Got a lot of broken electronics or an old, useless car lying around? Consider bringing them to a recycling center to extract their steel components. Steel is a highly valued material used to manufacture numerous consumer items, and you could earn some extra cash by selling it. Here’s a quick rundown on why you should consider steel recycling. 

What Is Steel?

Steel is an alloy mostly made out of iron and carbon, though it can also have other elements in it. It’s classified into grades, which depend on its carbon content and what other metals it contains. Some of the most well-known steel types are:

• Carbon steel, which is made up of very few elements aside from carbon and iron. 
• Stainless steel, consisting of a high chromium content which creates a corrosive-resistant coating around the steel. 
• Alloy steels, which contain metals like copper and nickel to provide varying degrees of durability.  

The various elements found in steel give it properties like toughness and corrosion resistance. As such, steel is ideal for making building beams, cars, kitchen appliances, and medical tools. Steel’s usefulness is also one reason why many practice steel recycling to make the most out of the material.  

How Is Steel Made?

There are two ways to make steel: from scratch or from scraps. When making steel from scratch, iron ores are smelted in a series of furnaces while carbon and other metal ores are added into the mix.

When creating from scrap, steel is collected from items, like junk vehicles and old appliances, then melted. After the steel is cast, it’s then formed into sheets, bars, or whatever shape is needed. 

Why Recycle Steel? 

Metals take a long time to form naturally and are considered non-renewable resources. That means you’ll eventually run out before they can be replenished.

Steel recycling helps reduce the need to mine for more metals. Steel’s high strength and resistance also make it easy to recycle again and again without compromising its properties. With the right equipment, you can easily break it down and reshape it. 

When you need a reliable steel recycling service, Denver Metal Recycling is the place to go. Located in Denver, CO, this company will collect your old unwanted electronics, cars, appliances, and hardware and extract and recycle all the steel parts from them. All of their crew members have safety certifications and are always updated with environmental, machinery, and materials training to provide the best service. Message the team online or call their office at (303) 316-2880 to find out how they can help you.