What types of metal can be recycled?

The US recycles roughly 150 million tons of scrap metal each year. Depending on the type, metal recycling rates are between 20% and 70%, with steel recycling rates being among the highest. Scrap metal takes up significant landfill space and can contaminate soil and water if improperly disposed of.

To combat waste and promote a circular economy, metal should be recycled. Most types of metal can be recycled, including:

• Ferrous metals: steel, cast iron, carbon steel, wrought iron.
• Non-ferrous metals: aluminum, copper, brass, zinc, nickel, titanium.

Metals are highly recyclable—often without quality loss. Metal recycling reduces water and energy demands, frees up valuable landfill space, reduces water and soil pollution, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and keeps valuable resources within the production loop. We’ll discuss metal recycling: what can be recycled, how recycling works, the metal recycling market, and the baling wire you’ll need to recycle metals the right way.

Recyclable ferrous metals

Ferrous metals contain iron as a primary component. They are strong, durable, and magnetic. 

Ferrous consumer products:	Ferrous industrial products:
Refrigerators Ovens/Stoves Dishwashers Washing machines Dryers Cast iron skillets and pots Water heaters Steel cans (e.g. food cans) Steel furniture (e.g. metal chairs, tables) Wrought iron fences or railings Stainless steel cookwear	Steel beams and structural components Railroad tracks and train car components Industrial machinery and equipment Steel pipes and tubes Storage tanks and pressure vessels Steel shipping containers and drums Industrial furnaces and boilers Heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes Steel scaffolding and temporary structures Baling wire

Ferrous metals are infinitely recyclable. One ton of recycled steel saves roughly 2,500 lb of iron and significant natural resources.

Recyclable non-ferrous metals

Non-ferrous metals don’t contain significant iron. Their properties are type-dependent, but they are generally more lightweight, malleable, conductive, and corrosion-resistant.

Non-ferrous consumer products:	Non-ferrous industrial products:
Aluminum beverage cans Copper wiring and cables Brass plumbing fixtures Bronze decorative items (e.g., picture frames, candle holders) Aluminum foil and food containers Copper cookware Jewelry made of precious metals	Copper wiring and cables Aluminum siding and construction materials Lead pipes and sheeting Nickel-based industrial equipment and machinery parts Titanium aerospace components Copper heat exchangers and radiators Bronze industrial bearings and bushings

Most non-ferrous metals are infinitely recyclable. About 75% of aluminum produced since the 1880s is still in use. Recycled non-ferrous metals are also extremely valuable. While only about 10% of recycled scrap materials are non-ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals account for roughly half of the value of the scrap metal market.

The metal recycling process

Here is the general process by which used metals are recycled and reused:

1. Collection: Scrap metal is collected from households, businesses, construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and other sites.
2. Sorting and separation: At the recycling center, the scrap metal is sorted into different categories based on the type. This can involve manual sorting conveyors, magnetic separators, or other machinery.
3. Processing and shredding: Large metal items are processed to remove non-metal components, such as plastics or glass. The metal is then shredded into smaller pieces to facilitate melting.
4. Melting and purification: Shredded metal is melted in a furnace. During melting, impurities are removed by burning, electrolysis, or other methods.
5. Refining and alloying: Some metals require refining or alloying to achieve desired properties. For example, aluminum might be alloyed with other metals to enhance its strength and durability.
6. Casting: The purified metal is formed into specific shapes, such as ingots, bars, or sheets, depending on its intended use.
7. Rolling or extrusion: Metals such as steel and aluminum may undergo additional processing through rolling or extrusion to achieve specific thicknesses or complex shapes.
8. Manufacturing: Processed metal is used as raw material to manufacture new products.
9. Distribution and reuse: Newly manufactured products are distributed. When these products reach the end of their useful life, they can be recycled again, closing the recycling loop and beginning the process anew.

The near-infinite recyclability of most metals makes them important components of sustainable manufacturing practices.

What types of metals can’t be recycled?

These metal products are impractical or too dangerous to recycle:

• Radioactive metals: Uranium and plutonium cannot be recycled due to their radioactive properties.
• Toxic metals: Mercury cannot be recycled because it contains toxic elements that pose a threat to human health. Lead is also problematic, though some facilities may accept items containing lead using specialized processes.
• Contaminated metals: Paint cans with residual paint cannot be recycled as the paint contaminates the metal. Motor oil cans are not recyclable due to oil residue
• Coated metals: Pots and pans with non-stick coatings such as Teflon cannot be recycled as the coating interferes with the recycling process.
• Complex electronic components: Certain car parts such as batteries, sensors, and electronic modules cannot be easily recycled. TVs and computer monitors contain hazardous materials that make them unsuitable for standard metal recycling.

Market forecast for scrap metal recycling

Environmental concerns about metal production, government policy developments, and consumer demand are spurring recycling efforts and expanding the recyclable metals market.

The global scrap metal market is expected to reach approximately $577.2 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.8%. Steel will continue to dominate the market share, while non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and copper will see increased demand due to their high recyclability and use in growing industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy.

Learn about metal bale prices.

The benefits of recycling metal

Some of the benefits of recycling metals include:

• Infinite recyclability of most metals.
• Less energy and environmentally damaging processes.
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• More cost-effective production than metals made from virgin materials.
• Job creation of roughly one million workers in the US.
• High market profitability.
• Reduced landfill requirements.

Sustainability depends on recycling metals. Active participation in metal recycling programs and support for businesses that use recycled scrap metals help minimize the environmental impact of metal production and waste.

Best baling wire for metal recycling

We carry several wire options for baling metal. The best type of wire and wire gauge for baling metal depends on whether you have a vertical or horizontal balerand whether it is an automatic or manual tie, but lower gauge wire is usually necessary. Storage conditions and duration also affect wire choice. Here are some of the best options:

• Single loop bale ties can be tied to different lengths to accommodate inconsistent bale sizes. They work with manual horizontal and vertical balers. We offer both black annealed and galvanized single loop bale ties.
• Double loop bale ties are pre-cut to length and feature a loop (hook) at both ends. The double loop configuration accelerates the tying process, increasing productivity.
• High-tensile galvanized wire can secure heavy, dense bales of scrap metal. Galvanization adds a layer of zinc that protects the wire from abrasive contact with scrap metal.
• Galvanized wire can withstand the corrosion and abrasion that occur while scrap metal is being stored for long periods or outdoors.
• Black annealed wire feeds smoothly through high-volume automatic balers that are commonly used in metal recycling. The annealing process improves the wire’s ductility for conforming to oddly shaped metal bales.

Talk to us if you’d like help choosing the best wire for your operation.