Teaching your children the importance of recycling is incredibly important as they are the future generation. But recycling doesn’t just stop at putting the correct items in the appropriate bins – or bringing down scrap metal to our recycling plant – it can also include home recycling and repurposing to give items a second lease on life. As a Melbourne-based metal recycling company – we are dedicated to creating a sustainable future for all and there is no better time to do it than now when we are all at home. By the end of these three fun activities, your children will have learnt how to repurpose items instead of throwing them out!

1. Tic tac go

This DIY tic tac go set is the perfect entertainment for your trip to the park and beyond and is incredibly easy to make. For this activity you will need:

• 10 bottle caps; 
• A permanent marker;
• One small sack; and 
• A ruler. 

First, take your permanent marker and put a big X on five of the bottle tops, then on the other five put a big O. Next, take your ruler and use it to make straight lines on the sack. Make it so there is a total of nine boxes on the sack, creating a grid. Now toss all ten bottle tops into the sack and let the fun begin.

2. Birdfeeder

This birdfeeder costs next to nothing and is something our Melbourne-based metal recycling experts think would look brilliant hanging in the front or backyard. The best part is, to gather the materials all you need to do is dig through your recycling bin! What you’ll need is: 

• A clean plastic peanut butter jar with a lid; 
• A lid from a large yogurt container; 
• A utility knife (be sure to supervise your children and not leave them alone with this);
• Two bolts/nuts;
• String;
• A pair of scissors;
• Bird seeds;
• Glue; and
• Two sticks.

Use your knife to puncture a hole in the middle of the peanut butter jar and the two lids (the holes only need to be big enough to fit the string). Next, sketch out four holes the size of a dollar coin around the jar – this is how the birds will be able to get to the seeds. Place the yogurt lid under the peanut butter jar, double the string and feed it through the yogurt lid, peanut butter jar and peanut butter jar lid.

Tie the bottom end of the doubled string onto the nut below the yogurt lid. Now glue your sticks on the underside of your yogurt lid in a cross pattern (this is for the birds to perch on). Finally, open your lid, empty in the bird seeds and hang the string from a hook and wait for your new feathered friends to stop by for a snack!

3. Hanging planter

Two-litre bottles become beautiful hanging plants in this DIY craft! This is a simple, easy, cheap, and effective craft that the kids will love! All you need for this is: 

• A two-litre bottle; 
• Some string; and 
• A craft knife. 

Cut out a rectangle in the middle of the bottle and poke one hole at each end. Feed one end of the string through one side and the other end of the string through the other side of the bottle. Knot the string at both sides and cut off any excess. Then, fill your bottle with soil and plant your seeds. Use your string to hang it up and watch your flowers grow! You can hang it in your room or outside, it is mess-free and looks stunning!

FUN METAL FACT

Did you know that world time periods are often named after the metal used?

Are you looking at recycling metal in Melbourne?

Metal Men Recycling is still operating during the lockdown period and will continue to provide you with streamlined and quality metal recycling solutions in Melbourne. Whether you’re bringing scrap metal to our facility for processing and to take advantage of our weighbridges – or you’re looking to utilise our free 24-hour pickup service – Metal Men recycling has you covered. We provide bins in several different sizes to help you manage your scrap metal loads. For a full list of metals that we buy, please check our website.

If you’d like to get in touch with our experts or find out more about selling your scrap metal to us – then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677. Alternatively, you may also contact us via the form on our website.

Scrap metal recycling has become such an integral part of our society in both an economic and environmental sense. Environmentally speaking, it mitigates the amount of metal that ends up in landfill and expends far less energy when compared to mining virgin ore. Economically, newly recycled and repurposed metal also enables cheaper alternatives to freshly produced products whilst still retaining close to the same (if not the same in some cases) qualities and advantages.

As scrap metal buyers, we relish in the fact that we’re involved in such a forward-thinking industry that’s paving the way for future generations. It wasn’t always an easy job, though, and the industry has made numerous investments in technological advancements over the years that have worked to streamline the scrap metal recycling process. The most notable of which is sorting.

The evolution of sorting

Sorting is arguably the most integral part of the scrap metal recycling process. It’s in this phase where not only all the types of metals are differentiated from each other, but all the individual alloys within the types of metal as well. If metal is not sorted properly to begin with, then the end-result may be contaminated and be unusable as a product.

Once all the types of metal and alloys are sorted they can then be processed and shredded. Manual methods such as using nitric acid to identify copper are no longer the norm. Even the “magnet” test which was used to differentiate between steel and stainless steel is obsolete as there are now over 150 grades of stainless steel – making it difficult for a simple magnet to distinguish them.

XRF and LIBS technology

Sorting manually by hand, though slow and tedious, was feasible many years ago, but, as the world evolved, so too did the metal recycling industry. Modern sorting methods are not only significantly faster and more efficient but also incredibly precise in identifying alloys, grades and types of metal. Handheld smart devices use XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) and LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) technology to streamline the sorting process and ensure the most accurate results. 

Whilst XRF uses X-ray technology to accurately determine the type of metal, LIBS uses low-level energy and optical technology. Additionally, fully automated machines that also utilise XRF and LIBS technology are able to achieve an even more effective result. This sort of technology is an exciting showcase of how far the industry has come as well as an indicator of what the future holds.

