YES WE ARE OPEN! Please know as media coverage and the government’s response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus increases, Metal Men Recycling wants to assure you of the actions and strategies we are currently taking to manage the risks and navigate through this challenging time.
As of Monday 23rd March 2020, we will have implemented new ways in which customer dealings will take place in the yard to mitigate risk to yourself, our staff and operations.
These include;
Wearing gloves for any operation activity including weighbridge and cashier.
Ensuring all staff are practicing a high standard of personal hygiene.
Regular sanitation of hard surfaces (weighbridge / cashier area etc.).
In-person meetings between staff will be restricted making sure a distances of 1.5 meters kept during these interactions.
Door trade;
We will require all customers stay in their vehicles AT ALL TIMES, where possibly practicable. This is not only to keep customers safe but also staff. Staff will unload, weigh material and provide a receipt of payment through the vehicle window.
With these changes it will certainly impact the way we work and how quickly we can serve everyone however our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our customers and staff in these challenging times is unwavering.
We hope you all stay safe and we will see you soon.
It’s no secret that as Australians, most of us have a coffee addiction. And in Melbourne itself, it’s become a serious culture that many take very seriously. But what some people might not know is that this culture is having an adverse effect on the environment. The primary cause of this? Takeaway coffee. More specifically though, the cups that we drink them in. It is estimated that Australians consume around one billion hot takeaway drinks per year – translating into a billion paper cups per year.
Just like metal recycling in Pakenham is saving having a positive effect on the environment, so too should recycling paper takeaway cups. The reality is, however, even if takeaway cups are recyclable, they’re rarely disposed of in the appropriate way. Enter keep cups and reusable cups that are becoming a trend. In today’s blog, we’re going to be going into the positive effects that reusable cups are having on the environment and some of the other benefits they bring to the table.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A REUSABLE CUP?
Well, as the name suggests, it is a portable cup that you can take with you wherever you go and have café’s make your coffee in. There are a wide variety of different brands with their own styles, benefits and materials that you can purchase. They all usually have three sizes for coffee cups: 8oz, 12oz and 16oz – which is essentially your small, regular and large takeaway sizes. Part of their appeal is their trendy style and customizable features and colours.
But the biggest pro that comes out of owning and using one of these items is the positive effect that they have on the environment. Using these reusable cups mitigates the number of paper takeaway cups being sold. Some cafés even offer discounts for people who bring their own cups, offering a bonus incentive to purchase one.
WHY AREN’T TAKEAWAY COFFEE CUPS RECYCLABLE?
It boils down to the lining. The majority of takeaway paper cups are actually lined with polyethylene – which is a water-proof plastic – making them not so environmentally friendly after all. Because of the polyethylene lining, these cups release methane gas once they’re in the landfill – which is where they end up since they can’t be recycled.
A lot of people are unaware of this and simply assume they’re recyclable because they’re paper, which can be a problem once they end up at recycling plants for a small amount of time before being taken to a landfill. The unfortunate truth is if you’re trying to do the noble thing and recycle your takeaway coffee cup, you’re doing more harm than good.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A REUSABLE CUP?
Other than the serious mitigation when it comes to the reduction of takeaway paper cups that we utilise, using a reusable cup can have benefits on your own personal health as well. A great thing about the companies that make these cups is the fact that they’re all highly sustainable and eco-friendly. Almost all of them are BPA and chemical free. This is an instant improvement compared to takeaway coffee cups as the polyethylene lining in them is classed as a contaminant.
Some of them are even made entirely of recyclable materials, whilst others can be recycled ethically and safely if the time comes to get rid of them. Some of the materials used are stainless steel, glass and even specially designed BPA and chemical free plastics. On top of all these positive health and environmental impacts, they’re practically useful for someone who’s constantly on the move or even just for grabbing a coffee from your local store when in the office.
ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES?
Purchasing a reusable cup is the best solution to this problem at the moment, but there are other ways. Some café’s offer bio-degradable takeaway cups which are compostable which is a great alternative, but not all café’s do this. Having your coffee in is an easy solution but impractical if you don’t have the time to sit in. At the end of the day, if you have a coffee to go and are given a standard paper cup, do the responsible thing – recycle the lid and throw the cup itself in the trash.
INTERESTED IN RECYCLING METAL IN PAKENHAM?
Just like being aware of the impact that paper takeaway cups have on the environment, metal recycling in Pakenham can have a big effect too. If you have any spare metal that needs recycling in Pakenham then Metal Men Recycling is the perfect company for you. We offer a variety of services to make sure you’re efficiently recycling metal in Pakenham.
