The public sustains many myths regarding industrial demolition contractors, such as the idea that we still primarily use the wrecking ball. We can tell you that modern industrial demolition – Colorado to Florida – relies on high-reach excavators far more often than the wrecking ball. A whole slew of other myths also exist regarding scrap metal demolition, as we explore below.
Scrap metal demolition involves the many metal parts of modern buildings, from rebar to support beams. Large structures, such as water tanks, are often primarily composted of metal, as well. Industrial demolition contractors (including us) recycle these metal components rather than sending them to the landfill. Indeed, according to the Steel Recycling Institute, more than 80 percent of all steel waste in America is diverted away from landfills – that’s equivalent to 80 million tons of materials!
Let’s explore the most common misunderstandings regarding scrap metal recycling.
Myth #1: There’s no real demand for recycled scrap.
Scrap metal pricing is tied to demand for new construction projects. But even in the recession, scrap metal wholesalers have done well, with consistent revenue increases over the last five years, according to market research firm IBISWorld. Overall, the scrap metal market sees $80 billion per year in revenue. Worldwide, steel is the most commonly recycled material, and for good reason. It retains its strength when it is melted down, meaning it provides more return than many recyclables. Industrial demolition contractors can offset project costs by recycling scrap metal for clients.
Myth #2: Scrap metal cannot be reused in many projects.
Bridges, road structures, automobiles and airplanes – these are just a few of the many projects for which recycled scrap metal may be used. Tins and cans and other packaging can also make use of recycled scrap metal – specifically recycled aluminum. Recycled iron is even being used to purify water – bet that didn’t spring to mind as a positive outcome of industrial demolition! Colorado, Oregon and other western states are encouraging building contractors to use as many recycled resources as possible to reduce demand for virgin metals. Recycling scrap metal is an important tool in this quest for sustainable construction.
Myth #3: Scrap metal is too expensive to recycle.
Compared to mining and processing virgin metal, recycling scrap metal is significantly more cost effective. For one thing, 60 percent less energy is required to recycle steel, according to the National Recycling Coalition. This contributes to a lower cost per ton. In the end, recycled metals offer the same strength as their virgin counterparts, but at a lower cost.
Indeed, recycling scrap metal can offset the other costs of industrial demolition. Colorado to California, we recycle thousands of tons of scrap metal every year – and the scrap metal returns we fetch for clients helps lower demolition costs. Our industrial demolition contractors work across the western states, including Montana, Arizona and Washington. If your demolition project includes metal materials, call us today to learn how our scrap metal recycling operation can lower your project costs.
[Photo by: ell brown, via CC License]