Improved operations

With the sorting phase being so tightly organised and productive nowadays, it means that other phases in the recycling process are also heightened –  ultimately leading to a more effective and economical supply chain. This results in the newly produced recycled metal being shipped out and used for real-world applications faster than ever before. The technological developments for the sorting phase alone ripple out to the rest of the operation, improving and growing the process.

Environmental advantages of modern sorting technology

Laser methods for automatic scrap metal sorting have the aptitude to save recycling plants large amounts of money. This mechanised automatic laser sorting also has the potential for big economic savings. There are several environmental benefits to the expansive research involved in improving the sorting of scrap metal – the main one of which is that it reduces the amount that goes to landfill

The scrap metal that is discarded into landfills creates significant environmental risks and is a hazard to the soil, air, and water surrounding the landfill. This is because of the toxins, like mercury and lead, contained inside the metals. With this new technology more metal than ever is able to be sorted and recycled – resulting in less of it ending up in landfills which is great for the environment.

FUN METAL FACT

Did you know recycling aluminium cans saves 95% of the energy used to make new cans?

Are looking to get into metal recycling in Melbourne?

Whether it’s old cars and their motors or copper piping you’ve found under your house, scrap metal recycling is a great way to earn some money whilst helping to contribute to an environmentally friendly industry. At Metal Men Recycling, we buy all sorts of scrap metal including ferrous and non-ferrous. 

We offer a 24-hour pick-up service and also have a range of different bin sizes that are available to be sent to your home or business depending on what suits you best. Our helpful and experienced team members are available to help you with any questions you may have regarding scrap metal recycling.

If you would like to contact us, then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677 or you can fill out the enquiry form on our website.

Most elements on the periodic table are metals. There are 18 different groups that the elements are categorised into based on their characteristics and 17 of those different groups contain metals. Each group has different properties which make each metal unique for a variety of applications. As scrap metal buyers, we love learning about the different qualities of metal and seeing what newly recycled metal goes towards in the real world. Let’s take a look at some common uses that some types of metal have, shall we?

Group 11

Group 11 includes copper, silver and gold. These metals are often used for the production of jewellery and coins as they are nonreactive. This plays a massive part in why they are the perfect choice for a nice pair of earrings, a two-dollar coin or a nice bracelet – because they don’t corrode or rust easily. Gold is an interesting material as it’s rarely ever used on its own. This is because, in its pure form, gold is too soft and wouldn’t be as durable when made into jewellery. That’s why it’s predominantly combined with other alloys such as silver or platinum to strengthen it.

Group 8

Metals such as iron and stainless steel (an alloy of iron) are often used to build strong free-standing structures such as skyscrapers – in addition to vehicles like ships, cars, trains and trucks. Being as they’re a part of Group eight, they’re very strong – making them the standout choice for industrial purposes. Both of these metals can also be shaped using various metal fabrication machines to bend, cut and puncture them. Stainless steel is also a highly recyclable material that won’t lose its qualities regardless of how many times it’s been recycled – further bolstering its attractiveness for industrial applications. 

Group 13

Aluminium – which is part of Group 13 – is most commonly used in items found around the house such as aluminium foil and cooking utensils. It is also heavily used for beer kegs and in aeroplanes. Similarly to gold, aluminium is not very strong and is quite ductile in its purest form meaning it must be used as an alloy with other materials such as magnesium or copper to strengthen it. 

Like other metals, aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity meaning you can also find it being used in some wiring. If you’ve got some spare aluminium wiring lying around or in a product you don’t need – consider bringing it down to Metal Men Recycling where our scrap metal buyers can take it off your hands and ensure that it’s recycled properly.

Notable traits of certain metals

• Copper is good for wiring and is mostly used for that application as it is considered the most conductive and cost-efficient option.
• Tungsten is the metal with the highest melting point – 3,422 °C – so it is used for the filaments of light bulbs as it can endure the high temperatures without melting.                               
• Lead is used to make batteries as it is highly reactive (the lead reacts with the sulfuric acid to create lead sulphate which charges the battery).  
• Mercury is used in clinical thermometers in Australia as it has a high coefficient of expansion meaning the liquid increases in volume when the temperature is increased making it suitable to measure even the slightest change in temperature. In addition to this, mercury is one of two metals (halogen bromine being the other) that remains in liquid form at room temperature – further making it ideal for thermometers.

Metal Fun Fact

Tungsten has a very high melting point of 3,422 °C second to only Carbon with a record high melting point of 3,550 °C.

Are you looking for scrap metal buyers in Melbourne?

A fantastic way to earn some extra money on the side whilst making a positive impact on the environment is by selling your scrap metal at a place like Metal Men Recycling. As scrap metal buyers, we accept all types of scrap metal and will pay you by cheque or EFTPOS for your metal. Our services include:

• Door trade facilitation;
• Factory cleanouts and farm clean-ups;
• Free bin service for your scrap metal drop-offs;
• 24-hour scrap metal pick up; and
• An easy access weighbridge.

By selling your scrap to Metal Men Recycling you’ll be actively making your recycling experience 100 times easier as our experts have over 50 years of combined experience.

Get in touch with our friendly team of scrap metal buyers today by calling 03 5941 6677. You may also contact us via the enquiry page on our website.

Many of the items we use daily within (or even outside) our household actually have a secret material. They contain metal. There comes a time when your favourite kettle or couch you’ve been using since your 20s just needs to go in the bin. However, instead of throwing them out, one thing you can do to help pave the way towards a greener future is to recycle it.

