Markets exist worldwide for all kinds of ferrous scrap, but in order
to be recycled for new uses, scrap iron and steel must be specifically
prepared by a scrap processor who operates from a plant, preparing
the scrap into grades to meet the rigid specifications required by
the steel industry to make new steel. Scrap processing and recycling
is an expensive and complex business requiring a major investment
in heavy equipment, buildings and land, plus strong management skills
and a thorough knowledge of metals. Processors buy the scrap from
a variety of sources including industrial plants, government facilities,
farms, auto dismantlers, shipyards, demolition contractors and local
councils. The processor utilises a variety of techniques to prepare
the scrap for recycling such as oxy-cutting, shearing, baling and
shredding. The processed scrap is then sold both locally and overseas
to steel mills and foundries that remelt it and manufacture a new
steel product from it.
Ferrous scrap
generated in Australia is estimated to exceed 2 million tonnes per
annum. Iron and steel recycling offers great economic and environmental
benefits. Steel made from scrap is chemically and metallurgically
equivalent to steel manufactured by iron ore. Everyone benefits
from the reuse of iron and steel.
International
statistics indicate the benefits of using iron and steel scrap to
make new steel instead of mining iron ore:
· 74%
savings in energy
· 90% savings in virgin material classified as iron and coal
· 86% reduction in air pollution
· 40% reduction in water use
· 76% reduction in water pollution
· 97% reduction in mining wastes
Recycled steel
energy savings along have an enormous positive impact on the environment.
The energy it takes to make steel from scrap is four times less
than steel made from iron ore. Recycled steel also helps control
the volume of our waste stream. For example, steel and aluminium
cans can be recycled via the kerbside collection program set up
through your local council. Furthermore, metal recycling dramatically
extends the useful life of landfills throughout the country.
|
