Tag: scrap metal

Going Green: The Environmental Impact of Scrap Metal Recycling

Posted on by Irena Kosturska

Our country is not just a land of natural wonders, it is a region that is actively engaged in shaping a sustainable future in many ways. One of these avenues is responsible resource management, which includes recycling initiatives and industries, one of which is metal recycling. This month, we dive into the environmental impact of scrap metal recycling, informing you all about the advantages and benefits for our environment. From the reduction of energy consumption to conserving natural resources and more, we will show you the ways in which metal recycling is more than just routine, it shows Australia’s commitment to protecting and conserving our natural environment. Plus, if you want to be involved in metal recycling, you can learn where to sell scrap metal to be recycled, making you an important link in our circular economy.

scrap metal

The Scope of Metal Recycling in Australia

Australia’s metal recycling efforts span a wide spectrum, encompassing both industrial practices and individual contributions. With a robust infrastructure of recycling facilities and professional metal recycling businesses, our country is equipped to process a diverse range of metals including aluminium, steel, copper, and more. This is a comprehensive approach that ensures metals from different sources such as manufacturing waste, construction materials, and household scrap metal, find their way to a sustainable end – or a new beginning!

Energy Savings

One of the most significant environmental benefits of metal recycling lies in energy savings. Extracting metals from their ores demands considerable energy, which in turn contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, recycling metals requires significantly less energy. By prioritising metal recycling, Australia is actively reducing its reliance on energy-intensive mining operations, contributing to the country’s broader efforts to transition to a more sustainable economy.

Conserving Finite Resources

While our country is known for its rich deposits of natural resources, these resources are also finite. Metal recycling plays a crucial role in conserving these resources. Rather than continuing to deplete our limited ore resources, recycled metals become a valuable source of raw materials for many industries. This circular approach not only extends the lifespan of existing resources but also helps to alleviate the environmental impact of traditional mining activities.

Mitigating Our Carbon Footprint

The production of metal, especially from primary sources, often entails significant carbon emissions. The extraction, transportation, and processing of ores contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and the disruption of habitats. When metal is recycled, this directly addresses these concerns, by minimising the need for new metal extraction. Reducing the demand for primary production notably decreases carbon emissions, which aligns with a commitment to combatting climate change and building a more sustainable future.

Economic and Environmental Synergy

This commitment to metal recycling is not simply an environmental move, it is also a strategic economic decision. The recycling industry overall contributes significantly to job creation, economic growth, and innovation, and this is true of the metal recycling industry too. By prioritising recycling, Australia fosters a circular economy where materials are continually reused, thereby reducing the strain on natural resources, and creating a positive feedback loop of economic and environmental benefits.

The Role of Government Policies

Australia’s commitment to environmental sustainability is reinforced by robust government policies that encourage and regulate responsible waste management, including metal recycling. These policies provide a framework for the industry, outlining standards, incentives, and environmental targets. By aligning economic goals with environmental considerations, the government ensures a harmonious integration of sustainability practices into our country’s broader developmental agenda.

Community Engagement and Awareness

The success of metal recycling in Australia actually relies on more than industrial practices, it also relies on community engagement and awareness. Educational initiatives, outreach programs, and public awareness campaigns are empowering individuals and households to sell scrap metal and participate actively in the metal recycling process. Australians all over the country are increasingly recognising the importance of sorting, collecting, and responsibly recycling their metal waste, which means that it is critical to know where to go when you need metal recycling experts. That’s where community engagement and awareness come in, and where your local metal recycling professionals can be a great asset to households everywhere. When people are aware of how to collect and sort scrap metal, as well as where to take it for recycling, this contributes to the overall success of Australia’s recycling initiatives.

Do You Want to Sell Scrap Metal?

Maybe you have been inspired by this month’s article, or it has prompted you to get around to taking that metal you have been collecting to your local metal recyclers. You could be in the midst of a shed clean-out, or perhaps you have been meaning to start a scrap metal side hustle. This is where Metal Men Recycling comes in. We want to buy your scrap metal, and we are committed to responsibly recycling it too. With over 50 combined years of metal industry experience, we can provide you with a seamless experience from start to finish, and we are proud to be part of the circular economy through metal recycling.

When you are ready to recycle scrap metal, sell it to us by contacting 03 5941 6677, or fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you.

Green Gold: The Economic Opportunities in Selling Scrap Metal as a Side Hustle

Posted on by Laura Jemetta

In a world where sustainability meets economic savvy, the concept of turning rubbish into cash is gaining momentum. One avenue that stands out is selling scrap metal. Beyond simply decluttering your home or workplace, selling scrap metal presents a unique side hustle opportunity that can add some extra value to your hip pocket. This practice also aligns with environmental responsibility, which is an increasingly important concern for many people, businesses, and industries. This month, we explore the economic opportunities embedded in the world of scrap metal and uncover the strategies for and reasons to sell scrap metal. Keep reading to discover how you can turn your scrap metal into a sustainable and lucrative side hustle.

scrap metal

The Foundation: Understanding the Value of Scrap Metal

If you want to understand why selling scrap metal is a great side hustle, you first have to understand the value of scrap metal. There are several factors that come into play when assessing the scrap metal. First, the condition of the metal influences its value, and clean and uncontaminated metal will be worth more. Secondly, the purity of the metal also plays a pivotal role. Ferrous metals are metals which contain iron, and non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, and brass, are often more valuable. Lastly, the quantity of the scrap you have also impacts its market value. Larger volumes usually translate to better returns.