This is where the metal in your appliances and furniture comes in. Items made out of metal are easily recyclable thanks to the material’s natural properties. It can be processed and fabricated again into different forms making it perfect for recycling. There is only one problem, it can be difficult to know which items are best for metal recycling in Melbourne. That’s where this article comes in to shed some light on the matter. 

Household appliances 

Most households generally have a basic set of appliances like a kettle, toaster, washing machine, refrigerator, freezer, sink, and dryer. Whatever appliance you are wanting to recycle, most are usually composed more so of metal than anything else. This means that most of these appliances can be recycled easily. Some of the more metal-prominent appliances are refrigerators, dishwashers, and dryers – also known as whitegoods.

Copper piping or wiring 

Copper wiring can be found in almost every household item and is of great value when recycled properly. In terms of copper piping – your kitchen, laundry, bathroom or anywhere with plumbing for that matter will contain some form of copper piping since most water pipes are made from the material. A good time to recycle your copper piping is during a renovation – instead of throwing out your old extra pipes, you can recycle them!

Sinks and taps

Sinks are most commonly made from stainless steel, whilst taps are predominantly made of brass. These materials can be recycled if you are thinking of replacing them when redoing your kitchen or bathrooms. To recycle your sink or tap you could drive to a scrap metal yard in Melbourne like Metal Men Recycling. We will take your old steel sink for you (and any other scrap metal items you need to get rid of).

Pots and pans

Pots and pans are great for cooking, but, a little known trait is that they’re very easy to recycle as most of them will be mostly made up of aluminium and cast iron. This can come in handy when it’s time to replace your old utensils with new ones.

Vehicles and tools

Not everyone has a personal vehicle but if you do, then you will know there are many different parts – such as the radiator or battery – that can be recycled. Even tools have parts like lawnmowers or leaf blowers contain motors that can be recycled in addition to other components and types of metal. By scrapping your old and run-down vehicles or tools you can get a bit of money for it from the metal parts.

E-waste

Products such as televisions or computers are items that not everyone will possess, however, if you do – then you should know that several different parts of them can be scrapped for cash at a trusted recycling plant in Melbourne. All the parts of your electronic device are made out of different materials – most of which are varying types of metal. By scrapping e-waste you have no use for – you can get a bit of money from it to put towards your next electronic device and actively help the environment.

Bicycles

Bicycles – the environmentally friendly way to get around town. Many parts of your bicycle will have a metallic shine and lustre, however, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s made from metal. By bringing your bike and its spare parts to a scrap yard such as Metal Men recycling we will be able to let you know which parts of your bike are worth scrapping.

Metal Fun Fact

South Africa is home to the deepest gold mine in the world – Mponeng gold mine – with an operating depth of between 3km and 4km below the surface.

Are you looking to sell your scrap metal for some extra cash in Melbourne?

If you’re looking to get some extra cash quickly, then look no further than Metal Men Recycling. Selling your scrap metal is a great way to earn some extra cash as well as make a positive impact on the environment. With an on-site weighbridge and state-of-the-art sorting facilities, metal recycling in Melbourne has never been so easy!

If you’d like to sell your scrap metal for some extra cash, then please contact us via the enquiry form on our website or by calling our experienced team on 03 5941 6677.

There are currently 97 known metals but before the 19^th century, only 47 had been discovered and, of these metals, 33 of them were discovered in the 18^th century. The seven metals humans had identified and found use for in prehistoric times were called the metals of antiquity. They consisted of gold, silver, copper, tin, lead, iron, mercury.

The metals of antiquity

Gold

Gold was discovered around prehistoric times and the Stone Age. It was used for monetary systems. Gold was found by sifting through the sands near rivers and beaches – revealing solid gold particles. During the reign of King Croesus (561 – 547 BC) the first pure gold coins were minted.

Copper

Copper was discovered around prehistoric times and was a very significant discovery as all the first tools, weapons and contraptions were made from copper. In northern Iraq, a copper pendant was discovered and is believed to date back to about 8700 BC.

Silver

Silver was discovered in approximately 3000 BC and was used majorly for the monetary systems – particularly in the Roman and Chinese Empires. This type of silver were rough-cut pieces known as hacksilver which could be used in trade or to store wealth. In ancient culture, silver could also be used to make jewellery, tableware and objects used in religious rituals. 

Lead

Lead was discovered in ancient times and was used for various things such as crafting statues and in paint. Romans used this metal for the production of water pipes and as lining for baths. In fact, one of the oldest known lead artifacts, thought to be 5820 years old, is a statue found at the temple of Osiris on the site of Abydos.

Tin

Tin was discovered in approximately 2100 BC and was used as a polish to prevent corrosion as well as an alloy. For example, tin and copper produced bronze through the process of smelting – which involved applying heat to two materials in order to melt them into their liquid form. In this case – the tin and copper would mix together to form liquid bronze – which was then cooled to create the metal.

Iron

Iron was discovered around 3500 BC through the process of smelting. This prompted the Iron Age at around 1200 BC where the metal was generally used for tools and weaponry.

Mercury

Mercury was discovered around 1500 BC. Each civilization aware of Mercury (China, Greece, Rome and parts of India) had their legends about mercury ranging from using it as a medicine to a talisman. Mercury was also combined with sulphur to create a reddish mineral which was used as a pigment to colour clothes and towels. It was also used to help fur stick together in felt hats in the 18^th and 19^th century.

