Americans are recycling an estimated 150 million metric tons of scrap metal annually. According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, this includes 5 million tons of aluminum, 1.8 million tons of copper, 1.2 million tons of lead, and 622,000 tons of stainless steel. Hawaii’s Island Recycling, with three locations on Oahu, lets you contribute to this conservation effort. Established in 1984, this recycling center will buy and recycle your copper, aluminum, lead, and scrap steel. It not only will put extra money in your pocket but benefit the environment.

4 Ways Scrap Metal Recycling Helps the Planet

Energy Conservation

By recycling one soda can, you can save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for more than four hours. By recycling metal, you are conserving energy that otherwise would be expended during the metal refining process. Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than creating it from raw materials, and recycling steel provides a 60% savings.

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The production of new metal requires the drilling of mined ore, which releases large amounts of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, recycling metal can reduce these emissions by up to 500 million tons. Other environmental benefits include decreased air pollution and reduced effects on climate change.

Ore Conservation

We have a limited reserve of metal ore on Earth. The more we use recycled metals, the less we need to mine and refine our supply of native minerals to create new metal. This reduces deforestation and pollution and preserves animals’ habitats. 

Reduced Water Use

Recycling reduces our use of natural resources. The National Institutes of Health reported that using scrap metal instead of fresh ore to create steel not only requires 40% less water but reduces mining waste by 97%.  

If you have aluminum, copper, lead, or other scrap metal and would like to contribute to the environmental advantages of recycling, bring it to one of Island Recycling’s three locations in exchange for cash. This recycling center is committed to sustainable practices and keeps nearly 60,000 tons of recyclables out of landfills each year. Visit their website to learn more about scrap metal and other materials they accept, including plastic and HI-5 cans.