Facts on Scrap Metal

Scrap metal is the term used to describe metal that is currently not in use that could be recycled to build new products. All types of metal can have scrap metal components, from gold to iron and lead to tin. Depending on what metal is involved, recycling scrap metal can be a lucrative hobby or business enterprise.

History

Since mankind has implemented metal tools, there's been a scrap metal process of some kind to reuse the old metal in new applications.

Size

Scrap metal can be of any size, as long as it can be collected and melted down to be recast as a new product of some kind.

Significance

Scrap metal is extremely important, from an environmental standpoint, because it limits the amount of new ore material that must be mined each year to provide the world with its metal.

Function

Scrap metal is melted down and used in virtually all modern-day consumer products that require metal, from automobiles to plumbing pipes.

Misconceptions

Many people falsely believe that scrap metal isn't worth much money but some types of scrap metal, such as copper, is surprisingly valuable and is sometimes even stolen because of its high value.

Warning

Some types of scrap metal can be toxic, especially if they're high in lead content, so be sure to always take proper precautions when handling scrap metal of any variety.

Resources

• Information on Scrap Metal Prices