Basic metals and when they were approximately discovered

Other metals

Trans-uranium elements

• Neptunium and Plutonium – 1940 
• Curium and Americium – 1944
• Berkelium – 1949 
• Californium – 1950
• Einsteinium – 1952
• Fermium – 1953
• Mendelevium – 1955
• Nobelium – 1963
• Lawrencium – 1965

Metal Fun Fact

Did you know that there are many different types of steel including stainless steel, galvanized steel, and carbon steel?

Are you looking to sell scrap metal in Pakenham?

If you’re looking to sell scrap metal, then you’ve come to the right place. Selling scrap metal is a great way to earn some extra cash as well as make a positive impact on the environment. 

The team here at Metal Men Recycling is passionate about the safe disposal of scrap metal. Our state-of-the-art facility is situated on four acres of land and features a heavy-duty weighbridge. It is also well equipped to support our team in the smart and safe recycling of your scrap metal. We make it our duty to ensure your scrap metal recycling experience with us as quick and easy as possible. 

If you’d like to sell your scrap metal, then get in touch with our friendly team by calling 03 5941 6677. Alternatively, you may contact us via the enquiry page on our website.

When global warming and other environmental factors are taken into consideration, citizens of Earth should be doing everything they can to help save our planet. One of the many avenues we can follow to help positively impact the world is metal recycling. Maybe if the people of Earth realise just how beneficial using recycled metal is compared to freshly mined ore, then less metal will end up in landfill and people can take their scrap to scrap yards such as Metal Men Recycling who – as scrap metal buyers – will do everything to make sure your recycling experience is easy, quick and good-natured.

1. Boosts the economy

Recycling metal is a noble and important act that also directly boosts our economy due to all the equipment and manual labour that’s required to keep it running. The metal recycling industry needs people to drop off the scrap, collect and sort it, recycle it, cut it, package it and then ship it. By creating more jobs, more people get paid meaning there is more money being shared around – boosting the economy. A study by the EPA in 2016 found that ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycling combined made up approximately 395,000 jobs in the US and $14 billion USD in wages.

2. Resource preservation

Recycling metal is better than mining because it means we can use just as much metal without ever running out of the material itself. Mining metal ore decreases the Earth’s natural resources – but, by recycling the metal instead of mining it, you can help to preserve the Earth’s metal ore resources and lose no quality in the process. Some examples of metals that can be continuously recycled without loss of quality are aluminium and steel.

3. Reduction of emissions

Global warming is defined as:

“The gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants”

Oxford English Dictionary

Undoing the damage we have inflicted on the atmosphere and our Earth will be difficult but we can start by not causing further damage. A great way to start doing this is by reducing the emissions released into the environment from mining. By seeking out scrap metal buyers and recycling metals instead of mining for them we are reducing the production of emissions, protecting groundwater from being polluted and mitigating the number of craters we create in our Earth.

4. Energy usage

Mining resources such as metal ore is a costly job both financially and energy-wise. By recycling your metal instead, you are reducing both the demand for mining and the energy consumption that accompanies it. The energy used to recycle aluminium scrap is only 5% of what would have been the energy used to mine the fresh ore. Reducing the amount of energy needed to produce metal is both cost-effective and energy-efficient making metal recycling the best of both worlds.

Metal Fun Fact

Did you know pure gold is too soft for a lot of things so most gold is combined with other metals to make it stronger?

Are you looking for scrap metal buyers in Melbourne?

Metal Men Recycling believes that the role our facility plays in metal recycling has made a positive impact on the environment not only in Melbourne but all around the world. To continue to make these positive impacts you can just do one simple thing, remember this; if you’re looking to sell your scrap metal and make a profit, then come on down to Metal Men Recycling. 

As scrap metal buyers we’re fortunate enough to be able to buy a wide variety of scrap metal and safely recycle it. Not only is selling your scrap to us a great way to make a profit, but you’ll also be positively impacting the environment. We offer bins in several sizes and can deliver them to you for large scrap metal loads. Additionally, we also offer a state-of-the-art on-site weighbridge that’s rated to 90 tonnes. We buy all types of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal – so, look around the house and yard and be sure to bring down anything metal that’s just lying about.

If you’d like to know more about our services, then please give our experienced and friendly team a call on 03 5941 6677. You can also contact us by filling out the enquiry form found on our website.

Before we delve into the five different groups of metals, you ought to know that almost all of the elements in the periodic table are metals – 91 out of 118 to be exact. These metals can be further classified as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition metals, and basic metals. In today’s blog, we’re going to be exploring the details of these fives groups so you have a better understanding when you’re recycling metal in Melbourne.

The properties of metals

Elements in the periodic table are generally classified as non-metals or metals although some elements have characteristics of both – these are called metalloids, but we’ll talk more about those later.

The properties of a metal include:

• Lustre – How shiny they are.
• Malleability – How much they can be bent or shaped without breaking.
• Conductivity – How well they conducts electricity. 
• Boiling or melting point – The temperature in which metals melt or boil (all metals aside from mercury are solid at room temperature).
• Sonorous – Sonorous metals will make a metallic sounds when hit.
• Reactivity – How reactive metals are with each other.  Most are very reactive although some such as gold and platinum do not react. The reactivity series is a chart that lists metals’ reactivity in descending order.
• Ductility – How easily they can be shaped into a thin sheet without breaking.
• Hardness – Their resistance to scratches or abrasions. 
• Strength – The strength of metals can be measured in 4 different ways:
  • Yield strength – The resistance of permanent deformation;
  • Tensile strength – How much it can be stretched without breaking;
  • Compressive strength – The resistance to compression (being squashed); and
  • Impact strength – The resistance to suddenly applied loads.