For more information about recycling metal in Pakenham, please give us a call on 03 5941 6677 or contact us through our website.
Easter is right around the corner! Unfortunately, as with any national or religious holiday, the festivities often lead to a lot of waste dumping. With Easter in particular, there is no shortage of plastic wrappers, packaging and toys that get thrown away wastefully – not to mention the food! As experienced scrap metal buyers in Melbourne, we are dedicated to promoting a clean and safe natural environment for everyone. That’s why in today’s blog, we are showing you some of our favourite ways you can cut down on waste creatively this Easter with some DIY recycled crafts.
#1: PRETTY PAPER WREATH
This craft is super quick and easy to make. All you’ll need is a paper plate, some sheets of paper, scissors glue, a ribbon and a template for an Easter egg. After you cut out the inner portion of the paper plate, you can use the egg template to cut out evenly shaped Easter eggs from the paper. Glue the eggs to the plate and hang your wreath using the ribbon.
#2: EASTER BUNNY CRAYONS
Got loads of broken crayons lying around the house? Don’t throw them out! Using heat-safe silicon moulds, you can create new and improved multicoloured crayons from the scraps. In fact, why not get creative with the Easter theme and put the crayons in Easter egg or bunny-shaped moulds?
#3: POTATO STAMPS
Before you throw out those potatoes that are just starting to go bad, cut them in half and carve some patterns into them. You now have Easter egg-shaped stamps! Use them with colourful paint to decorate cards, wrapping paper or simply to let your imagination run wild.
#4: EASTER LOLLY JARS
Easter time is always a favourite with the kids, especially considering all the delicious lollies and chocolates they get to hoard! This DIY makes the chocolate hoarding easier, neater and cuter. All you’ll need is a jar, some glitter and glue, and a handful of extra decorations to turn the plain jar into an adorable, sparkly bunny or chicken.
#5: HEAT PACK SOCK BUNNIES
Reuse some old socks (washed, of course!) and turn them into bunnies with this cute DIY. While you can just use this idea to create a cuddly new friend, you could get extra creative and turn your bunny into a reusable microwaveable heatpack – perfect for the chilly autumn weather! Just make sure to only use microwave-safe decorations.
#6: EASTER BUNNY VASE
This is another clever way to reuse any empty jars you have lying around the house. With a quick paint job and a cute face painted on, this jar comes to life as a vase! You don’t just have to use these for Easter, either – these rustic vases make a cute addition to any farmhouse or country-themed setting.
#7: FINGER PUPPETS
This is a great way to reuse an old, unwearable flannel or unusable towels. You can cut your finger puppets out of old material into any shape you like, which makes this craft good for any occasion (or simply just for fun!). Cut out your finger puppet into the shape of the Easter bunny or perhaps your kids’ favourite cartoon character and sew the pieces together. Draw or sew on the faces for the finishing touch!
#8: CHICKEN PLANTERS
Transform your small old pots into lively little chickens with this great idea. This is just as good for Easter as it is for the spring season – especially if you plan to plant some flowers to brighten up your garden.
#9: GRASS AND HERB EGG PLANTERS
Boiled eggs are an Easter classic. But before you throw away your eggshells after eating them, stop and save the ones with the shell mostly intact (no more than the top third should be open). Rinse and clean out the empty eggshells. Fill them with soil, and you’ve got a great starting planter for some grass or herb seedlings. Herbs in particular are great because you can use them in the kitchen once they have grown.
After you notice your herbs have begun to sprout, you can move them to a larger pot. When relocating, move the entire herb seedling (including the eggshell) for an easy and effective transition.
SCRAP METAL BUYERS IN MELBOURNE
If you have scrap metal lying around, the best way to get rid of it is to contact our professional scrap metal buyers in Melbourne.
Metal Men Recycling offers scrap metal pickup for both residential and commercial needs. Our scrap metal buyers in Melbourne will pay you at competitive rates for your scrap metal, whether it is ferrous or non-ferrous. We also offer free bins for you to place and fill onsite, with 24/7 pickup services.
To get in touch with our scrap metal buyers in Melbourne, give us a call today on 03 5941 6677 today.
Whitegoods are defined as large electrical appliances that are used for routine activities. This can include anything from washing machines to fridges and freezers. Not to be confused with smaller appliances, one of the main features of whitegood appliances is the fact that they are large and difficult to transport. But once these appliances have breathed their last breath, what exactly should you do with them? If you’ve never considered it before, it’s never too late to sell scrap metal, and whitegood appliances are just as good for recycling than any other form of scrap metal.
WHY RECYCLE WHITEGOODS?
