If you have extra scrap metal, taking it to a local salvage yard offers numerous perks. Whether you have a junk car that you no longer want, or extra supplies from a home renovation, you’ll enjoy advantages beyond a more attractive, organized property. Below is more information about why you should recycle scrap.

Why Should You Take Scrap Metal to a Salvage Yard?

1. Reduce Landfills

By keeping scrap metal out of trash containers, you reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in a landfill. Metal takes many years to decompose, and it can negatively affect the environment when it does so. For example, aluminum takes up to 200 years to break down. Also, the coatings on metal will release toxic chemicals into the ground when they deteriorate, which can leach into groundwater and poison wildlife.

2. Create Jobs

By taking scrap metal to a salvage yard, you will stimulate the local economy. The scrap metal industry created nearly half a million jobs as of 2015, and many local manufacturers buy from these yards to reduce the cost of their goods. Additionally, salvage yards, metal brokers, and processors employ many residents.

3. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Manufacturing metal requires ore, which is a finite resource. The process of refining the ore generates high amounts of greenhouse gasses that damage and pollute the atmosphere. This makes it harder for people to breathe and affects general respiratory health.

However, metal recycling produces far fewer emissions and requires less energy. For example, working with recycled aluminum, rather than processing the ore, provides energy savings of up to 92%.

4. Make Money

Reputable salvage yards offer competitive prices for scrap metal, allowing you to collect cash for materials that you no longer need. Salvage yards pay the most for copper, and generally accept copper piping and wires. Brass, lead, and aluminum are also highly sought after metals that can fetch a high price. Stainless steel typically has a lower price because of common metal coatings, such as chrome.

If these benefits intrigue you, take your scrap metal to Miamitown Auto Parts & Recycling. The salvage yard in Cleves, OH, serves the Tri-State area, selling auto parts and providing container services, as well as recycling metal. Call (513) 353-1111 to speak with a team member about your needs. Visit them online for information about their services. Get additional recycling tips on Facebook.