Noble metals

These metals are pure, nonreactive, and can’t form compounds. Their non-reactivity makes them perfect for jewellery and coins. Some examples of noble metals include palladium, copper, silver, rhodium, and osmium.

Alkali metals

Alkali metals are very reactive and have low melting points. The alkali metals are named as they are because when they react with water they form alkalies. Alkali metals are soft enough to be cut with a knife. Some examples are potassium, lithium and sodium.

Alkaline earth metals

Found in compounds with many different minerals, alkaline earth metals are harder, have higher melting points and are less reactive than alkali metals (but are still quite reactive). Due to their reactivity – they seldom appear in their pure form. This group includes calcium, magnesium, and barium.

Transition metals

Transition metals are generally the types that we frequently think of when we think of the word metal. Some examples include gold, silver and iron – some of which you may notice are also noble metals. They are hard, shiny, strong and easy to shape. These types of metals are used for several industrial purposes.

Other metals

Other metals (sometimes known as poor metals or post-transitional metals) are generally fairly soft with low boiling points. They are located between the metalloids and transition metals on the periodic table and have various uses. Aluminium is used when soldering, for example as well as to craft utensils whilst lead is used in batteries. Other examples include gallium and bismuth.

Metalloids

As we mentioned earlier, metalloids are elements that hold the properties of both metals and non-metals. For example, silicon is lustrous like a metal – but also quite brittle like a non-metal. There are seven metalloids found in the periodic table and can be found on the border between the metals and non-metals.

Metal Fun Fact

Alkali metals, such as lithium, sodium, potassium, and rubidium are so reactive that they will ignite and even explode if placed in water.

Thinking of recycling metal in Melbourne?

Whilst we all love a good element metal – most of us have a different kind of metal for recycling. Metal Men Recycling specialises in buying your scrap metal in Melbourne – no matter what form it may be! Recycling metal is a fantastic way to make some spare cash on the side as well as mitigate the negative impact on the environment. 

Is your business looking to offload a large amount of scrap metal? We can provide several bin sizes for free and drop-off/pick-up services so your day-to-day happenings are minimally affected. So, when you’re thinking of recycling your scrap metal in Melbourne – come down to Metal Men Recycling. 

If you’d like to know more about our services, then please don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or give us a call on 03 5941 6677.

In times like this, good hygiene is imperative, and nothing beats washing your hands. However, if water and soap aren’t available, the next best thing is an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. And, with the recent rise in demand – it’s a good thing that making hand sanitiser at home is easy, simple, and effective. This is definitely something to check out if you’re looking to sell scrap metal as you’ll be handling a lot of different surfaces.

Recipe

According to Dr Rishi Desai, a former epidemic intelligence service officer within the division of viral diseases at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this hand sanitiser recipe will kill 99.9 per cent of germs after 60 seconds. 

For this handy DIY recipe, you will need: 

• 3/4 cup of rubbing alcohol (with a 99 per cent alcohol volume);
• 1/4 cup Aloe Vera gel;
• 10 drops of an essential oil such as tea tree oil or lavender oil;
• A medium-sized bowl;
• A wooden spoon;
• A whisk; and
• An empty bottle (to store your sanitiser).

Method

Pour all the ingredients into your medium-sized bowl, ideally with a pouring spout. Then, mix with the spoon to combine all ingredients. To turn the drippy liquid into a gel – whisk for three minutes or until it thickens. Finally, pour the mixture into an empty bottle and enjoy!

When making hand sanitiser at home you must ensure that you: 

• Wipe down the countertops; 
• Wash your hands properly;
• Use clean utensils;
• Make sure the rubbing alcohol is not diluted;
• Mix all ingredients thoroughly; and
• Do not touch the mixture with your hands until it’s ready to be used.

The history of hand sanitiser

In 1875, Leonid Bucholz discovered a cleaning agent that was neither soap nor water at what is now the University of Tartu in Estonia. His discovery was the antiseptic properties of ethanol. Of course, with ethanol being a type of alcohol, research on the antiseptic properties of alcohol continued and in 1936 a slightly more complex type of alcohol called isopropyl was proven to be a more effective antiseptic than ethanol. After further research, a company called “Purell” was formed in 1998, which was one of the first companies to sell hand sanitiser.

How to use hand sanitiser

Squeeze out the liquid onto the palm of one hand and rub your hands together. Make sure you rub everywhere thoroughly including in between your fingers. Continue rubbing for 60 seconds or until your hands are dry. We recommend using hand sanitiser after you touch multiple surfaces outside of your home – especially when it comes to amassing all of your scrap metal to sell.

Benefits

• Less time is required in comparison to soap and water hand washing.
• It’s a fast-acting solution that works very quickly to kill microorganisms.
• Generally more easily accessible.
• Reduces the number of bacterial counts on your hands.
• Does not promote antimicrobial resistance.
• Can be less irritating to skin in some cases compared to washing your hands with soap and water.
• There are some varieties available that can even improve the condition of your skin.
• Ideal for group settings where you need to quickly clean your hands but don’t want to leave.
• It helps combat the spread of disease.

