Humans produce a lot of waste daily. According to the Rockefeller Institute of Government, a single person in the United States produces up to 4.5 pounds of waste daily. Almost a third of this waste can be repurposed by plastic and scrap metal recycling companies. This depends largely on the type of material, but steel is one of the most eco-friendly materials overall. Let's explore why this is the case.

1. It's Durable

The less waste that we produce, the less it can affect the environment. Steel is one of the longest-lasting materials to build with. It holds up well against severe weather and natural disasters including snowstorms, earthquakes, and floods. Additionally, mold is unable to grow on steel due to its natural resistance to moisture. This prevents the need for special treatments to protect against decay, mold, or insect infestation.

2. It's Easy to Manufacture Cleanly

There are two ways that steel is produced: in electric arc furnaces and in basic oxygen steel production. While both of these methods release carbon dioxide, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to cut down on the emission of greenhouse gases. According to U.S. Green Technology, over the last few decades, these emissions have been reduced by 60%. Since steel is completely recyclable, it greatly reduces the need to mine iron ore. Steel can also be produced with fewer fossil fuels through the electric methods used to produce it.

3. It's Recyclable

Not only is steel recyclable but it can maintain its strength and durability throughout the process. It can be recycled no matter what condition it's in or how long it's been since it was manufactured. Some designers even improve its sustainability by utilizing a process of making the material more efficient to dismantle and recycle.

4. It's Energy Efficient

Buildings that properly incorporate steel can also use less energy. Steel insulation allows for a reduction in energy loss and an improvement in environmental friendliness. Steel constructions are also strong enough to support solar panels with ease, allowing them to provide an additional source of energy.

Do you have steel or scrap metal lying around your property? Get in touch with Mack's Twin City Recycling for reliable scrap metal recycling services. We'd be happy to assist you with your environmental protection efforts.