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What are metals used for?
It’s very easy to forget just how much metal is used in our day-to-day lives. From food packaging to cooking utensils, metal is all around us – as is the potential to recycle that scrap metal into something else. Here’s a guide to the most used metals and their uses.
Ferrous metals are magnetic because they contain iron. The higher the iron content, the more magnetic the metal is. Examples of ferrous metals include cast iron, steel and wrought iron. The strength of ferrous metals mean they are very popular in the car industry, and tools and household appliances are generally made of ferrous metals. Non-ferrous metals are not magnetic, and include such metals as aluminium, silver, titanium, and copper. Non-ferrous metals are more malleable.
What to do with radioactive scrap metal
Scrap metal should always be handled with care during the recycling process, regardless of whether it appears to be dangerous or not. If you are ever unsure of what to do, call an expert.
Typically, most household scrap metal items are not hazardous, and you’ll be able to follow standard recycling processes to dispose of them. However, occasionally you may come across scrap metal which has been impacted by radioactive materials (such as microwaves).
How aluminium contributes to a circular recycling economy
Many of the food and drink products we buy are packaged in cans made from either aluminium or steel. Both materials can be recycled after we have finished with them to make either new cans or other products.
In this article we are focusing on aluminium. This is because aluminium cans are one of the most cost-effective items to recycle, due to its value and its high volume. We also look at the economic effect of reduced use of aluminium cans, and the benefits of recycling aluminium.
What common metals can be recycled?
Can metal be recycled?
Yes, almost all metals can be recycled. This is because their properties are not diminished during the recycling process. Recycled materials like copper and aluminium can have a quick turnover in the circular economy.
How is metal recycled and how does it work?
Metal is currently one of the biggest recycling sectors in the UK. This is because, as a raw material metals can be easily recycled without damaging its original properties.
Aside from the environmental benefits that come from recycling metal, there are several advantages to recycling metal, including:
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