In order to navigate this landscape effectively, aspiring scrap metal entrepreneurs should stay informed about metal market trends. In addition, you can consider forming relationships with local scrapyards and expert metal recycling centres, to help with your scrap metal journey. In essence, understanding the value of scrap metal is about more than simply metal; it’s about unlocking the potential embedded in what others might perceive as discardable or useless.

The Art of Collecting Scrap Metal

The potential sources for scrap metal are diverse, and often hiding in plain sight. You can start with your immediate surroundings – sheds or garages, for example, can hold many forgotten treasures, from old appliances to disused electronics. Op-shops or garage sales also offer rich hunting grounds, as do hard rubbish piles, where you can turn someone’s rubbish into your treasure. In addition, consider engaging with local businesses, especially those with plenty of metal by-products, can be an effective way to gather scrap metal.

Knowing Your Metal: Sorting and Maximising Returns

When you efficiently sort scrap metal, you can help to maximise your returns. This is a nuanced process that involves distinguishing between different metals, each with its own market value. When you understand classifications like ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and in addition, the purity of metals, you will potentially be able to command higher prices.

Plus, establishing a systematic sorting method streamlines the recycling process – you should separate metals based on type, grade, and condition. In all, sorting metals is not just about organisation; it’s a strategic move to extract the maximum value from your scrap metal collection.

Networking in the Scrap Metal Community

Networking in the scrap metal community opens a gateway to a world of opportunities. Building relationships with local scrapyards and recycling centres isn’t just a formality, it’s a strategic move. Local scrapyards can often be the final destination for scrap metal and can provide valuable information on current market prices, preferred materials, and any specific requirements for metal recycling.

In addition, when you establish a relationship with a trusted metal recycling centre, you can ensure that your scrap metal is fetching a fair price and that it will be recycled responsibly. This kind of networking isn’t just about expanding your contact list, it’s about creating a support system, staying informed about industry trends, and discovering new ways to source and sell scrap metal.

Selling Scrap Metal to be Recycled: The Smart and Sustainable Choice

You’ve decided to sell scrap metal as a side hustle. You have learned about the properties and types of metal, understood how to collect, and sort it, and established a relationship with local scrap yards or recyclers. So, why should you sell your scrap metal to a specialised metal recycler?

Firstly, this process transforms otherwise discarded materials into valuable commodity, which contributes to the circular economy. This means that the environmental footprint associated with metal production is diminished. Secondly, engaging in scrap metal recycling is a win-win scenario; you can get paid while contributing to a more sustainable future. By selling scrap metal, you can boost your income, while participating in the current global effort to reduce environmental strain.

Do You Want to Sell Scrap Metal?

Look no further than Metal Men Recycling. If you are interested in starting your own scrap metal side hustle and have scrap metal, then we want to buy it. We will then recycle your metal, which makes a difference to the environment, and helps you with your bottom line. 

When you are ready to start your scrap metal journey, contact us at 03 5941 6677, or fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you!

What is stainless steel? A guide to stainless steel recycling

Posted on by Irena Kosturska

Stainless steel, with its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and versatility, is a remarkable alloy that has become an integral part of modern life. From skyscrapers to surgical instruments, stainless steel finds its way into various industries due to its unique properties. Moreover, with the rising importance of sustainable practices, stainless steel recycling has gained prominence as an eco-friendly way to contribute to the circular economy. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of stainless steel, explore its applications, and guide you through the process of selling scrap stainless steel, all while showcasing the responsible approach of Metal Men Recycling.

Understanding Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a type of alloy steel that contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium content by mass. This chromium content is what gives stainless steel its unique properties, including resistance to corrosion, staining, and rusting. The addition of chromium forms a protective oxide layer on the surface of the steel, which helps prevent the metal from reacting with its environment and ensures its durability and longevity.

Stainless steel is known for its strength, versatility, and resistance to various environmental factors. It comes in a wide range of grades, each with specific characteristics and applications. In addition to chromium, stainless steel can also contain other alloying elements such as nickel, molybdenum, and titanium, which further enhance its properties.

Applications of Stainless Steel

The applications of stainless steel are virtually endless, spanning multiple industries:

Construction and Architecture: Stainless steel’s durability and aesthetic appeal make it a go-to choice for building facades, structural elements, and decorative features.

Automotive and Transportation: From exhaust systems to trim details, stainless steel enhances the longevity and appearance of vehicles.

Household Appliances: Stainless steel adds a sleek and modern look to appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers, while also being resistant to heat and moisture.

Cookware and Cutlery: Its non-reactive nature and hygienic properties have made stainless steel a staple in the kitchen.