It’s simple really. Whitegoods generally contain a large amount of scrap metal, as well as other materials such as plastics, insulation, refrigerants plus more non-renewable materials. It’s always a better option to recycle these sorts of things as less energy is used during the recycling process than there is producing fresh ones. According to the Department of Environment in 2014, the refrigerants recovery rate was more than 80% for recycled air conditioners, but only 30 – 40% were recovered from refrigerators.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
As stated earlier, it costs less time, money and energy to recycle the materials in whitegoods than it does to produce new ones. This in itself is a massive benefit as greenhouse gases and carbon emissions are drastically reduced. Another benefit is the lack of littering and waste. As a lot of whitegoods end up in dumps because they’re not properly disposed of, this can lead to ground contamination from the heavy metals or refrigerants.
HOW ARE THEY RECYCLED?
After they’re cleared of refrigerants and other hazardous chemicals and heavy metals, they’re generally crushed down and shredded. The different materials are then collected and repurposed appropriately. Another way they may be recycled is if the entire units themselves are repurposed. They could still be working fine but simply need a new door or button, in which case they can be repaired and sold as second-hand items.
Before you think of recycling a whitegood appliance, make sure you consult a professional to make sure it is handled in the correct manner. This applies more-so if you’re thinking of repurposing them at home or selling them to a second-hand store as opposed recycling with metal collection experts.
SOME INTERESTING WAYS TO RE-USE THEM AT HOME
Because of their large profile, you might not want to recycle them in a traditional sense. Instead, you can just turn it into another part of your home. They can be made into almost anything with a bit of imagination. They can be used as simple storage units. Or, you can place a whitegood appliance outside and start growing plants out of them, making them a permanent part of your garden.
Throwing a sheet over it and using it as a base or desk is a useful idea as their solid exteriors can offer sturdy support. These and any other ideas you may come up with should only be initiated once the whitegood appliance has had any of its chemicals, heavy metals or refrigerants removed to ensure a safe and fun project. When you put your mind to it you can definitely come up with some creative, fun and practical applications for your old whitegoods.
CFC’S AND HFC’S
CFC’s – or Chlorofluorocarbons – are chemicals that are typically used as refrigerants as well as in aerosol cans and blowing agents. They contain atoms of carbine, fluorine and chlorine. In 1994 it was found that these chemicals as refrigerants were hazardous to the ozone layer and they were replaced with HFC’s – which stands for hydrofluorocarbons – which are slightly less damaging to the ozone layer but are still fairly toxic.
That being said, it turns out HFC’s are still very harmful to the ozone layer and are trapping a thousand times more heat than other greenhouse gases. Australia is aiming to reduce the use of HFC’s by 85% by the year 2036 as per their commitment to ratify the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
LOOKING TO SELL SCRAP METAL?
If you’re looking to get rid of your old whitegood appliances, then why not do it in a safe and profitable way. Metal Men Recycling lets you sell scrap metal in an easy and stress-free way. We offer a variety of services for business’and residential homes as well as a free pick up service.
If you would like to sell scrap metal or know more about recycling whitegoods then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677 or message us through our website here.
We use metal in almost everything nowadays. Cars, aeroplanes, trucks, trains, buildings, infrastructure, they all utilise metal in a big way. Scrap metal recycling is becoming a popular way to save the environment, especially with people having so much scrap metal they didn’t even realise they could sell.
But what exactly does it mean to sell scrap metal for recycling purposes? What procedures does scrap metal go through to be effectively recycled and repurposed in an environmentally friendly and efficient way? Well, today we’ll be going through the steps in the scrap metal recycling process, as well as how it impacts the environment.
COLLECTING
When you sell scrap metal, it can come in an almost endless variety of shapes, types, sizes, materials, and so on. Metals are collected from scrapyards and people looking to sell their scrap metal. This is a basic first step, but it is also a crucial one. This is what encourages people to step up and sell scrap metal to be recycled.
SORTING
After the metals are collected, they’re sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable categories. High-quality metals can only be used in the recycling process, so a rigorous quality check procedure is implemented for the best outcome. If metals of lower quality are used, then the finished product will not be up to the required specs for use.
PROCESSING AND SHREDDING
To ensure the processing phase runs smoothly, the metals are compacted to be the smallest they possibly can be. This is so they can fit on the conveyor belt appropriately. After they’re condensed, they’re shredded. Shredding breaks down the metal into small fragments so they’re easier to melt in the furnace. Less energy and time is used when melting the fragments in comparison to the whole pieces due to the larger surface area to volume ratios.
