In this consumer-driven world, almost everything that you buy can in one way or the other be recycled and used again. If you've just become the owner of a wide selection of used equipment or appliances and may be wondering what to do with them, why should you consider recycling and how are the various components segregated for scrap?

How Metal Is Segregated

Typically, scrap metal can be divided into two separate categories – nonferrous and ferrous. The latter are iron-based, include steel and are typically identified by their magnetic properties. Nonferrous metals refer to everything else, basically and include copper-based alloy and aluminium alloys. These materials are rust resistant and non-magnetic and are typically part of a more intensive reduction process before they can be reused.

Greater Benefits

Everyone knows the benefits of recycling as far as the environment is concerned and in general, Australians do an excellent job in repurposing their scrap metal, with the majority of steel and iron used in foundries now part of this movement. When steel is recycled it only requires about half of the energy needed compared to original production from iron ore and there is a very large reduction in CO2 emissions as a consequence.

Individual Benefit

It can be beneficial to recycle almost any type of equipment or appliance that you have for scrap and worth talking to a dealer to see what they can offer you. In particular, nonferrous metals attract higher rates and these include copper, brass, bronze and stainless steel.

How Each Material Is Used

Steel is definitely the material that is recycled the most around the world and it can be recycled continually with no performance degradation. The vast majority of the steel found in appliances and automobiles is recycled from year-to-year.

Aluminium, on the other hand, find its way into a large variety of new products ranging from sporting goods all the way up to brand new aircraft, while brass, bronze and copper are some of the most prized elements due to their almost infinite durability.

Figuring out Your Haul

Never underestimate the value of the equipment and appliances that you have and especially given the fact that many of these items can be broken down into several different categories before recycling. Have a word with your scrap metal agent to see how you can make some money, while contributing to the greater good of the environment as well.

For more information, contact companies like Brisbane Scrap Metal Recycling PTY LTD.

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