How Companies that Buy Scrap Metal Are Improving the Environment

A hand holding up a recycling symbol with greenery in the background representing how our Chicago scrap metal recycling center can help the environment.

How Companies that Buy Scrap Metal Are Improving the Environment

In 2021, environmental ills are a serious threat. Not only are greenhouse gases contributing to climate change–which could have devastating effects for the planet as a whole and everyone on it–but countries are also struggling with finding a solution to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, polluted air and water, a loss of biodiversity, and more. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we know that there’s no single panacea to this looming problem, but we are passionate about doing our part to help. We firmly believe that scrap metal recycling and buying scrap metal (as opposed to new metal products) can help the environment. Here’s how–

Recycled Metal Reduced the Need for New Metal Mining

New metal mining is an incredibly extractive and destructive practice that can lead to water pollution, loss of habitat, emissions, energy and water loss, and more. What’s more, metal is a nonrenewable resource. By recycling metal, on the other hand, the need for new metal mining is reduced.

Recycling Keeps Materials Out of the Landfill

Most people don’t think twice about putting something in the trash, but the reality is that the lack of land for new landfills is something that must be taken seriously. Not only is there not enough space in landfills, but landfills emit large levels of greenhouse gasses and are a source of toxic pollutants. By diverting materials away from the landfill–by recycling and purchasing recycled goods instead–you’re doing the earth a favor.

Recycling Takes Less Energy and Water

Finally, not only will you help to reduce emissions and conserve habitat, as well as keep materials out of the landfill, by choosing recycling metals over new metals, but you’ll also help to conserve both energy and water, too. 

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, We Do it Right

Part of being a conscious consumer is not only purchasing recycled metal when it’s available, but purchasing it from a supplier that’s committed to doing their part, too. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, our sustainability initiatives matter to us, and we are committed to being green. To learn more about some of our sustainability initiatives and what we’re doing to reduce our footprint, please feel free to reach out to us directly today.  

In the meantime, you can learn more about selling metal to us or buying metal from us by calling our center, visiting our location in person, or sending us a message using the intake form on our website. We look forward to working together.

What to Expect from Scrap Metal Prices in 2021

A pile of scrap metal representing how our Chicago non-ferrous processing services can benefit your business.

What to Expect from Scrap Metal Prices in 2021

For businesses that rely on metal for production and manufacturing, as well as those who sell scrap metal or process scrap metal, metal prices can have a big impact on the business’s bottom line. While it’s impossible to say for sure what 2021 will hold in terms of scrap metal prices, here’s a quick overview of some of the predictions. To stay in the know about metal prices, or to ask any questions about metal prices or scrap metal processing, reach out to our team at Scrap Metal Services, LLC today.

Supply Chain Holes Expected to Push Prices Higher

According to an article published in Recycling Today, metal prices may very well climb in 2021, at least during the first half of the year. This is likely to be fueled by holes in the supply chain caused by the pandemic and the pending widespread vaccination, both of which are expected to weigh heavily on the supply side of the metal market. On the demand side, global economic recovery is likely to influence and drive demand, creating a gap between supply and demand that drives metal prices upward. 

Additionally, towards the start of the new year in the midst of winter weather, prices are also supposed to be a little bit higher as a direct result of the challenges of moving metal in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. Transportation is often hampered during the coldest months of the year, which impacts ports worldwide. 

Metal Prices Predicted to Stay Strong Over Next Few Years

Recycling Today isn’t the only one that believes that metal prices will remain high over the next year, and perhaps even longer; iScrap App also predicts that “copper prices and other metals are going to be strong over the next few years.” This prediction is based on an increase in the demand for commodities in the past few weeks – a prediction that is expected to last into the future. The coming vaccine also indicates that markets are likely to remain strong. Oil prices have also increased recently, which suggests that there will be a rebound in most markets moving into the new year. Both ferrous and non-ferrous metal prices are anticipated to increase in 2021 and demand is likely to continue to rise.

Scrap Metal Services, LLC: Meeting Your Metal Processing Needs

The fact that metal prices are on the rise means that it’s a good time to sell your scrap metal. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we pay cash for your metal and handle all weighing, separation, and processing on-site. To learn more about selling to us or to ask a question about metal pricing or scrap metal recycling, reach out to us today. 