MELTING
Large furnaces are used to melt the scrap metal into molten form. Each type of metal has its own dedicated furnace that is heated to the appropriate temperature. The melting process can take either minutes or hours, depending on the volume of metal being melted as well as the type. Whilst this process uses a lot of energy, it still uses considerably less than the energy it’d take to create fresh, new metal from raw materials.
PURIFICATION
Once melted, the metals must be purified to ensure no imperfections are found. This is so the new metal can be of the highest possible quality and ready for use – as impurities can drastically reduce the metal’s properties. The methods for this vary but electrolysis is a widely used method. This is the electrochemical reaction that happens when you introduce a direct current into it. Once purified, the metals are put into a cooling chamber where they can take physical form with the help of density-increasing chemicals.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
If you’re looking to sell scrap metal and have it recycled, then you won’t just be making some extra money on the side, but also be helping the environment as well. Scrap metal recycling has a variety of environmental benefits such as the reduction of greenhouse gasses and littering.
The process of recycling scrap metal creates significantly fewer greenhouse gasses than the process of creating new metals from raw ores and minerals. The Institute of Scrap Metal Industries has stated that in comparison to virgin metal creation, scrap metal recycling cuts greenhouse gas pollution by 300 million to 500 million tonnes per year. Recycled metal is also just as strong as virgin metal, even though it uses notably less energy to create.
To put that into context, if just a single tonne of steel is recycled, then it will save 120 pounds of limestone, 2,500 pounds of iron ore and 1,400 pounds of coal. So not only does it drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also saves on natural raw minerals and resources.
When scrap metal is recycled, it also cuts down on the physical pollution that occurs. Many landfills are riddled with ferrous and non-ferrous metals that could be used for recycling. With scrap metal recycling though, people are encouraged to dispense of their unwanted metal in the appropriate manner.
If you would like to know more about our services or how you can further help the environment by recycling your unwanted scrap metal, then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677 or message us through our website.
Spring is here! That means Summer is just around the corner and with it comes Christmas, summer holidays, music festivals and social events of all descriptions. Whilst all of this sounds exciting, it’s a pretty expensive time of year and many people find that come December, they simply don’t have the funds to realise all of their summer plans. If you often find you’re not exactly flush with money come the end of the year, now is the time to start earning a little bit extra on the side. Here are ten ways you can quickly make some money to add to your summer savings fund.
Garage sale
A tried and true way to earn a little cash whilst decluttering. A garage sale only requires you to shift the stuff you don’t want onto your front lawn, make a few signs and sit outside for a couple of hours. Garage sales tend to work best when they are highly visible or near a high traffic area, are well signposted (put up flyers on the day), and the weather is nice.
eBay
The modern version of the garage sale, eBay has been going strong since 1995 and shows no signs of slowing down. If you want to be a successful seller, upload at least 3 good quality pictures, describe your item clearly, and start the auction at the lowest price you are willing to part with it for. Branded items tend to sell best.
Metal recycling
Our favourite option on this list! Metal recycling is a great way to get rid of your junk in a responsible, environmentally friendly way whilst making some money. As Melbourne’s favourite scrap metal buyers, we accept all types of ferrous and non-ferrous metal in all conditions as well as cars, caravans, machinery, car batteries, tyres, PVC and compressors.
Online surveys
There are hundreds of companies out there willing to pay you for your opinion, some will even pay you just for signing up! Just make sure you do your research about which company you sign up with to ensure they are legitimate and not out to steal your personal information.
User testing
If you’re internet savvy, user testing is a great way to earn a little extra money. User testing requires you to visit a website or an app, complete a series of tasks, and then provide honest feedback on your experience either via email, phone or video link.
Use the online sharing economy
The online sharing economy is a great place to quickly earn cash for doing something you’re already skilled at or have the equipment available. Have a van? Help someone move! Got a spare room in your house? Rent it out to holiday makers on Airbnb! Got an impressive tool collection? Lend them out on Tool Mates Hire!
Re-selling
Reselling small scale products like cans of soft drink or chocolate is a great way to fulfil a need in your office whilst turning a tidy profit. Buy a slab of your workplace’s preferred soft drink or energy drink, and when the 3pm slump comes around, offer easy access to a pick-me-up for $2 a pop.
Busk
For thousands of years, hungry musicians have been taking their music to the streets and creating ambience in exchange for a surprising amount of cash. You can continue in this proud tradition although in 2018, you’ll probably need to apply to your local council for a busking license first.
Promote a local business
Has a new café opened up near where you live? Drop by and offer your promotional services (handing our vouchers, wearing a sign etc.) for a few hours in exchange for some cash. If you have a strong social media following, it may be worth approaching local businesses whose target audience intersects with your followers and offering to promote them online in exchange for money, products or services.
