How is Metal Recycled? A Step-By-Step Guide
At Moffatt Scrap Iron & Metal Inc., we believe that transparency is important for our customers.
In an industry like scrap metal recycling, where there is a lot of misinformation, it’s important that people understand what is happening to their metal when they take it to be recycled.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to recycling your metal with us:
1. Bring Your Metal To Our Yard
The first step to recycling your metal with us is to bring it to our yard on Guelph Line, north of Campbellville.
Before you come to us, collect and sort through your scrap metal at home. Make sure to separate any scrap metal from waste before bringing it to our yard. Once you bring your metal into Moffatt Scrap Iron & Metal Inc., our staff will walk you through the rest of the process.
2. Material Is Weighed & Separated
After you’ve sorted your scrap metal and brought it to our yard, we will separate and weigh the material. The material is separated according to the type of metal — ferrous or non-ferrous.
You’ll be paid for your metal either by the pound or by the ton, and according to the value of the type of metal. You can find out how we price different types of metals here.
3. The Sorting Process
Once we have separated, weighed, and paid you for your metals, we begin a detailed sorting process. This process helps us to determine what type of processing equipment would be best used to get the material ready for a mill or foundry.
If the material contains more than one type of metal, we’ll send it to another processing facility for further separation.
4. Ferrous Vs. Non-Ferrous Metals
Whether the material goes to a mill or foundry depends on whether the material is ferrous or non-ferrous. Ferrous materials go to steel mills, and can include:
- Agricultural equipment & machinery
- Auto cast
- Cast iron
- Heavy metal
- Motor blocks
- Oversized steel
- Rebar
- Shred tin
- Short steel
- Turnings
- Van trailers
- White goods (i.e. residential and commercial appliances)
Non-ferrous metals, on the other hand, will end up at a foundry. Non-ferrous metals we purchase include:
- Aluminum
- Batteries (only lead-acid batteries)
- Brass
- Cable
- Catalytic converters
- Copper
- Lead
- Nickel alloys
- Radiators
- Rims
- Zinc
Once the metals get to the mill or foundry, the material is processed by melting it down. After melting, the scrap metal will also be purified to ensure that the final product is high quality and free of contaminants.
5. Repurposing Scrap Metal
When the scrap metal leaves the mill or foundry, scrap metal gets repurposed and turned into something new. Instead of re-using the metal for its original intended use, scrap metal is melted down and re-made for a new use.
At Moffatt Scrap Iron & Metal Inc., we can provide proof of destruction to commercial or residential clients. Many commercial businesses will want to ensure that their equipment is not going back out to be used again, without having been melted down first. If you’re interested in proof of destruction, be sure to ask our team when you come to recycle your metals with us.
At Moffatt Scrap Iron & Metal Inc., we offer industry standard prices for your scrap metal. Visit us today or contact our team to find out how we can help recycle your scrap metal!