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The 100%

Recyclability of

Steel

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Steel is a versatile construction material that is 100 percent recyclable and is also the

most recycled item in the world in terms of tonnage. Engineering construction accounts

for 21 percent of steel consumption in Australia. Recycling rates are high at 80-90

percent of this material are either recycled or reused.

Effects on the Climate

The production of steel has an effect on the climate because of the resources needed

to produce steel-based products.

Steel contains carbon and iron that uses high levels of heat during its production. The

electricity needed for the process consumes fossil fuels, emitting greenhouse gases

and contributing to climate change. Transporting products also consume energy and

fossil fuels throughout the life cycle of manufacturing – from site extraction to the

facility to outlet to waste management.

Recycling steel is one way to reduce its negative effects on the environment and lower

greenhouse gas emission because of fossil fuel consumption.

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The Process of Recycling Steel

Waste management facilities use magnets to

separate steel from other recyclable

materials. Once segregated, handlers melt

and reshape the steel before turning it into

other products such as cans, bikes, paper

clips or other items.

Steel is a diverse and recyclable material; it

would be a waste to not find a way to reuse

steel-based products. Recycling has several

benefits not only to the environment, but for

communities as well.

Environmental Benefits of Recycling

Steel

When companies and communities

recycle steel they conserve non-

renewable resources and raw materials,

reduce water and air pollution caused by

manufacturing plants and reduce the

need for landfills.

Recycle steel-based products also keep

waste out of water systems, reduces the

amount of waste produced, keeps soil

integrity and animal habitats intact and

saves energy.

Reusing, reducing and recycling are the

best ways to reduce the amount of

greenhouse gas emissions and waste

produced in any country.

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Sources:

http://www.rawmetalcorp.com.au/

http://www.cleanup.org.au/PDF/au/steel-and-aluminium-factsheet.pdf

http://www.earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-metal/