Do your taxes
Obviously, this is no one’s idea of a good time and it does take a few weeks for the money to come through. However, if you never sit down to do your taxes, you’ll never know if you’re entitled to a return!
As scrap metal buyers based in Melbourne, Metal Men Recycling are here to help you with all of your spring cleaning (and profit earning) needs! We offer a fair price for all types of metals in a wide range of conditions. To save you the hassle of driving out to us, we offer free pickup and will even drop off a free bin to put your scrap metal in if you have a lot to deal with. To learn more about what we offer, please call us on 03 5941 6677.
If you’re looking for interesting and different ways to recycle and sell scrap metal at home, then you should consider looking into some old PVC insulated cables you might have. These sorts of cables are pretty common and the great thing about them is that there’s a pretty high chance that you have some lying around the house.
They’re used in conjunction with common home theatre products such as speakers, amplifiers and televisions. They’re also used as the electronic wiring throughout your house. PVC insulated cables have been around since the 1950s where they replaced rubber insulated cables. Here are some reasons why they make great scrap metal you can recycle and sell.
What are they exactly?
Firstly, you should understand what exactly you’re recycling. Polyvinylchloride (or PVC) cabling is standard copper electrical wiring that contains a PVC coat. The way this is created is that oil is extracted and chemically altered to form the material that we know as PVC. Copper is widely used in electrical cabling due to its high conductibility properties.
It replaced rubber coating in the 50s because it’s easier to produce and has a longer and more durable life expectancy of 25 – 30 years. PVC is also a very malleable and versatile material, despite Its rigid feel. It can be modified easily using plasticizers, lubricants and other similar property altering ingredients.
What are some of its properties?
PVC insulated cables are flame retardant. Which is very handy considering what they’re used for. They can also operate within temperatures ranging from -40 to 105 degrees Celsius, as well as being to withstand long-term exposure from the sun. It also has a low corona resistance, which helps against high voltage electrical discharges.
In terms of the copper wire within the PVC insulation, it is a highly conductible material that is second only to silver. Silver, however, is not nearly as widely used due to its high price. Copper is also heat resistant and very malleable, allowing anyone to be able to bend it into any shape they need it to be.
Recycling the copper
If you’re looking to sell scrap metal, then why not check out some old PVC insulated cables that you’re not using anymore. The copper within the cables can be easily recycled and processed as most other copper items are done. The metal wires are separated from their insulation casings and the precious metals are extracted – resulting in concentrated amounts of copper, as well as some other metals.
It is actually a lot cheaper and easier to recycle copper than it is to mine fresh copper. It only takes approximately 10GJ per tonne to recycle copper. Whereas to extract virgin copper from ore, the power needed is closer to 100GJ per tonne. It takes 10% of the amount of energy to recycle copper compared to mining it fresh. Recycled copper is worth around 90% of the cost of virgin copper.
Recycling PVC insulated cables
The PVC is where things get interesting. A special technique must be utilised to break down the PVC insulation into scrap plastic and other ferrous scraps. Recycling PVC insulation has a massive impact on the environment as so much PVC insulation has ended up in landfills. Recycling them also cuts back on the amount of virgin PVC material that gets made as the recycled materials are replacing them.
PVC is actually the second most used plastic in the world, after polyethylene. Recycling PVC insulation only uses half the amount of energy that it takes to produce virgin PVC, as well as emitting only 39% of the greenhouse gasses. This has a massive impact on the environment. Especially considering the majority of PVC scrap that has ended up in landfills end up causing pollution and can even go as far as polluting groundwater.
Looking to sell scrap metal?
If you’re looking to sell scrap metal that you don’t need then Metal Men Recycling is the right company for you! We buy your unwanted scrap metal where we appropriately recycle and dispose of it. With over 50 years of combined experience, we’re dedicated to providing the best possible solutions. We’re able to pick up the scrap from your home or business or you can bring it down yourself.
If you have any further questions about the services that we offer then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677 or send us a message through our website here.
You may have heard the term HMS being used within the scrap metal industry and wondered what it’s all about. Well, no wonder no more. HMS stands for Heavy Melting Steel and is a category that includes used steel and wrought iron, which is then categorised into two grades, HMS1 and HMS2.
The main difference between these two grades is the inclusion of blackened and galvanised steel, in which HMS2 includes but HMS1 doesn’t. Both of these grades are made up of only obsolete scrap – which is scrap that is taken/recovered from disassembled or demolished items. This distinction system helps when it comes time to actually sell the scrap metal and recycle it.
What exactly is it?