Medical and Healthcare: Stainless steel’s biocompatibility and resistance to sterilisation processes make it a crucial material for medical instruments, surgical tools, and implants.

Industrial Equipment: Stainless steel’s strength and corrosion resistance find applications in machinery, pipelines, and equipment in various industrial sectors.

Food Processing: Used extensively due to its sanitary qualities and resistance to acids and salts, stainless steel is a mainstay in food and beverage processing.

Aerospace and Defence: The robustness of stainless steel lends itself to aerospace components, aircraft structures, and defence equipment.

Marine Applications: With its resistance to saltwater and harsh marine conditions, stainless steel is essential for marine vessels and equipment.

Energy Sector: Stainless steel’s durability makes it suitable for power plants, pipelines, and renewable energy installations.

Grades of stainless steel

Stainless steel comes in different grades and finishes, each tailored for specific purposes. Common grades include 304 (often used in general applications), 316 (known for its enhanced corrosion resistance, making it suitable for marine and highly corrosive environments), and 430 (used for decorative and less corrosive applications). The choice of grade depends on factors such as the intended use, environmental conditions, and desired appearance.

The Recycling Process

Stainless steel recycling involves a multi-step process:

Collection and Sorting: Stainless steel scrap is collected and sorted to separate it from other materials.

Shredding and Melting: The sorted scrap is shredded to increase its surface area and then melted in a furnace.

Purification: Impurities are removed, and the alloy’s composition is adjusted as needed.

Casting and Reprocessing: Molten stainless steel is cast into forms for further processing.

End Use: Recycled stainless steel is used to manufacture various products, reducing the need for new raw materials.

Selling Scrap Stainless Steel: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have scrap stainless steel lying around, you can turn it into cash by selling it to a metal recycling company.

Gather stainless steel items you no longer need or use. Remove non-metal components like plastic and rubber. If you can, group the scrap by type and grade. This sorting ensures you get the best price for your materials. However, a metal recycling company can also complete the sorting on your behalf.

Locate reputable scrap yards or buyers in your area.  If you live in Melbourne, consider working with established companies like Metal Men Recycling. We can organise the collection and pickup of scrap stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about the transport of large objects.

Are You Ready to Sell Scrap Stainless Steel?

Make the most of Metal Men Recycling’s dedicated metal and stainless-steel recycling capabilities today! We pride ourselves on being metal recycling experts and providing exceptional customer service from start to finish. Don’t let valuable scrap metal sit around to collect dust and take up space. Sell scrap stainless steel today!

Call us at 03 5941 6677, or fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you!

Metal Recycling at Home: 5 Tips for Starting a DIY Metal Recycling Initiative

Posted on by Laura Jemetta

When it comes to sustainability, our individual contributions are incredibly important. The everyday actions that we take can have a hugely positive impact on the environment, especially when we work together with others in our community towards sustainable projects. One of the best ways to contribute positively to our environment is through recycling, a process that most of us are familiar with from our own households. However, what you might not know is that metal can be recycled as well, and that this has benefits not just for the environment, but for your hip pocket too! Setting up a metal recycling drive is one way to reap the many benefits of metal recycling. From minimising landfill waste, to providing you with an opportunity to sell scrap metal for some extra cash, there are many reasons to start up a metal recycling initiative. Whether you are a school, a workplace, or a community group, why not raise environmental awareness at the same time as potentially raising some extra cash for your organisation?

scrap metal recycling initiative

1: Know and Understand Metal

One of the first steps when setting up a metal recycling drive through your organisation is to educate yourself about metals. This includes gaining knowledge about metal types, metal sorting and separating, and how metals are recycled.

When running a metal recycling initiative, it is important that you can quickly identify different types of metal, so that they can be sorted accordingly. Down the line, sorting the metals you receive will assist the metal recycling professional that you partner with.

2: Set Up Collection Points and Bins

Now it is time to consider how you are going to collect and accept donations of scrap metal for your recycling drive. Will you have a collection point at your school or workplace? Or do you want to set up a collection bin at your home, for friends and family to drop off donations to? Now is also a good time to decide what types of metal you will accept, and in what forms, so that it is clear for those collecting scrap metal and making donations.

3: Learn About the Safe Handling of Metals

When it comes to metal recycling initiatives, ensuring that metal is handled safely at all times is critically important. Ensure that you, and everyone assisting with the recycling drive is educated and trained in ways to safely handle scrap metals. Wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves, steel-toed safety shoes, and dust masks is important to protect against sharp edges and any hazardous materials that you may come across such as lead-based paint that can coat old metal objects.

Another important point is to ensure that you engage metal professionals for tasks that relate to dismantling or disassembling objects in order to obtain scrap metal. It is critical for your safety that you do not take on these tasks yourself, but rather that you leave them to professionals with the correct training and expertise.

4: Engage Your Community

Regardless of the organisation that you belong to, when you set up a DIY recycling drive it is necessary to engage with your community in order to receive donations, and to make your drive as successful as possible. There are many ways that you can engage the community around you, whether you belong to a school, a kindergarten, a workplace, or another type of group. From flyers and leaflets making people aware of the details of the recycling drive, to your very own email campaign, it’s all about marketing! Consider a team lunch promoting the recycling initiative, or a series of social media posts that let your community know about all the ways that metal recycling benefits the environment. When people know the purpose of your initiative, as well as the details like where to drop off donations, you will have more support, and ultimately, a more successful drive.