Looking to sell scrap metal?

If you follow all the steps outlined above, then you’ll have yourself a highly-effective hand sanitiser solution that you can make at any time – and you’ll probably need it if you’re thinking of handling scrap metal. 

Metal Men Recycling is still open for business which means you can sell your scrap metal to us. We can purchase a wide variety of scrap metal materials as well as supply you with several bin sizes if you’re looking to move some large loads from your home or place of business.

Take advantage of our multiple state-of-the-art on-site weighbridges and ensure that your metal is sustainably recycled by passionate professionals. By utilising our services, you can actively impact the environment and also contribute to the growing metal recycling industry – as well as make some money on the side.

So, don’t hesitate, make the smart choice and recycle your scrap metal. If you would like to sell your scrap metal to us, then please contact us via the form on our website or call 03 5941 6677 to chat to one of our friendly staff members.

As scrap metal buyers, we love learning about our trade – which is why we’ve prepared 35 mind-blowing facts for you to enjoy!

1. Tungsten is the metal with the highest melting point, melting at 3422°C.
   
2. The word metal comes from the Ancient Greek word ‘metallon’ which means quarry or to mine or excavate.
   
3. The most abundant metal in the universe is iron, followed by magnesium.
   
4. The tallest free-standing structures in the world are made of metals, primarily the alloy steel. They include the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai, Tokyo’s television tower Skytree, and the Shanghai Towerskyscraper.
   
5. The metal Gallium will melt in the palm of your hand.
   
6. Boeing created a new metal called Microlattice that is 100 times lighter than Styrofoam and 99.9% air.
   
7. It snows metal on Venus.
   
8. Steel is the worlds most recycled material – with half of the world’s steel production using recycled steel.
   
9. Roughly 30% of all metals are recycled.
   
10. Water pollution is reduced by 40% when a steel mill uses recycled metal scraps.
    
11. Recycling one aluminium can save enough energy to run a 60-watt light bulb for 20 hours, a computer for three hours and a TV for two hours.
    
12. Aluminium reflects 92% of visible light and approximately 98% of infrared light.
    
13. Because metal was scarce during World War II – the Oscars given out were made of plaster for three years. The recipients were called back after the war to exchange them for gold-plated metal ones.
    
14. Brass doorknobs and handrails are most commonly used in public buildings because brass, a copper alloy, is naturally antibacterial.
    
15. If two pieces of uncoated metal touch in space, they become permanently stuck together. It doesn’t happen on Earth because the atmosphere puts a thin layer of oxidation between the surfaces – preventing adherence. This process is known as cold welding.
    
16. Silver can kill bacteria previously thought immune to antibacterial agents.
    
17. Gold can grow on trees; this happens when the gold particles below the ground are absorbed through a biochemical process. The mineral is then deposited into the tree’s bark and leaves.
    
18. A 14-karat gold LEGO brick was given out in the early 80s to employees who had worked at the Germany LEGO factory for over 25 years. They are valued at nearly $15,000 USD.
    
19. Aluminium can be recycled over and over again without any loss of quality.
    
20. Touching stainless steel will remove the odour of garlic and onion from your hands.
    
21. 95% of all copper ever mined was extracted after 1900. More than half of that has been extracted in the last 24 years.
    
22. Exposure to platinum can turn snails into slugs.
    
23. All of the tin produced in the US is recycled. The United States has neither mined tin since 1993 nor smelted it since 1989 – but currently import it.
    
24. There is more gold in a ton of mobile phones than a ton of gold ore. It takes a ton of ore to get one gram of gold, but you can get the same amount from recycling 41 mobile phones.
    
25. Until 1735 no new metals had been discovered since prehistoric times; iron, copper, silver, gold, zinc, mercury, tin, lead, and bismuth.
    
26. Pure gold is too soft for most applications so it is combined with other metals to become stronger.
    
27. A 15cm x 15cm cube of iridium or osmium would weigh as much as an average adult human.
    
28. Aluminium used to be one of the most expensive metals in the world. Only the wealthiest ate with aluminium utensils, whilst the lesser nobility ate with gold.
    
29. Beryllium, the 4th element on the periodic table, is highly toxic and just 0.25 milligrams (the mass of a grain of salt) can kill a rat.
    
30. There is enough gold in the Earth’s core to coat the Earth 1.5 feet tall.
    
31. Californium-252 costs about $2.7 billion AUD per 100 grams, making it one of the most expensive elements known to man.
    
32. In Australia, steel makes up about 2.5% of the waste that goes to landfill.
    
33. Making new steel from recycled cans uses 75% less energy than making steel from raw materials.
    
34. Approximately 98% of all materials in a battery are recycled.
    
35. An average city bus contains 75,000 cans worth of steel.

Looking for scrap metal buyers in Melbourne?

If you’re looking for scrap metal buyers in Melbourne, then look no further than Metal Men Recycling. We buy all types of scrap metal and even offer pickup and drop-off services for larger loads.

Why not give our scrap metal buyers a call on 03 5941 6677 to see how we can help you. Alternatively, you may also contact us via the enquiry form found on our website. 