As mentioned above, HMS includes used steel and wrought iron. Used steel is fairly self-explanatory – it’s second-hand steel that has been previously used in some capacity. Wrought iron can be identified by its fibrous appearance and is highly malleable. True wrought iron can be shaped over and over again by reheating it and shaping it differently with the proper tools. The more it is worked, the stronger it becomes.
These two types of metal are ferrous scrap and are primarily recycled from things such as automobiles, certain types of fences, railway tracks etc. Within HMS there are two categories, HMS1 and HMS2, which tell the scrap metal recyclers how properly to recycle the two types of HMS.
HMS1
HMS1 is fundamentally defined by the fact that it does not include galvanised and blackened steel. HMS1 is separated into two codes itself which relate to the size of the pieces of scrap metal that you can sell and recycle. These codes are designated ISRI (Institute of scrap recycling industries), and for HMS1, are as follows:
ISRI 200 – Pieces that are smaller than 36×18 inches in size.
ISRI 201 – Pieces that are smaller than 60×18 inches in size.
For both of these codes, the pieces must be at least a 1/4 inch in thickness.
HMS2
When you sell scrap metal, it is important to know that HMS2 is essentially the same as HMS1 except it includes steel that is galvanised and blackened. Another major difference between the two is that the HMS2 pieces must be a minimum of 1/8 inches in thickness to be recycled. The reason for these specific measurements is that it makes for efficient furnace melting time, minimising the time it takes to charge enough scrap for a full melt.
Like HMS1, HMS2 contains different codes defined by ISRI, but rather than just two, HMS2 has four:
ISRI 203 – Any wrought iron or steel that is blackened and galvanised that is at least 1/8 inches in thickness.
ISRI 204 – The same as ISRI 203 with the exception that only pieces smaller than 36×18 inches are included in this code.
ISRI 205 – Similar to ISRI 204 but this bracket could contain thin-gauge scrap from automobiles.
ISRI 206 – Identical to ISRI 205 but the pieces must be smaller than 60×18 inches.
What is black and galvanised steel?
As we know, these two types of steel are categorised into HMS2 and are one of the major differences between HMS1 and HMS2, but what does black steel and galvanised steel actually mean?
Galvanised steel is when the steel has been coated with zinc to give it a longer life expectancy and also protect against rust and corrosion. Galvanised pipes are commonly used in plumbing. As they’re constantly exposed to water and other such liquids the galvanisation is highly useful.
Black – or blackened – steel is used primarily for carrying gas into homes or buildings via pipes. Black steel is uncoated and more fire resistant than galvanised steel. It has a black colour that is a result of the iron-oxide surface that is formed during the manufacturing process. There are a number of different techniques that can be used to create black steel including hot and cold-coatings and chemical baths and finishes.
Why is it important to recycle HMS?
There’s really no reason not to recycle HMS. It reduces CO2 emissions – which is great for the environment – and lessens the resources that are used to make fresh steel and wrought iron products. You can also sell your scrap metal and HMS and make money off the appropriate disposal of it.
Sell scrap metal
Metal Men Recycling is a premium scrap metal recycling company that will buy your scrap metal and recycle it in the proper manner. We come to you and pick up your scrap in exchange for eftpos or cheque payment – whether it be a residence or a business.
If you would like to enquire about our pickup procedure or more about HMS then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677 or contact us through our website.
Recycling metal can come in many shapes and forms in Melbourne. Apart from selling your scrap metal to be taken away, you can also do some recycling yourself at home with some practical results. It probably never occurred to you that you can create some fun, art décor things with your spare scrap metal and other recyclable materials. These can either have practical uses or just simply be a nice artistic touch to spruce up your house design.
1. Sculptures
Metal sculptures area great way to recycle your spare metal and a fun way as well. You can make statues and sculptures out of virtually any type of metal. Some might be a little harder than others and may require some extra tools – harder metals may need to be heated so they can be bent and re-shaped for example – but for lighter ones such as copper and aluminium it can be a very easy process and you can finish with some great looking pieces of art.
This process of recycling metal is a great one and the sculptures can be made on any scale. If you get ambitious enough you can even create a sculpture that houses some small plants on top of it or on multi-levels depending on what shape you create. It’s a sure way to grab the attention of your neighbours or guests.
2. Wall murals
This is probably going to sound like the sort of thing that you’d find in an art gallery, and that’s exactly what it’s meant to be. Soda cans, chicken wire, plastics, pretty much most types of recyclable material can be used in this project, which is creating a mural piece that can be hung up on a wall as a feature piece. Using all these recyclable materials, you can overlap and layout in either a random or specific design of your choice. You could create a peacock and their feathers out of multi-coloured, flattened soda cans, or some old fencing – like chicken wire – to create a picturesque Eiffel tower landscape.
