The essential things to know about metal recovery
In order to protect the planet and improve its sustainability, recycling is becoming a common practice. This reduces waste by half and conserves resources. Waste can have a second life. For example, metals can be reused to make new products or materials. But what exactly does this activity consist of? The answers will be given to you in this article.
Recycling metal waste to deal with waste
Recycled metal waste
Just like household waste, metals can also be reused. They are recycled and sorted, then retransformed before being put back on the market. But not all types of metals are affected by this metal valorization.
Metals used in the finishing work
Metals classified in the finishing work category include metal materials intended for construction and demolition sites. These are:
- Metal roofs
- Metal cables
- Exterior fences
- Metal sheaths
- Ceilings and plinths
- Exterior joinery
- Sanitary equipment
- Electric paths
- Exterior cladding and insulation
- Water drainage systems (rain)
- Metal plumbing equipment
- Shutters, blinds and curtain walls
- Interior fittings in steel or iron
Electric cables
The electrical cables retained for recycling are cables made only of copper and aluminum. Other cable models containing other material compositions are rejected for sorting.
The valorization of metals
These metals are sorted into two categories before being sent to the metallurgical processing plant:
Ferrous metals
Ferrous metals contain iron. These are metallic materials used in the industrial world. They are magnetic. Some of them are vulnerable to humidity and corrosion. These rust easily over the years.
Examples
- Cast iron
- Wrought iron
- Stainless steel
- Carbon steel
Non-ferrous metals
Non-ferrous metals do not contain any iron alloy. This category of metal does not rust compared to conventional irons.
Examples of metal waste
- Gold
- Money
- Platinum
- Brass
- Bronze
- Copper
- Zinc
- Lead
- Aluminum
Waste packaging
Metals intended for recasting must be absolutely in good condition. They must be put in waterproof containers. You must therefore place them in a dumpster and isolate them from the remains of your household waste.
The waste collection process
The people in charge of collecting metal waste go to the different collection points. For individuals, the collection of non-ferrous metals is done through specialized organizations and from recycling centers. Some waste management companies specialize in the recovery and treatment of metal waste, with a view to recovering metals.
Sorting
The sorting centers take care of the preparation of metal waste before sending it for compaction, hence reducing pollution. It is at this level that metals are distributed according to their alloy and their category.
Waste crushing
Once sorted, the metals are cut, crushed, then crushed before being transported to the compaction zone.
Compaction
This penultimate step consists of compacting the metal debris into cubes using a giant press. They will then be refined, melted and transformed for a new life.