5: Partner With a Reputable Recycling Centre

Once your recycling initiative has gathered steam and you have received your scrap metal donations, the next step is to get your donations recycled. This is where you need to partner with a reputable recycling professional, such as a specialised metal recycling centre. These professionals have the expertise to recycle scrap metal for you in a safe manner, and in a manner that will benefit the environment. When you partner with a reputable recycling centre, you can sell the metal that you have collected to these professionals, and rest assured that it will be recycled responsibly.

Do You Need to Sell Scrap Metal?

When it comes to metal recycling experts, look no further than Metal Men Recycling. Whether you have excess scrap metal from a DIY recycling drive, or you are a business looking for professional metal recycling, we can help. We pride ourselves on being scrap metal experts, and with over 50 years of combined metal industry expertise, we can provide you with a seamless experience from start to finish.

When you need to sell scrap metal, call us at 03 5941 6677, or you can fill out our online contact form and we will be happy to get back to you. As our motto says, if it’s metal, we want it!

How to Reduce Metal Waste: 4 Tips for Businesses

Posted on by Laura Jemetta

When it comes to the business and the environment, many workplaces in many industries are trying to cultivate a better relationship with our natural world. In 2023, it is indeed important to try to do better, and to try to curb any practices that are potentially damaging to our environment. Our world is in a delicate situation, and there is no doubt that it is a delicate balance between the needs of business and the needs of the environment. One of the areas that businesses can focus on for improvement when it comes to sustainability is the reduction of metal waste. From encouraging a circular economy in the workplace to finding ways to sell scrap metal to be recycled, this article will explore the many ways to reduce metal waste.

scrap metal recycling

Conduct a Waste Audit

When you want to implement metal waste reduction as a strategy and principle within your business, it is important to know where you already stand in terms of metal waste. You can do this by conducting a waste audit of your workplace which in turn can evaluate current waste management systems, gather specific data about waste practices, and even find ways to save on waste costs. It is possible to conduct the audit yourself, or you can hire an external waste management expert to conduct it for you. Regardless of the route you choose, assessing the current state of your waste management practices can give you important insights into improvements that can be made for the benefit of the environment.

Educate and Train Employees

When you want to create a culture of sustainability within your business, you will need your employees on board. In fostering a sustainable environment, your employees are major players – you will need their active involvement and participation. This begins with employee education and training about the importance of reducing waste, sustainability, and having a positive impact on the environment.

There are many ways that you can encourage and engage your employees in sustainability programs in the workplace. Consider systems that recognise and reward sustainable employee actions and efforts, and offering opportunities for your employees to make their own suggestions about ways for the business to impact the environment.

When employees are well-trained and have a sense of ownership over sustainability in their place of work, this will help to implement positive change in the business overall.

Lean into the Circular Economy

The circular economy is a model that seeks to use products and materials for as long as it is viable. The model involves making, using, repairing, returning, reusing and of course, recycling. Underpinning all these principles is an emphasis on moving away from thinking about products as disposable. Instead, you can lean into the circular economy by considering durability as well as the potential for the product or material to be recycled or repaired. 

By adopting the principles of a circular economy, your business has the potential to extend the lifespan of metal products, and in doing so, help to reduce waste and conserve your materials and resources. This in turn is better for the environment and your business overall.

Recycle Scrap Metal

One of the major things you can do to reduce metal waste is actually to increase metal recycling.  When you want to establish a metal recycling program within your business, it is essential that this program is partnered with a reputable metal recycling facility, and that every team member and employee plays an active part. You can set up collection points for different types of metal within your workplace, including sorting these into aluminium, steel, and copper waste.

When your employees are on board with your sustainability principles, they will be able to help with identifying metal waste that can be recycled, and with sorting it. Then, the final step is to sell your scrap metal to a metal recycling specialist who will take care of the recycling for you. Metal recycling has so many benefits for the environment including saving unnecessary metal waste from landfill, and lowered carbon emissions.

An efficient recycling program can reduce metal waste for your business, which can have a greatly positive effect on both your workplace and the environment too.

Do You Need to Sell Scrap Metal?

If you’re ready to sell scrap metal, look no further than Metal Men Recycling. When it comes to scrap metal, we pride ourselves on being experts. If your business has a recycling program and needs to sell metal, we are here to help with all your metal recycling needs. We are a family-owned business with over 50 years of combined metal industry experience, so we can provide you with a complete and seamless experience from start to finish. As our motto says, if it’s metal, we want it!

When you have scrap metal to sell, give us a call at 03 5941 6677, or fill out our online contact form and we will be happy to get back to you.

What is Aluminium and Why is it Valuable to Recycle?

