RECYCLING METAL

RECYCLING METAL 101

So we all know recycling is important, but do you know how to? Metals around the home can be recycled, from aluminium foil to clothes hangers. There are quite a few curbside collection programs for metal recycling, such as Metal Men Recycling. For others, there are also drop-off centres for metal to be recycled or disposed. In this week’s article, we’ll be returning to the basics so to help you understand exactly how to recycle metals.
recycling scrap

HOW DO I IDENTIFY THE METAL?

If you’re about to recycle your metal, it’s important to be able to identify what kind you’re dealing with. One of the easiest ways to tell is by using a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the metal, you have a ferrous metal such as steel or iron. If it doesn’t stick, what you have is a non-ferrous metal; these include aluminium, copper, brass, bronze and stainless steel. Non-ferrous metals are particularly valuable, but all metals should be recycled appropriately. After the magnet test, you can use visual cues such as colour and texture to identify the exact metal.

CAN MY OLD METAL CLOTHES HANGERS BE REUSED/RECYCLED AT THE DRY CLEANER?

Many dry cleaners will happily take your metal clothes hangers for reuse, and this is a great way to limit your waste while helping the planet! Some dry cleaners even put out a designated bin for hangers to be reused. If not, your local recycling program may accept them.

WHAT METALS DO SCRAP YARDS TAKE FOR RECYCLING?

Among the most common metals for recycling at scrap yards are steel, aluminium, brass, wires, iron and copper. They may also accept other metals as well, and some even often cash for scrap metal

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