Metal is one of the most versatile materials available, used for everything from computer engineering to skyscraper construction. But what happens after it has served its purpose? Through metal recycling, most of these materials can be processed and repurposed for reuse. To better understand how this outcome is achieved, check out the process involved below.

The Basic Steps to Metal Recycling

1. Separating

Once a recycling plant receives scrap, crew members will sort the materials by type. For example, magnets may help separate ferrous metals from non-ferrous materials. Professionals may also clean any dirty pieces to prepare them for processing and remove items that aren’t appropriate for recycling.  

2. Compacting

Pieces of scrap usually come in a variety of shapes and sizes that can make metal recycling processes difficult. To streamline the operation, sorted metals will be combined and prepared in a way that is more compatible with plant machinery. For example, materials may be compacted or shredded into a more manageable size.

3. Melting

Using specialized furnaces, recycling plants will subject metals to their individual melting points. Once the material reaches a liquid state, facilities will remove contaminants to purify the materials. Purification is done through a variety of methods, including electrolysis and magnetism.

4. Casting

After the metal is purified, the liquid is poured into a mold and cooled into uniform shapes, such as bars, rods, or pipes. These casted pieces can then be purchased by manufacturers or reformed into other shapes for more specific uses.  

If you have extra scrap metal, bring the materials to David Hirschberg Steel & Recycling Center in Cincinnati, OH. In addition to helping the environment with metal recycling, you can also exchange the scrap for current market rates, allowing you to pad your pockets while doing something good for the planet. To learn more about the metals they accept, visit them online, and call (513) 821-0514 for more details on their current exchange rates today.