circularity as essential for buying a product.
With the rising demand for eco-friendly products, businesses must answer the dual call of conscience and commerce.
Where to Recycle Scrap Metal?
Recycling scrap metal can be straightforward with the right help. At Waste Mission, we have over 40 years of experience in the metals recycling industry, offering scrap metal collection and metal recycling services to businesses and manufacturing facilities across the UK.
Our comprehensive services include operating a scrap metal waste management service through which commercial and manufacturing clients can recycle their scrap metal. We buy scrap metal according to the grade and type of the material and process it into a recycled product that is sold to metal foundries.
All our scrap metal is tested with Niton X-ray analysers to confirm metal grade and guarantee accuracy. This technology provides appropriate sorting when preparing metals for smelting, increases the volume of metal identified for recycling, and ensures that our customers are paid accurately. It also means that the foundries we sell to are assured of their quality of material.
Whether you’re dealing with old machinery or surplus materials, we make the process simple and ensure you are able to receive a fair price. We provide a Waste Transfer Note for complete traceability with every metal collection.
All of our contracted customers have access to our custom-built Waste Management Portal, enabling them to manage their waste more effectively and sustainably than ever before, staying up to date with waste streams, compliance and ESG targets.
Customers love our comprehensive dashboard overviewing key metrics, including disposal routes, carbon savings, and the latest invoices and compliance paperwork.
How to Recycle Scrap Metal
Recycling scrap metal is more than just reducing waste—it’s a practical way to give discarded materials a new purpose. At our waste management facility, experts work to transform unwanted metal into something valuable.
Recycling scrap metal follows a series of steps that help turn old metal into materials you can use again.
- Collection
- Sorting
- Processing
- Melting
- Purification
- Solidification
Scrap Metal Collection
The scrap metal collection process is designed to be straightforward and convenient. We will never turn up unannounced but instead all collections are booked in advance and a member of our team will come directly to your site in one of our fully branded fleet vehicles.
At Waste Mission, we fabricate a lot of our containers on-site in a specialist facility. The scrap metal containers are forkliftable, stackable, seam welded, lidded (where necessary) and lockable to ensure your materials are safely and efficiently transported to our recycling facility.
Alternatively, tradespersons can bring their scrap metal to our dedicated recycling facilities through our gate trade service. Our yards accept a wide range of materials, including both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The staff at these facilities are ready to assist with unloading and ensure that your scrap is processed promptly. Both options provide a hassle-free way to recycle scrap metal and receive fair compensation.
Sorting Your Scrap Metal
We start by sorting your scrap metal with careful attention. We use Niton technology to identify metals and their different grades accurately. Next, we remove any non-metal attachments and use a wide range of different processes including baling, pucking and shredding to ease the next stages of processing.
Processing and Melting
When preparing scrap metal for melting, we focus on making it more manageable. Hydraulic machinery comes into play, helping us compact and cut the metals. This approach makes the melting process more energy-friendly.
By breaking down the metal, we make it easier to melt, which conserves energy. This transformation turns scrap into molten metal, setting the stage for purification and solidification. It's a straightforward method that keeps recycling effective and efficient.
Solidifying and Repurposing
The metal is then solidified into bars, sheets, or other desired shapes. This solidification process prepares the metal for repurposing into new products.
The repurposing stage ensures that the recycled metal is utilised effectively, contributing to various industries and reducing the need for new raw materials.
This step completes the recycling process, turning waste into valuable resources.
Specific Types of Scrap Metal and Their Value
The worth of scrap metal depends on what it’s made of and how much demand there is for it. We accept a huge range of metals for recycling, including various types of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals. You will find that metal prices go up and down according to markets and world events, but don’t worry, we are always on the lookout for these changes to ensure you receive the best price for your metal waste.
Preparing Your Scrap Metal For Collection & Sale
If you prepare and segregate your metal waste for sale, you'll receive more money for it. It's worth taking a few hours to remove non-metallic waste from your copper and brass as well as ensuring different types of metal are stored separately. Before you sell, check the local regulations. In the UK, you need a Scrap Metal Dealer Licence, Waste Carriers License and Environmental Permit by law. One of the many reasons you should work with a trusted waste management company is that we’ll make sure you get it right.
High-Value Metals
The most valuable metals to recycle are generally copper and aluminium. These are the most in-demand metals, and they can be recycled repeatedly. Copper is especially valuable because of its importance for electrical wiring and infrastructure—and the best thing about it is that it retains its quality no matter how many times it is recycled.
Aluminium is a bit of a special case. It's strong and lightweight, and car and aircraft manufacturers love it. By recycling these precious materials, you're helping industries use fewer raw materials, less energy and more of what already exists.
Low-Value Metals
Light iron and steel are lower in value than non-ferrous metals, but they are still worth recycling.
You will find these metals everywhere. This is why they are amongst the most recycled materials in the world. There is always a steady supply of them available. This means that industries can continue to use recycled materials without having to dig up new supplies.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Recycling scrap metal involves ensuring compliance with various legal and safety considerations. The Scrap Metal Dealers Act regulates scrap metal dealers’ licensing and operational practices. Ensuring compliance with these regulations is crucial for legal and efficient recycling.
Managing waste materials is a critical aspect of the recycling process, especially in the context of End of Life Vehicle (ELV) regulations. Every scrapped vehicle must be de-polluted, and the waste materials generated during this process must be accounted for in the scrap industry.
Safety precautions are equally necessary. Handling scrap metal can be hazardous, so proper training and the use of safety gear are essential to minimise risks. Following proper disposal methods also helps prevent accidents and injuries. Waste Mission’s commitment to responsible waste metal management is reinforced by our industry-leading accreditations, including ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety. Additionally, our SafeContractor certification highlights our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and workplace safety in all aspects of metal recycling.
Legal Requirements
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act is the primary legislation governing scrap metal recycling in the UK. It mandates that scrap metal dealers obtain licenses from local councils and adhere to strict operational standards. An amendment in 2012 made it illegal to purchase scrap metal for cash in England and Wales.
These regulations were introduced to combat metal theft, improve traceability, and ensure that industry transactions are conducted transparently and responsibly. As a result, all payments must be made via electronic transfer or cheque, helping to create a more accountable and sustainable metal recycling sector.
Local councils assess applicants' suitability based on specific criteria, ensuring that only reputable dealers are licensed. Compliance with this act is essential for legal and ethical scrap metal recycling. Waste Mission helped to lead the charge in formalising this licensing mandate for scrap metal dealers, consulting with the British Transport Police and partnering with industry leaders to bring about much-needed changes.
Unfortunately, even ten years after the legislation’s introduction, metal owners still need to be protected due to a lack of enforcement plans. Unscrupulous and unregistered dealers continue to operate with impunity, and many companies may be unaware of the value of the metal they hold in their hands.
Today, as metal theft incidents persist, we remain committed to working alongside industries and manufacturers to tackle the thefts.
Safety Precautions
Safety is paramount in the scrap metal recycling industry. Proper training in manual handling and using safety gear, such as gloves and protective clothing, are essential to minimise risks. Common hazards include slips, trips, falls, and machinery-related accidents, making thorough safety protocols necessary.
Disposing of old electrical items and electronic waste must be done carefully. Unsafe handling can harm people and the environment. If you follow the proper safety procedures, recycling is safe and simple.
Summary
Scrap metal recycling benefits both the environment and the economy. By understanding the types of scrap metal, the recycling process, and the associated legal and safety considerations, manufacturers can contribute to a more sustainable future. The economic and environmental advantages make recycling essential for any business.
If you would like to learn more about how Waste Mission can help you make the most of your scrap metal – book a waste review today.