With global warming and other environmental issues inflicting our planet every day, reduce reuse and recycle has become one of the more common catchphrases. Metal recycling in Melbourne and around the world has seen a massive boom in the last 100 years in order to combat the growing crises. We have come a massive way since we first started and are now recycling everything from plastics to metals. It is worth exploring just exactly how we got to the booming industry we have today when recycling our metals!

1030: Paper recycling

The first paper recycling procedure was recorded by the Japanese. They had been recycling paper and re-selling it back to their local shops. There was a great absence of paper during 1030 due to the Zushoryo papermakers being fired. This caused the owners of private properties to begin the construction of small paper mills and hired the Zushoryo papermakers to work for them In Japan. They used mulberry, gampi, and hemp to make their paper but in 1031 they used waste paper as a material for remaking more paper.

1897: Materials recovery facility

In New York City the first materials recovery facility was created. A materials recovery facility was where the garbage was sorted at places called “picking yards”. The garbage was separated into various groups depending on the quality of the material. The groups ranged from different sorts of paper and metals to different colours of carpet. These materials were all sorted so they could be recycled and reused.

The 1900s: Recycling in the public eye

The term “Waste to Wealth” became popular along with the concept of recycling. The three Rs became more widely accepted as the public realized how much cheaper it was to reuse and recycle materials than to buy them brand new. 

1904: Aluminium recycling plant

The first industrial American aluminium can recycling plant opened in Cleveland and Chicago.

Metal Fun Fact

Did you know aluminium was worth more than gold in the 1800s?

1939 – 1945: World War II

The breakthrough for recycling both clothing and metal happened during World War II as materials were scarce because the war required a plethora of materials for the many soldiers. Metal and cloth were especially in demand so recycling was imperative if the military were to continue to supply uniforms and weapons to the soldiers. 

Manufacturing essential items for war – including planes and weapons – called for enormous quantities of metal. This was the reason for the halt in the manufacturing of items that required metal as well as why civilians were being asked to donate their spare metal. In more extreme circumstances, communities melted down fences and statues for their metal.

1946 – 1963: Post-war

After the war, there was no shortage of materials, and the need for recycling decreased. With the invention of the landfill, slowly but surely recycling became less popular.

1966: The environmental movement

The environmental movement started up and recycling made a comeback as environmentalists raised public awareness about the environmental issues caused by factories and businesses producing in bulk.

1980 – 1990: Government regulations

Countries such as America and Canada created regulations that made it mandatory for materials such as metals, glass, plastics, and newspapers to be recycled.

The 2000s: Greenhouse emissions

The correlation between global warming and mass production had been confirmed and scientifically proven. Many countries were urged to cut down greenhouse gas emissions and waste productions. This caused metal recycling to boom as it was a proven fact that recycling steel cans save up to 75% of the energy and 40% of the water than if you were to make steel from raw materials. Lower energy consumption also made the process a lot more economical as it produced less greenhouse gas emissions than mining would.

Thinking of recycling metal in Melbourne?

Metal Men Recycling is operating at full capacity during the current pandemic and will provide premium recycling solutions for all types of scrap metal. We offer pickup and drop-off services which include bins of varying sizes so you can easily manage those larger loads. Feel like bringing your scrap in yourself? Our yard features weighbridges that are rated up to 90 tonnes – ensuring a quick and easy experience no matter what vehicle you’re in.

If you’re interested in recycling metal in Melbourne, then contact us by filling out the form on our website or calling 03 5941 6677 and one of our experienced and friendly team members will get back to you.

It can be hard finding ways to occupy yourself during quarantine. You feel like you’re trapped inside and are just itching to get out. As scrap metal buyers, we understand it’s not easy, but the best way to quell this feeling is by distracting yourself, and the best distraction you can give yourself is a project that’ll take up your time and get you concentrated. That’s why for today’s blog, we’re going to be listing six fantastic DIY upcycle projects you can start on during this unprecedented pandemic.

1.     Folding chairs into storage/hanger unit

If you have any folding chairs lying around that you perhaps don’t need anymore, then this is the perfect opportunity to upcycle them into a coat hanger rack as well as storage space. Simply hang them on your wall and open them up to use the bar connecting the front two legs as a coat hanger. 

The section where you’d sit down can be used as a shelf. Just make sure the chair is firmly held in place and can take the weight of whatever you’re storing on it. Depending on the style of the chair you can repaint it or decorate it with other items to make it seem more appealing or in keeping with the rest of your home’s aesthetic.

2.     Marbles in fences

If you have holes in your wooden fence, then patch them up with glass marbles. Not only is this a great way to fill up the small holes in your fence – but it also looks fantastic. Different coloured marbles will sparkle and look magical as the sun shines through them. You can even make holes in your fence and patch them up with marbles if you love the effect but lack the holes. 

3.     Bottles into lights

This is a pretty classic upcycle technique and there are always new ways you change it to suit your own aesthetic and house. Whether it’s a plastic or glass bottle, just cut it up, fix a lightbulb in it and hang it from your ceiling (or any surface you choose) and enjoy the rustic vibe and different type of lighting that each bottle offers. Coloured bottles are especially fun to play around with as they’ll give you some great lighting effects.

4.     Brick planters

Use old bricks you have in your backyard as mini planters. Simply fill in the holes with soil and seeds, maintain them and then watch them flourish over time. If cleaned up properly you can even put these inside the house and place them in a little container, so the water has somewhere to drain into when you water them.