3. Creating garden fences
If you want to give your garden a bit more of a rustic look, then you can repurpose some old metal or other recyclable materials and create a fun looking fence to separate your flowerbed from the rest of your garden. Here are some fun ideas on how to go about this:
If you happen to have thin metal sheets or something similar you can dig up the ground in front of the flowerbed and bury half of it and let the other half stick out, creating the barrier. You can also spray-paint or take a permanent marker to the metal to colour it/draw a design on it. This is a great and practical way for recycling metal in Melbourne.
If you collect small, glass bottles you can time them together with some sturdy string or wire and wrap them around your garden. It is best to have the base of these buried under the soil with some dirt put into the bottom of the bottle to help anchor it down.
4. Repurposing bottles
We just mentioned how you can use smaller glass bottles to create a little flowerbed border, but what about larger bottles? Other than the basic storage uses such as reusing them for oil or other liquids in the kitchen, you can also use them as vases, candle holders (depending on how large the candles/bottle tops are) or even as little terrariums. Similarly, you can create little landscapes with sand, rocks and miniature figurines and place them around your home. Adding small LED lights into different coloured bottles as well can be a great night time feature for inside or even outside your house as well.
5. Ideas for kids
Recycling around the house doesn’t just have to be for cool and swanky art décor purposes, but can also be for the kids, by the kids, as well. Egg cartons can be used to store small toys or used in artwork, old shoeboxes can be turned into little Japanese rock gardens – with a bit of tape to seal the cracks in the box.
Metal recycling solutions in Melbourne
If you do need help getting rid of excess scrap metal, Metal Men Recycling can come to your home or business and pay you to get rid of any unwanted scrap metal you may have.
If you would like to know more about our services or would like some more information/ideas on how to repurpose/recycle at home then please contact us at 03 5941 6677 or send us a message through our website.
Halloween is the season of lollies and outstanding works of DIY brilliance. If Halloween has snuck up on you and you’re in a rush to put together decorations, don’t stress. We’ve got you covered. In this blog, we are sharing some easy and fantastic DIY recycled crafts that will make your home the spookiest on the block.
The classics
Before we go into some of the more time-consuming crafts let’s go back to basics. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make all the difference and things don’t have to be complicated to look amazing. Some of the classic DIY Halloween crafts are:
Bats made from tying a small piece of black ribbon around a twig and putting googly eyes on it
Ghosts made from small pieces of white material. Attach a string in the middle, so the material droops when you hand it and draw a ghost face on it. You can but a pompom or a small polystyrene small under to give it more volume
Spider webs made from tangled white string or white wool. Spread it over your wall or the top of your door
Pumpkins don’t have to be craved! Just having one brings in enough atmosphere, or you can just draw on it with a marker
Glass lantern
Don’t throw out that jar just yet! Your jar will make a perfect lantern and can even provide some colourful lighting. With a light coat of paint on the outside and a candle on the inside, you have yourself an affordable and easy to make mood lighting. Image your porch or room splashed red with flickering tea lights. Mix it up with a bit of blue, red or orange. Then, if you want to go the extra mile you paint little witches or ghouls on it.
Light bulb spiders
If you are wondering what to do with your old light bulbs then we have the best DIY craft for you. In order to transform your light bulb into a creepy crawly you’ll need pliers, wire, spray paint and a light bulb. Cut four long pieces of wire and wrap them around the base of the light bulb to create legs. Then, you spray paint it all with the colour of your choice. All that’s left to do is to decorate! Considering the delicate nature of the light bulb, you’re better off using them as table décor.
Wands
While this is more of a costume idea it can still be used as decorations. You know those old chopsticks you get with the occasional takeaway? Well, they make the perfect base for a Harry Potter-like wand. One way is to would the handle, texture and grooves with a handy glue gun. Once the glue is on the stick you can roll it on something bumpy to create texture. Then you paint it and add details. Abracadabra! You’ve got yourself a nifty wand. This is great for kids parties if you create a few you can hold a wizard duel competition!
Halloween Garland
If you’re looking for a classy look this Halloween, you can never go wrong with a garland. First, create a nice, sturdy wireframe for you to work from. Take a look around your home for bits and pieces like fabric scraps, flowers, straws, pipe cleaners and other craft items. You can also cut shapes out of paper, paint or colour them in, and stick it on your garland. If you wanted you could have a garland of twigs and stick ghosts, witches or pumpkins on it. There is so much you can do. The only limit is your imagination.
