Monthly Archives: May, 2022

1. 

   What Happens When Scrap Metal Isn’t Recycled?

   May 31st, 2022 by SEO DOGS | Posted in Metal Recycling, Recycling Tips | 9 Comments

   Recycling scrap metal is a great way to make extra cash, preserve the environment, and clear out space on your property.

   However, not everyone who has scrap metal to spare knows about the importance of recycling their unwanted metals. Leaving metals to rot on your property or out on the corner for general collection is the wrong way to handle your scraps.

   Here’s a closer look at why and what happens when scrap metal is left to waste.

   Wasted Scrap Metal Crowds Out Landfills

   Did you know that the United States alone creates over 200 million tons of waste that goes straight to local landfills? Unfortunately, a healthy portion of said waste is recyclable metals.

   According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the 2,000 landfills in the US will reach their capacity by 2035. Recycling scrap metals keep recyclable materials out of landfills and adds a little more time to make proper use of local landfills.

   Unrecycled Scraps Are a Wasted Natural Resource

   Your scrap metals come from a limited natural resource. Leaving your recyclables to deteriorate on your property or in a landfill prevents valuable metals from being reused over and over again.

   This means that more limited resources will need to be mined, putting more pressure on ever-depleting resources.

   Pollution Increase

   Aside from depleting natural resources and fossil fuels, mining new metals lead to environmental pollution from mining machinery.

   As if more greenhouse gasses weren’t bad enough, most scrap metals that go to waste stem from electronics. When electronics sit in landfills, they release harmful toxins like mercury and cadmium into the surrounding soil and water supplies.

   Even second-hand exposure to these chemicals can be fatal for humans and local wildlife.

   Increased Manufacturing Costs

   Sending scrap metal to the landfill increases the cost of metals for everyone that needs them. When mining and processing new metals are taken into account, the cost of these products skyrockets.

   New metals cost twice as much as their recycled counterparts. So, leaving your scraps to waste is literally taking money out of your or your neighbor’s pocket.

   Destroyed Natural Habitats

   Mining for new metals doesn’t just impact our access to fossil fuels and natural resources. It also harms the natural environments around the mining site. Whenever a team digs out land to gather new metals, that’s another natural habitat destroyed for the environment.

   Recycling scrap metals decreases the need for collecting new materials and lets us keep current metals in use while preserving the habitat of valuable wildlife in our communities.

   Turn in Your Scraps for Maximum Profit at Action Metals Recyclers

   If your home or business has excess amounts of scrap lying around, make the most of it with Action Metals Recyclers. We offer the best prices in Dallas for all scrap metals and can help you collect, organize, and drop off your scraps, today!

   Contact us to learn more about our services and schedule your first scrap haul-off.

2. 

   Scrap Metal Recycling Throughout Time

   May 17th, 2022 by SEO DOGS | Posted in Metal Recycling | 4 Comments

   Scrap metal recycling may seem like a modern movement, but the practice is actually centuries old. Over the years, the recycling process has evolved into what we know today.

   However, the spirit of reusing unwanted metals matters more than modern conveniences. Let’s take a look at the earliest examples of metal recycling and how our industry became what we know today.

   When in Rome…Recycle Scrap Metals!

   One of the oldest examples of metal recycling stems from ancient Rome. According to historians, the Romans used to melt down bronze coins and create bronze statues. The belief was that large, bronze statues would hold more value in the long term than their single bronze coin counterparts.

   Aside from statues, the Romans also turned to recycle during times of war and distress. During these times the Romans melted metals and jewelry, which later became weapons and other useful items.

   Pre-Industrial Europe

   Before the industrial revolution, metals weren’t as plentiful as they are today. Historic evidence shows that in Europe, people would melt down their bronze and aluminum to reuse them.

   Recycling Surges in the United States

   Abraham Lincoln’s southern port blockades during the Civil War started a recycling surge.

   While cut off from access to metals, southerners donated scrap metals like gates, pots, pans, farming equipment, and spent ammunition to support their war efforts.

   World War II

   Although there was scrap recycling during World War I, World War II was where the practice proved its value to Americans.

   When the United States entered World War II, the nation turned to metal recycling as a valuable wartime practice.

   During World War II, Americans were still recovering from The Great Depression. Conserving the metals the nation had on hand was necessary. In response to the war, the government organized scrap metal programs that collected all amounts of tin, aluminum, copper, and steel.

   According to an article from Farm Collector, the United States had enough scrap metal to build thousands of tanks, airplanes, weapons, and other materials.

   These programs also encouraged children to donate their efforts and do their part to help America succeed in the war.

   The 1960s to Modern Times

   After World War II, the push for recycling scrap metal dwindled down. The 1950s are notorious for being a time of rampant consumerism. However, once the late 1960s arrived, so did the recent movement for mainstream recycling.

   Since then, recycling has become a pillar of environmental conservation and economic growth. Scrap metal recycling creates over 500,000 jobs for Americans. It also keeps metal products at reasonable prices.

   Continue the Recycling Revolution With Action Metals Recyclers

   Scrap metal recycling is a practice that will continue to withstand the test of time. Make your mark in history and do something productive with the scraps around your property.

   The team at Action Metals Recyclers opens our doors for your donations and will even collect your scraps on request. We are Dallas’ highest-paying scrap metal recycling facility and are ready to help you make a difference.

   Contact us today to schedule your first drop-off.