Being environmentally friendly means looking for every opportunity to conserve resources. Recycling scrap metal is one of the best ways to do so. If you have any scrap lying around, whether from an old car or soup cans, take it to a metal recycling center where it can be reprocessed for future use.

The following are a few of the surprising uses for it:

• Infrastructure: The construction of roads and bridges involves substantial amounts of metal. Over the years, an increasing number of companies have sought out recycled materials to limit the environmental impact of infrastructure projects.
• Automobiles: Virtually all cars have a steel frame. Manufacturers often rely on recycled metal to produce them. Smaller consumer goods, like household appliances, can also be reprocessed into various car components.
• Upgraded Metal Products: Metal is a unique material. Some types, when recycled properly, can be transformed into higher quality metals. For example, by using an electric arc furnace, manufacturers can turn various types of metals into stainless steel, reducing the amount of energy typically needed to produce it.
• Fixtures & Furniture: Designers frequently use recycled metal to manufacture everything from benches and tables to lamps. Before purchasing any metal furniture for your home, research the company that made it to find out if they use recycled material.
• Food Packaging: The next time you’re in the grocery store, take a look at how many canned goods there are. That entire aisle would represent a lot of waste if new metal was produced for each can. Luckily, most food cans contain at least some recycled metal.
• Roofing: Metal roofs are energy-efficient and effective when it comes to protecting a home or building. In recent years, it’s become more common to use some recycled material in the production of metal roofing.
• Art: Scrap doesn’t just have practical applications. Sculptors often use it when creating works of abstract art. If you’re a budding artist, consider this option for your next project.

It’s more important than ever to protect the environment; do your part by recycling your scrap metal. At Byer Steel in Cincinnati, OH, you’ll find a metal recycling center equipped to handle a wide range of materials. Visit them online or call (513) 948-0300 to learn more about their services.