Can lantern
Not keen on getting your hands dirty carving a pumpkin? You can make a lantern that’s just as creepy using old cans. Just peel off the label of that empty baked beans can and punch some holes in it. You can also do this with old soda cans and even cut out some spooky shapes. With enough cans you’ll create the right atmosphere for your home, you may even scare away a few trick or treaters!
DIY recycled craft is great fun, but sometimes the build up on materials can feel overwhelming.The right kind of scrap metal can be traded in for money, so don’t miss out on earning some extra cash for recycling. Metal Man Recycling buys scrap metal and can even pick it for you to save you the hassle. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 03 5941 6677 today.
All over Australia, state governments have implemented many initiatives designed to inspire waste reduction. One of the most effective ways to reduce waste overall, as we know, is recycling – whether it’s by using the right bin or contacting scrap metal buyers. Today, we’re exploring some of the recycling initiatives available in each state, and how they are benefiting the local environments.
South Australia
One of the most successful recycling initiatives practised in South Australia is the container deposit scheme. Introduced as an official legislation in 1977, the container deposit legislation (CDL) aims to reduce litter by paying people to return it. So far in South Australia, the CDL has been extremely successful, with an overall beverage container return rate of 79.9%.
Specifically, consumers may return certain containers to collection depots for what is usually a 10c refund on the item. This incentive to recycle not only means that everyday consumers are more likely to recycle, but it also means that if someone comes across an empty container on the street, they will benefit from picking it up and returning it to a depot. This principle is known as the ‘polluter pays’ concept, since it is the polluter who ultimately misses out on the benefit of the refund.
These are just some examples of containers you can return to a depot in South Australia for a refund:
Beer bottles
Soft drink cans
Juice boxes
Water bottles
South Australia was the first state to introduce this legislation, however, other Australian states have recognised its value and started to follow suit. Hopefully, it won’t be long until each state has its own CDL, making the legislation a national standard.
Western Australia
In Western Australia, much of the discussion around recycling is centred on raising awareness. To help residents and businesses improve their recycling habits, the WA has introduced a mobile app known as ‘Recycle Right’. With a matching campaign, the Recycle Right app aims to:
Help people understand which bin to place their items in, using an A-Z searchable database of materials
Educate people about what happens at the recycling facility
Provide tips and tricks on reducing, reusing and recycling
Help people find their nearest disposal facilities.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory introduced a container deposit scheme (CDS) in 2011 that is very similar to the one practised in SA, where consumers can return containers to local depots for a refund.
The City of Darwin Council is also planning to move towards a “plastic-free future”. From January 1 2019, single-use plastics will officially be banned from all Council events, on Council land and in Council buildings. Some examples of single-use plastics that will be banned include:
Helium balloons
Plastic cups and cutlery
Straws
The City of Darwin Council hopes to have phased out single-use plastics by the end of next year, hopefully inspiring other councils and states to join in on the ban.
Queensland
According to the Queensland Government, Queenslanders use almost 3 billion beverage containers every year. This statistic has very recently inspired the implementation of yet another container refund scheme. The scheme will officially commence on November 1 2018.
The Queensland Government is also planning to introduce a waste disposal levy, which is proposed to commence on March 4 2019. The levy will cover an area that includes around 90% of Queensland’s population. Under the proposed changes, you may be charged for disposing anything from general waste, to construction and demolition waste.
New South Wales
NSW also has a container refund scheme titled ‘Return and Earn’, which began rolling out officially in 2017.
Apart from this, however, the New South Wales Government also runs a campaign called ‘Waste Less, Recycle More’, which has a few key goals:
To encourage residents and businesses to rethink their recycling and waste habits
To make it easier for residents and business to recycle correctly
To improve recycling regulations by enforcing waste dumping laws.
Tasmania
‘Rethink Waste’ is a statewide campaign initiative in Tasmania that is also more focused on awareness and rethinking how we use and reuse waste. According to Rethink Waste, there is a recurring issue of confusion about what is and what is not recyclable; a lot of recyclable household waste still ends up being sent to landfill. Rethink Waste aims to change this, by providing a number of informative resources that residents and business can access online.
Victoria
Sustainability Victoria is currently an ongoing initiative that also raises awareness and provides advice on recycling. There are also a number of businesses in Victoria that are dedicated to recycling particular items, such as batteries or scrap metal.
Do you live in Victoria? Dispose of your metal waste in a smarter way with Metal Men Recycling. As scrap metal buyers, we pay you to pick up any scrap metal you find in your home or at your business (yes – that includes soft drink cans and stainless steel)! Give our team of scrap metal buyers a call on 03 5941 6677 today to find out more.
