There is an increasing demand for iron ore despite efforts to make the planet greener. Given that iron ore and other raw ores are non-renewable resources, this means that we are faced with the possibility of this resource running out.
The possible non-availability of non-renewable resources in the near future will present quite a lot of challenges. As a result, it is in our best interest that we avoid the possibility of that happening. For more on this subject, you can visit: https://www.activesustainability.com/.
Recycling is one of the ways to avoid the possibility of running out of non-renewable resources. In addition to non-renewable resource preservation, this practice offers several other benefits. This article discusses the benefits of metal recycling. So, read on to find out more.
Advantages of Metal Recycling
The benefits are either economical or environmental and some of them are discussed below:
Resource Conservation
This was mentioned early on. However, it is so important that it cannot be overemphasized. Recycling would imply that we are making the most of what we have already extracted. This is by reusing them in the best way possible.
As a result, there would be less need for more mining operations, leading to numerous other benefits.
Better for the Environment
The truth is that the mining of raw ores takes its toll on the environment. Some of the ways this happens include:
- Habitat Destruction – Natural habitat in the area is destroyed to make room for mining activities. In very extreme cases, this can lead to the extinction of some creatures
- Water Pollution – These resources contain heavy metals and toxins at large. These things cause water contamination; making water unsafe for drinking and use at large
- Deforestation – This is the massive cutting down of trees. Massive release of absorbed carbon is one of the devastating consequences of this practice. It also distorts the supply of oxygen, given that trees release oxygen even while absorbing carbon
These are just a few of the ways mining operations adversely affect the environment. This is why there are regulatory bodies that regulate their operations. For example, the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests is charged with this responsibility in the province of Quebec in Canada. You can click here to find out more about the activities of this government body.
Positive Impact on Landfill
It is wrong for damaged metal products to end up in a landfill. This is because of the adverse environmental impact of this practice. For example, mobile phones have LCD screens, which are made using mercury.
Mercury is a particularly important metal for industrial purposes. It is used for making medical products, automobiles, electronics, decorative products, and in the construction industry. These are just to mention a few.
However, it contains toxins that can cause havoc to the environment if disposed of inappropriately. The right thing would be to recover it and have it properly recycled.
Just as mercury, many other metals contain heavy and toxic chemicals. As a result, having them straight away in landfills means that we stand the risk of polluting waterways, soil, and the air.
Energy Efficiency
Is the recycling industry energy-efficient? No, it is not because its operations consume energy.
However, it can still be considered energy-efficient, and here is why. The amount of energy that this industry consumes is nowhere near what the mining industry requires. Particularly in this context, you should know that it takes a whole lot of energy to mine raw materials and get them processed into the desired metal. The process of recycling and reusing recycled metals takes a lot less energy.
Cost-Effective for Consumers
Considering the energy-efficient features of recycled metal, products made using recycled metals are likely to be cheaper than options made using virgin metals. It is also worth noting that products made using recycled options are not lesser in quality than those made using virgin options.
As a result, you get more value for every penny spent getting such items. You would also be contributing to a greener planet.
The Recycling Industry Creates Jobs
Population increases places a demand on us all. One such is the need for more jobs. The recycling industry can play a huge part in creating more jobs and sustainable ones.
This is not just about the actual recycling operations but other operations that are tied to it. For example, there is the part of recuperation metaux (which is the French term for metal recovery). This is about sourcing metals that would need to be recycled. Having recycled metals delivered to pertinent industries is another vital operation in this industry.
Conclusion
Metal recycling is not only good but also a necessity. This is both for environmental and economic reasons as pointed out here in this article. To this end, we all need to see ourselves as stakeholders and make the most of this practice.
Furthermore, there is a need to employ top recycling facilities. This ensures that we all ensure the true benefits of metal recycling.
