3 Key Benefits of Recycling Scrap Metal

In recent years, Americans have come to value the importance of recycling. Green recycling bins are now almost as common on suburban curbs as garbage bins. Can and bottle return centers are often busy, and many retail stores – big and small – now have a variety of recycling receptacles near their entrances.

There is one area of recycling, however, that still confuses a lot of people: scrap metal recycling. Where do I go to drop it all off? What materials do they accept? Is it really worth my time?

Recycling of any kind contributes to a greener environment and a healthier planet, but there are a lot of benefits to recycling scrap metal in particular that are often overlooked. Here are 3 key benefits of recycling your scrap metal: 

Make Money by Recycling Scrap Metal

Just as with can and bottle returns, there is monetary value in scrap metal. A majority of people who trade scrap metal for cash are individuals who work in the trade industry: factory workers, construction workers, demolitionists, electricians, etc. Their jobs require them to interact with (and, in many cases, remove) all manner of copper, brass, steel, aluminum, and iron. Instead of trashing these materials, they can get some extra cash in their pocket.

On the other hand, recycling facilities practically never turn away homeowners who have some scrap of their own. Instead of throwing away that old copper piping or aluminum siding, why not trade it in for some cash? In addition, recycling at a local center keeps the cash circulating between local businesses and homeowners. 

Have A Positive Economic Impact

Scrap metal recycling impacts our economy in noticeable and positive ways. The scrap metal recycling industry in the United States alone employs close to half a million workers.

In fact, with the popularity of scrap recycling on the rise, more jobs are created every day. It’s a $100 billion-a-year industry, which is a rare example of a business that makes plenty of money while simultaneously working hard to create a sustainable future.  

Decrease Demand For Intrusive Mining

Recycling scrap metal decreases the amount of intrusive mining that needs to be done. Unfortunately, mining is an industry that actively works against our environment. It releases toxic compounds into our natural resources and poisons our atmosphere. The result is a lower quality of soil and the destruction of wildlife habitats. Of course, society needs precious metals like copper and iron, but the way we dig them up is hazardous and threatening.

By recycling what we’re already mining for, we’re keeping these metals in circulation. This reduces demand for intrusive mining without reducing the production of metal products.

In conclusion, recycling scrap metal has so many benefits, it’s a win-win scenario for everyone. You can get paid to rid your home of excess scrap while helping boost the economy and protecting our environment! Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?

Recycling Scrap Metal in Maryland for 100 Years

Metal scrap recycling pays in many ways that aren’t just cash – but the money sure helps!

At Reliable Recycling, we’ve been helping the environment, economy, and communities in Maryland by recycling scrap metal and clean cardboard for over a century. Contact us today to find out how our services can help your wallet – and your environment.