Posted on by Irena Kosturska

Aluminium is a lightweight, silvery-white metal that is widely used in modern industries due to its unique properties. It’s the third most abundant element on Earth and can be found in various minerals such as bauxite. Recycling aluminium can have significant environmental and economic benefits, and Metal Men Recycling can help you sell scrap aluminium for cash.

What is Aluminium?

Aluminium is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It’s a durable, ductile metal with a low density, making it lightweight yet strong. Due to its high reactivity, it can easily form compounds with other elements, making it ideal for use in a variety of applications, such as transportation, packaging, construction, and electronics. Aluminium is also a good conductor of heat and electricity, making it useful in the production of electrical wires and cooking utensils.

Where is Aluminium Found?

Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust, accounting for about 8% of the crust by weight. It’s primarily found in the form of bauxite, a mineral that contains a mixture of aluminium hydroxide and other minerals. Bauxite is mined from the ground and refined into alumina, which is then used to produce aluminium metal through a process called electrolysis.

What is aluminium used for?

Aluminium is a widely used metal in various industries due to its unique properties. It is a versatile material that offers many benefits and has a range of applications. Some of its common everyday uses include:

Transportation: Aluminium’s lightweight and strength make it a popular material in the automotive and aerospace industries. It is used to manufacture car bodies, engine parts, and aeroplane components, such as wings and fuselages.

Packaging: Aluminium is widely used in the packaging industry due to its ability to protect and preserve products. It is commonly used to make beverage cans, food containers, and foil packaging.

Construction: Aluminium is a durable, strong, and lightweight material, making it an ideal choice for construction. It is used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures, as well as in windows, doors, and roofing.

Electricals: Aluminium is an excellent conductor of electricity, making it a common material for electrical wires and cables.

Consumer Goods: Aluminium is used in a variety of consumer goods, such as cookware, utensils, and electronic devices like smartphones and laptops.

Industrial Applications: Aluminium is used in many industrial applications, including machinery, equipment, and tools.

Why is it valuable to sell scrap Aluminium?

Recycling aluminium is highly valuable due to several reasons. Firstly, it’s a finite resource, and the demand for it is continually increasing. By recycling aluminium, you can help conserve natural resources and reduce the need for mining and refining new bauxite ore. This, in turn, reduces the environmental impact of mining and refining processes, which can cause habitat destruction, air pollution, and water contamination. Recycling aluminium requires significantly less energy than producing new aluminium from bauxite ore. The energy required to recycle aluminium is just 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminium. This is significantly more environmentally friendly.

How Can You Sell Scrap Aluminium to Metal Men Recycling?

If you have scrap aluminium lying around your home or business, you can easily sell scrap aluminium for cash with Metal Men Recycling. Gather all the scrap aluminium you have lying around your home or business. This may include aluminium cans, utensils, car parts, and other items. After collating everything, contact Metal Men Recycling to arrange for pickup or drop-off of your scrap aluminium. We even organise bin drop-offs for homes or sites that have significant amounts of metal. Once we’ve received and processed your scrap aluminium, we’ll pay you for your materials.

Are You Ready to Sell Scrap Aluminium?

Make the most of Metal Men Recycling’s dedicated metal and aluminium recycling capabilities today! We pride ourselves on being metal recycling experts and providing exceptional customer service from start to finish. Don’t let valuable scrap metal sit around to collect dust and take up space. Sell scrap aluminium today!

Call us at 03 5941 6677, or fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you!

4 Industries that Rely on Metal

Posted on by Laura Jemetta

Metal: we all know it when we see it, feel it, and use it, but have you ever thought about the different industries that rely on metal to function? There are many industries that rely on and use metal in different ways as a core part of their business. These industries might have metal at the very centre of their practices, or they might rely on metal to function, but they all utilise metal in some way. Here at Metal Men Recycling, metal is our business, so we are keenly aware of the role that it has to play across businesses, trades, and industries. Whether an industry is metal-centred or metal-reliant, these businesses have metal at their heart, just like we do here at Metal Men Recycling. Keep reading to find out about just some of the industries that use and rely on metal, including where you can sell scrap metal for it to be recycled.

Scrap metal recycling

Metallurgy

Metallurgy is a scientific field that studies and works with metallic elements as well as alloys and intermetallic compounds.

What is an alloy?

An alloy is a metallic substance which is composed of two or more metallic elements. An alloy can be created by melting the two metallic elements together. An example of an alloy is brass, which is comprised of copper and zinc.

What is an intermetallic compound?

An intermetallic compound is a type of alloy which forms a solid-state compound between two or more metallic elements.

Metallurgy is split into two categories: chemical metallurgy and physical metallurgy. Chemical metallurgists study the chemical performance of metals, including the oxidisation of them. Some areas of study within chemical metallurgy are electrochemistry, the extraction of metals, and thermodynamics.

Meanwhile, physical metallurgy has a particular focus on the physicality of metals, including their mechanical properties and how they physically perform. Areas of study within this field include material characterisation and phase transformations.

If you want to know more about this broad field of engineering and science, make sure to check out this page all about metallurgy and discover how this unique industry uses metal.

Metalworking

Metalworking is the business of shaping and reshaping metal to create new things. This can include objects like utensils for instance, or they can be parts that are used in constructing new large-scale structures or in machinery.

