Millions of tons of scrap metal are used and discarded each year. From bottles and cans, to vehicles, electronics, and more, metal is a highly useful commodity that is 100% recyclable. According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (http://www.isri.org), 150 million tons of scrap metal was recycled in 2008. This rate of metal recycling has remained strong over the years, and we are still recycling millions of tons of scrap metal today!

Continue reading to learn why metal recycling is so valuable to our environment, economy, and more!

❶ Environmental Protection

Recycling scrap metal is good for the environment for many reasons. For example, the mining of new metal ore creates larger amounts of harmful greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to making new products with recycled metal. These emissions cause air pollution to rise in metropolitan areas, and can even influence climate changes overtime. According to the National Institutes of Health, making new products using recycled metal produces 97% less mining waste and uses 40% less water!

❷ Energy Conservation

Scrap metal recycling conserves energy since there is no need to drill, refine, process, and manufacture new ore. Here’s a fun fact: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling just one single aluminum soda can saves enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for more than four hours!

❸ Natural Resource Preservation

One of our most precious natural resources on Earth is our natural ore deposits. Unfortunately, there is only a limited amount. By recycling scrap metal, we can reduce the need to mine for new, virgin ore, thus preserving our planet’s natural resources.

❹ Economic Support

The scrap metal recycling industry is not only philanthropic in terms of the environment, it also aids the local economy by providing jobs, promoting cash flow, and allowing for economic gain. According to the National Recycling Coalition, the recycling industry generates virtually $236 billion each year, and employs more than one million workers across America.

Recycle Scrap Metal in Indianapolis

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal and junk metal commodities in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and more. Call 1-888-586-5322 to request a free estimate for your scrap metal, today.