Why Recycle Scrap Metal?
The energy saved by recycling 1 ton of aluminum equals the amount of electricity used by a typical home in 10 years. In general, people are not aware of the size and contributions made by the scrap metal recycling industry. The scrap metal recycling industry contributes significantly to the national economy and the reduction of the U. S. trade deficit. The industry also contributes significantly to conserving the worlds natural resources. According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), in the United States last year alone, scrap recyclers handled more than 125 million tons of recyclables destined for domestic use and overseas markets. This tonnage included approximately: 68 million tons of scrap iron & steel 4.3 million tons of scrap aluminum 2 million tons of scrap copper 1.4 million tons of stainless steel scrap 1.3 million tons of scrap lead 214,000 tons of zinc What effect does scrap metal recycling have on our environment? The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