This industry dates back to ancient times and can be divided into three broad categories: forming, cutting, and joining.

Forming: The process of forming metal means modifying a metal object by deforming the object. This means that a particular type of force is applied to the metal, which could be heat or a mechanical force.

Cutting: The process of cutting means to cut a metal workpiece into a specific shape. This is done by cutting away the excess metal around the intended geometrical shape. The process leaves two parts: the finished cut piece, and the excess metal or waste.

Joining: This process joins two pieces of metal together, as in brazing, soldering, or welding. Welding for example, is a type of joining process that applies a form of energy to the two pieces, be it laser, gas flame, friction, or ultrasound. The application of this energy creates the weld between the two.

Building and Construction

The building and construction industry utilise metal in their day-to-day activities, using many different kinds of metal for many different applications.

Steel is among the most commonly used metal in building and construction, as is aluminum, due to its durable and lightweight qualities. In addition, copper can be used in this industry for things like wiring, roofing, and heating systems, due to its benefits of conductivity, flexibility, and durability.

The building industry uses these types of metals in the construction of new structures including homes and workplaces. They can be used for framing these structures, as well as roofing, electrical wiring, cladding, and plumbing, to name just a few.

Scrap Metal Recycling

Here at Metal Men Recycling, metal is the heart and soul of our business. We are proud to offer a reliable place for our customers to sell scrap metal and recycle it safely and professionally. This means we are able to provide a valuable service to customers, as well as play a part in bringing about the benefits that recycling scrap metal produces for the environment. Make sure to check out our guide to the environmental benefits of scrap metal recycling to discover how this practice helps out the world around us.

Ready to Sell Scrap Metal?

Look no further than Metal Men Recycling! We are experts in scrap metal and metal recycling, backed by our 50 years of industry experience. Our motto says, if it’s metal, we want it! So, when you have excess scrap metal at home or in the workplace, make sure to recycle it with Metal Men Recycling.

Call us at 03 5941 6677, or fill out our online contact form, and we will be happy to get back to you!

The Process of Copper Wire Recycling

Posted on by Irena Kosturska

An amazing opportunity to prevent metal wastage is to sell scrap copper for metal recycling. This metal is hard-wearing and easy to recycle, but it is also extensive in homes and businesses. Not only are they present in obsolete household and office appliances like microwaves, computers, and televisions, but copper is also present in plumbing, cars and rooftops.

While copper wire isn’t the most valuable grade of copper scrap, it is often widely available throughout older electronics. Recycling your copper wire is a quick and easy way to rid your space of cluttered cables and broken appliances. Most importantly, the process of recycling copper wire is quick and simple for a range of environmental and economic benefits.

The process of copper wire recycling

The process of metal recycling varies between metals, but the process of selling scrap copper wires for recycling begins with stripping the collected metal of its protective shielding. Wires are often coated in plastic insulation to protect the cables and surrounds from this highly conductive metal. This must be removed before the recycling process, by carefully cutting through the shielding and sliding the insulation off the wire. There are a range of wire stripping tools available. For smaller quantities, the insulation can be easily removed with a pair of household scissors or a handheld wire stripper, or in bulk with an automatic wire stripper by recycling experts. This process also includes removing any attachments to the scrap metal such as nuts, bolts or nails.

Once the copper wire has been stripped of the insulation and any attachments it must be sorted by grading. Higher grades of copper can be melted and recast without much refinement, but lower grades may require further processes to remove any impurities. The copper is then collected by grading and sent to a recycling facility to undergo a quality inspection to ensure the copper is contaminant free and ready for melting. Some recycling facilities have a granulator process that begins by shredding the collected metal, separating thick cables or intertwined wires, or a crusher that cuts the copper wire into smaller parts. These tools ensure that long, copper wire is cut to a manageable size and removes any mixed materials before the melting process. 

The copper is then loaded into a furnace, melted into molten metal, and cast into the desired shape. Once the copper has cooled, it is fit for a new purpose such as rods transformed into building wire or rolled into smooth sheets for further manufacturing. Recycled copper has a range of applications across many industries including transport, construction and electronics.

Benefits of copper wire recycling

Copper is an extremely sought-after metal for recycling due to its efficiency and durability. It is one of the most profitable types of scrap metal and can easily be found in homes or businesses. From old, outdated appliances and electronics, to plumbing and auto parts, there are many places to find scrap copper quickly and easily. This extremely durable metal is often used for wires as it does not lose its electrical connectivity over time. Unfortunately, this means that it does not break down with regular waste, which doesn’t take advantage of its longevity and needlessly fills up landfills.

Copper can be recycled repeatedly for massive environmental and economic benefits. Copper retains its performance despite being recycled multiple times making it an economical metal for a range of industries. The process of recycling copper not only produces less carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, but it requires less energy and effort than the costly process of extracting and refining raw, virgin iron. Using scrap metal to its full capacity by recovering copper and stripping the shielding from cables and wires, benefits businesses, the environment, and you.  

Looking to sell scrap copper in Melbourne?