This also works great for cinderblocks which have that unique square look that can fit snuggly with any vibe indoor or out. Both styles can be decorated as well to really fit in with your home’s aesthetic, so you don’t just have the dull natural brown colour of the brick or neutral grey tone of the cinderblock.

5.     Oil lamp lightbulbs

Oil lamps are very old school but can be fantastic pieces provided they’re in secure areas where they’re less likely to fall and break. Simply clean out a light bulb and then fill it with oil. Screw the cap back on with a piece of wick leading from the oil through the cap and light the top of the wick. There you have it, a fantastic lightbulb oil lamp. Construct a stand for it as well so it can comfortably and securely sit in place.

6.     Dresser into a wine bar

If you have an old dresser that you don’t use anymore then you can sand it down, repaint it and transform it into a wine bar. Position holders so glasses can be held in drawers or you can store the bottles in the drawers and then have the surface as the serving area. This chic little object will make a fine addition to any room in your house.

Looking for scrap metal buyers?

Not everything can be upcycled, and Metal Men Recycling is still open for business, which means that you can bring your leftover scrap metal to us. As professional scrap metal buyers, we can buy a wide range of scrap metal materials and safely and efficiently recycle them. We also offer pickup and drop off services and can supply you with several bin sizes for those larger loads.

If you’d like to learn more about what our scrap metal buyers do and how they can help you, then contact usby filling out the form on our website or calling 03 5941 6677.

Whether you’re looking to sell scrap metal or collect it, a metal detector is a fantastic tool and intriguing hobby to pick up. There have been some pretty incredible finds over the years that have been discovered using such devices and if you do your research – you could get quite lucky. For today’s blog, we thought we’d go with some light, inspirational reading about some extraordinary metal detector finds.

1.    Class ring

We’ll start off with a heart-warming find. In 1926, a man named Miles Baker lost his high school class ring and thought it would be lost forever. That is until Roy Lloyd discovered it 48 years later with his metal detector buried four inches below the sand. The Ring was engraved with M.B and was returned to its former owner.

2.    The Boot of Cortez

A gold nugget was discovered in the Mexican desert in Senora in 1989 and was dubbed The Boot of Cortezbecause of its resemblance to the Spanish conqueror’s boot. The nugget comes in at 12.1Kg and is the largest nugget ever found in the western hemisphere. Apparently, the local man purchased an inexpensive metal detector and searched for days before coming across this monumental find that was auctioned for just over half a million dollars in 2008.

3.    Assorted treasure

There can be many instances where this title would apply to metal detector finds but this particular instanceconcerns a man named Eric Lawes in Suffolk, England. In 1992, whilst looking for his friend’s hammer, Lawes unearthed a series of silver spoons and gold coins which he reported to the council. 

The next day, excavators safely removed a chunk of earth that contained almost 27Kg of gold and silver objects. These turned out to be Roman-era coins and spoons dating back around 400 AD. Lawes was given £1.75 million for his discovery which he split with the owner of the land which the treasure was found on.

4.    George Washington’s inaugural cuff button

Just last year, Jon Tetreault found a cuff button that was from George Washington’s 1789 inauguration. Tetreault posted his find on metaldetector.com which he located in Massachusetts. An impressive and humbling find.

5.    The gold ring from Loch Lomond

A gold ring worth £14,000 was discovered by Michelle Vall in Loch Lomond, Scotland in 2019. The ring turned out to be from the 17^th century and was dated somewhere between 1640 and 1680. It was believed to have once belonged to a courtier of King James II prior to his crowning. A couple of years earlier, Vall discovered a gold coin that was auctioned for £40,800.

6.    The Mojave nugget

A 4.42Kg gold nugget is the largest ever gold nugget discovered in California and was found in 1977 – detected by prospector Ty Paulsen. Buried away in the Mojave Desert, this impressive chunk sold for $400,000USD and then later donated to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.

7.    5^th-century royalty ring

Found by Michael Greenhorn in Yorkshire England, this 5^th-century ring is said to have been owned by European royalty. It’s made of gold, glass and sapphire and took the knowledge of 30 different experts to date. An interesting fact is that the centrepiece of the ring – the sapphire – had been cut centuries earlier. It now resides in the Yorkshire museum where it was acquired for $44,132USD.

8.    Crosby Garrett Helmet

The Crosby Garrett Helmet was worn by Roman cavalry during the late 2^nd or early 3^rd centuries AD and is made from a copper alloy. It was discovered in Cumbria, England in 2010 and is considered to be one of the finest archaeological finds in the country. It was found in 67 separate parts and took 240 hours to put back together. It was purchased by a private collector later that year for £2,330,468.75.

9.    Pirate treasure

A Spanish 4 Maravedis copper coin was discovered by Jeff Salt in Puerto Rico during a vacation with his wife. He’d been utilising his metal detector for a few days and after no major discoveries were made – he put the tool away and began to sift through his loot where he discovered the coin that dates back to around the 1400s or 1500s.

Are you looking to sell scrap metal?

Whilst we all love a good treasure discovery story – plenty of us have a different kind of treasure and it’s mostly found in our yards. Metal Men Recycling specialises in buying your scrap metal – whatever form it comes in. So, check out your backyard, under your house or even around the house and sell your scrap metal to us. With the current Covid-19 pandemic we now conduct all business through your vehicle window to ensure both yours and our safety.

If you’d like to sell scrap metal to us, then you can contact us via our website or give us a call on 03 5941 6677.