Recycling isn’t just good for the planet, it’s packed with surprising facts that’ll make you see scrap in a whole new light. Whether you’re an electrician recycling your cable offcuts or a business handling non-ferrous metals, this one’s for you! We’ve pulled together some of the most interesting recycling facts that will inspire, educate and maybe even impress your mates in the trade.
General Metal Recycling Facts
- Recycling metal saves up to 95% of the energy needed to produce new metals from their ore. This contributes massively to reducing emissions and conserving natural resources.
- Globally, over 400 million tonnes of metal are recycled each year. Also, a massive portion of that comes from commercial and industrial sources, such as electrical waste and construction materials.
- Recycled metals are just as strong and high quality as virgin metals. This means there is no downgrade in quality; it’s just the greener option!
- Recycling just 1 tonne of metal saves around 1.5 tonnes of CO2. Scale that up, and over time, this will contribute massively to the impact on the environment.
Steel Recycling Facts
- Steel is the most recycled material on earth, even more than plastic or glass.
- In the UK, over 80% of all steel is recycled. In addition, most new steel products are made from recycled content rather than virgin materials.
- Recycling steel uses 74% less energy than making it from raw materials. This means there is lower emissions as well as reduced manufacturer costs.
- Just one tonne of steel saves 1.4 tonnes of iron ore as well as 0.8 tonnes of coal.
Copper Recycling Facts
- Copper can be recycled indefinitely without losing any of its quality.
- Recycling copper uses 85% less energy than producing it from ore. This is a huge reduction in carbon emissions.
- Copper recycling helps prevent environmental damage that is caused by mining. This leads to healthier ecosystems.
- Approximately 80% of all copper ever mined is still in use today!
Aluminium Recycling Facts
- Recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy needed to produce new aluminium.
- Recycling a single aluminium can saves enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours!
- Aluminium recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 90%.
- It takes as little as 60 days for a recycled aluminium product to be back on the shelf.
Lead Recycling Facts
- More than 85% of lead used today comes from recycled sources; that is one of the highest recycling rates from any metal.
- Recycling prevents hazardous waste from ending up in landfills. This protects not only the environment but people, too.
- Lead recycling requires 35% less energy than primary production.
Brass Recycling Facts
- Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, which are both highly recyclable metals.
- Recycling brass saves up to 90% of the energy needed for production.
- Most plumbing fixtures and musical instruments made from brass contain recycled content.
Ready to Recycle?
If you’re an electrician, contractor or business generating non-ferrous metal waste, recycling isn’t just the right thing do – it’s a smart business move. At Event Sparks Cable Recycling, we specialise in non-ferrous recycling – from copper cables to lead components – and offer competitive rates, expert service and a streamlined process for your scrap.