To sell scrap copper, strip your copper wires of insulation and attachments and bundle them neatly together. By separating the copper wire from other scrap metals, the wiring is easy to transport and weigh which ensures you get the best price from Melbourne’s best metal recyclers.

With over 50 years of metal recycling expertise, Metal Men Recycling provides streamlined scrap metal recycling services to Melbourne. We take all the hard work of sorting and transporting out of the process with our 24-hour pickup service to benefit your business and the environment.

Whether you’re looking to sell scrap metal or would just like to learn more about our business to business metal recycling process, give us a call on 03 5941 6677 or fill out our online contact form.

3 Ways To Support Australian Recycling Industry

Posted on by AWD Digital

The future of the Australian recycling industry is a little shaky right now with local government and councils unsure how to handle the excess of waste and recycling. While they are figuring things out on the large scale, there are things you can do in your day-to-day life that can help our recycling industry. Not sure how you can help out? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we sharing tips on how to give recycling the boost it needs.

 

Why does the Australian recycling industry need support?

 

At the moment the Australian recycling industry has hit a hurdle after China stopped taking our recycling. Before the ban, we were sending 30% of our recycling to China and now we have to work out what to do with this excess. The concern is that companies don’t see the worth in recycling because they don’t believe it will be profitable. If nobody is processing our recycling then we risk sending it all to landfill and taking a colossal step backwards in caring for our environment. So supporting the recycling industry is another way of fighting for an environmentally sustainable Australia.

 

Buy recycling

 

Buying products made from recycled materials or using recycled materials for your business helps create a demand for recycled products. The recycling process can be complicated, so often recycled products cost a little more. For this reason, some companies choose not to use recycled materials. By buying recycled products you are sending a message that recycling is worth it. For now, the cost is a little higher but think of it as an investment in the environment.

Here is a list of Australian stores that sell recycled products:

 

  • Who Gives A Crap is an Australian company that uses 100% recycled material to take toilet paper, tissues and towels. Each roll has a cool, modern design and you can buy in bulk.
  • The Oxfam Shop has a range of recycled products from jewellery, bags, fashion, furniture and ornaments.
  • Greenline sells recycled paper as well as other office supplies.
  • Iameco makes computer accessories from recycled and eco-friendly materials.
  • Trex makes decking from 95% recycled wood and plastic film
  • Greentoys have 100% recycled toys for younger children

 

You can also keep an eye on your buying habits can make a difference. For example, instead of buying plastic bottles buy a sustainable water bottle. The same goes for coffee cups, you are doing the environment a favour by getting a keepcup.

 

Smart Recycling

A good way to support the Aussie recycling industry is to make sure you are recycling properly. Even if you think you know the best way to recycle it is worth testing your knowledge. You might learn something new. The basics of smart recycling are to search for the little recycling symbol before chucking it into your yellow bin.

To start you off here is a list of things you should recycle:

 

  • Basic containers and bottles
  • Glass bottles, containers
  • Metal cans and aluminium
  • Scrap paper, letters, newspapers and magazines
  • Cardboard

 

Things you shouldn’t be recycling:

 

  • Polystyrene
  • Take away containers
  • Shredded paper as it should go into your green bin
  • Styrofoam
  • Foil
  • Coffee cups
  • Glad wrap and plastic bags

 

 

Some things, like plastic bags, you’ll need to check in with your local services to see if they recycle it.

 

If you’re not sure how to throw something away properly then take a moment to look it up. Don’t take anything for granted, you’d be surprised. Did you know that massive amounts of clothing are dumped in landfills every ten minutes? If you have old clothes, no matter how ragged, you should drop them off into collection bins where they can find a new life with somebody in need. Before you throw unwanted clothes away think about how you can reuse them in the home. For example, you can turn an old t-shirt into a tote bag.

 

 

Raise Awareness

 

If you care about the environment and are concerned about what the lack of recycling will do to our beautiful earth then make some noise. Contact your local council and let them know. On a smaller scale, you can encourage your friends and family to speak out as well. Inspire them to support recycling and let them know if they are recycling the wrong way.

 

Are you looking to scrap some metal? You can earn some money by recycling your scrap metal. Metal Man Recycling picks up and buys scrap metal. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 03 5941 6677 today.

How Recycling Scrap Metal Helps The Environment

Posted on by AWD Digital

We all know recycling is important. But did you know the impact recycling scrap metal can have on our environment? In this blog, we break down the top four ways recycling scrap metal helps our planet. From reducing air pollution by 86% to decreasing consumer waste by 105%, there’s a lot to be gained from recycling scrap metal. 

 

Recycling metal helps reduce chemical pollution

Chemical pollution is a major problem for our planet today. Although there are many forms of chemical pollution, the term generally refers to the process by which chemicals are released into our environment, disrupting the balance of our ecosystems, polluting our air, threatening our health and contaminating our food. By recycling scrap metal, we reduce the need to ship metal from other countries, which decreases the fuel and emissions caused by long-distance transportation.

Decreased need for landfill sites

Landfill sites are one of the largest sources of chemical and visual pollution. In Australia, there is a heavy reliance on landfill as a form of waste management. In fact, between 2007 and 2007, the volume of waste deposited to landfill increased by 12%. But by recycling items such as scrap metals, we decrease the need for landfill sites, resulting in better air, water and land quality.

Recycling scrap metal helps prevent visual pollution

Metal is produced through mining metal ores. However, most metals are found in barren areas. By recycling scrap metal, we can reduce mining and the subsequent destruction of wildlife and formerly pristine landscapes. This will lessen the overall visual pollution involved in metal mining.

Less energy is used

Generating metal for raw materials is incredibly energy intensive. In fact, it takes approximately the same amount of energy to make 20 cans from recycled metal as it does to make one can from raw materials. By using recycled metal instead of natural resources, one can save more than 75% on energy bills for metals such as aluminium and copper.

While global warming hasn’t stopped, it’s on the decline. Due to efforts, such as recycling scrap metal, we can continue on this trajectory. 

At Metal Men Recycling, we’re passionate about creating a better planet for our future. As expert scrap metal buyers, we help our planet and you by providing cash for scrap metal. To be part of the change, contact us at 03 5941 6677.

What Happens to Your Recycled Metal

Posted on by AWD Digital

Have you ever wondered what happens to your recycled scrap metal? In this week’s blog, we examine a few of the common uses for commonly recycled scrap metals such as copper, aluminium and steel, so that you can be sure your scrap is being put to good use. Here are six different ways scrap metal is re-purposed.

Industrial use

Scrap metals like iron and steel have many varied industrial uses, from the construction of public infrastructure like roads and bridges to transportation (including in the manufacture of trains, ships, and aircrafts). Cast iron also has uses in construction as a decorative material, and is often used to make things like hardware, balustrades, eaves and plaques.

Furniture

Furnishings and home fittings like benches, tables, lamps, chairs, light fittings, bed frames and door handles are frequently made from recycled scrap metal. Metal furniture, when made well, is very sturdy and can last for many years.

Artistic use

Considering many artists are concerned with sustainability, it makes sense that they try to use recycled materials wherever possible. Scrap metal is often used in artistic works such as sculptures, decorative metalwork, installations and jewellery, which make their way into private collections to be treasured for many years, or instead are featured around cities as public art.

Residential

Many recycled metals are commonly used in residential construction, with copper often being used as a plumbing material, in electrical wiring, roofing sheets and heat exchanges. Steel is also a common construction material, used to make house frames and roofing structures.

Electronics and whitegoods

Metals are also commonly used in the manufacturing of electronics, including in wiring and in the overall structure of large items such as fridges and washing machines. By recycling your old whitegoods and electronics, you are contributing to the sustainable creation of new goods.

Metal recycling plays an important role in sustainability. If you have scrap metal goods you’d like to trade in, contact Metal Men Recycling. We accept all kinds of scrap metal and are committed to sustainable practices.

Metal Men’s Guide to Household Recycling

Posted on by AWD Digital

Most Australian households have a designated recycling bin provided by their local council, which makes recycling easier than ever, however it’s important to know which items to put in this bin, which items need to be dropped off at/picked up by special collectors, and which belong with the rest of the rubbish. In this blog, we provide a few handy tips that will help you recycle more efficiently and effectively.

What can be recycled?

There are many different materials that can be recycled using your kerbside recycling bin, including glass (think wine and other drink bottles, jars, old pharmaceutical bottles etc.), hard plastic (takeaway food containers, empty toiletry bottles and jars, empty cleaning product bottles, milk bottles, yoghurt and ice cream tubs) and paper and cardboard (including cereal boxes, biscuit boxes, egg cartons, scrap office paper, old notebooks etc.). Metal items (such as aluminium cans, aerosols, baked bean and other food cans, pet food cans, alfoil etc.) can also be recycled, however you may want to collect these items separately so that they can be taken to your local scrap metal dealer, as this is a fantastic way to earn some extra cash while doing your bit for the environment.

What should be kept out?

Recyclables don’t have to be spotless before they’re put in the recycling bin, however it’s important to make an effort to remove the bulk of food scraps. Refrain from bagging your recyclables, as plastic bags cannot be recycled and could result in your recycling being lumped in with the rest of the landfill. There are also various recyclable items that have their own specific collection programs/centres. Green waste has its own kerbside collection dates, along with drop-off centres, depending on your council, as does eWaste (old electronics like phones, TVs and computers), old furniture and other household items, and waste construction materials like timber, bricks and rubble. For items that are still in good condition, consider donating to your local op-shop or holding a garage sale.

What about scrap metal?

As mentioned earlier, small household metal items can be exchanged for cash at your local scrap metal dealer. In addition to these items, other forms of scrap metal like old car parts (including batteries), copper wiring, copper and/or brass piping, door fittings and whitegoods can also be sold to reputable scrap metal dealers.

By implementing an organised recycling system at home, you’ll not only be doing your bit for the environment, but you’ll also create the opportunity to earn some extra pocket money. Metal Men Recycling accept all kinds of scrap metal and even offer a 24 hour pickup service for larger items.