3 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle

nonworking appliances that were sold for scrap to a Illinois scrap yard for recycling.

3 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle

Most home and business owners throughout the country are unaware of the vast number of things that can be recycled, choosing to throw away old and unusable items rather than bring them to a recycling center. Unfortunately, this leads to unnecessary waste that could be prevented.

Statistics show that Americans throw away enough aluminum every year to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet, and waste nearly one million pounds of materials per person per year. What’s more, despite representing just five percent of the world’s population, Americans generate 30 percent of the world’s garbage.

But you can do your part to recycle more and reduce waste. Here are four things that you didn’t know that you could recycle and that you shouldn’t just throw out–

1. Appliances

It’s not just small household appliances that can be recycled, but large ones, too. In fact, recycling your refrigerator, stove, air conditioner, and more is one of the best things that you can do for the earth. In fact, steel–which is the most recycled material in the U.S.–makes up 75 percent of the average appliance. What’s more, recycled home appliances account for about 10 percent of total recycled steel each year. If you’re recycling a product with fluorocarbons or chlorofluorocarbons, it’s important to work with a qualified recycler who knows how to dispose of these materials safely.

2. Whole Computers

Dumping your old computer in the landfill is an environmental hazard – computers contain up to eight pounds of lead, as well as other toxic materials that contribute to environmental contamination. That being said, you can drop off whole computers with a certified recycler who will salvage any recyclable materials and safely dispose of hazardous or toxic ones.

3. Electric Motors

Practically any piece of equipment or tool that uses electricity and has moving parts functions with the use of an electric motor. Motors can be brought to a scrap recycling center, which will separate salvageable materials, including the large amounts of copper wire that are found within most electric motors.

…And That’s Not All!

The list of recyclable materials is just a small handful of the everyday items that Americans often throw out, but could be recycling. At SMS, we are passionate about scrap recycling and want to take all of your sources of unwanted scrap metal. To learn more about our recycling process and other materials that we will buy from you, please contact us online or call one of our locations directly – we have offices throughout the country. You can reach our Burnham, Illinois location at 708-730-1400.

What to Look for in a Trusted Scrap Recycling Partner

trusted steel mill scrap metal recycling company in Blue Island

What to Look for in a Trusted Scrap Recycling Partner

Regardless of the industry in which you work, if your business produces scrap, or if you are an individual who is in possession old farm equipment, or other types of scrap metal, scrap recycling is a must. To be sure, scrap recycling not only helps your business to maximize its profits but also clears up space and puts you or your business at the forefront of responsible recycling efforts.

But before you hire just any company to buy and process your scrap, you should know what to look for in a trusted scrap recycling partner. Here are some key characteristics of a trusted scrap metal services company:

Experience

Our team of professionals knows that when it comes to scrap recycling, experience makes a huge difference. This is because scrap management and processing is a large undertaking and one that can take years to effectively refine. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we have been providing scrap services for clients for over a decade, and have quickly grown to a worldwide leader in the scrap recycling industry.

Comprehensive Services

We provide myriad services for our industrial partners. These services include management of all logistics, transportation services, container recycling services, railcar dismantling, ship decommissioning, processing of ferrous and nonferrous materials, demolition services, and more. We are your one-stop-shop for all of your scrap metal recycling needs; you’ll never need to work with outside third parties.

Commitment to Worker Safety

Worker safety is at the forefront of our approach to scrap management and processing. We maintain written health and safety policies, always do business within OSHA compliance and federal regulations, and maintain accident reports and a thorough investigation process.

Commitment to the Earth

We know that improper scrap metal recycling and dismantling services can be hazardous for the earth and that our workers and our planet face risks ranging from asbestos exposure, radioactive material exposure, pollution exposure, and more. We believe that recycling is one step in the goal to be more sustainable. We recycle in the most planet-friendly way possible, always adhering to EPA guidelines and best practices.

Putting Clients First

Finally, you want to work with a company that puts you first. We listen to our clients, pay top dollar for scrap, and handle all logistics. Working with us is easy, and you’ll always be met with honesty and transparency.

Start Recycling Scrap Today

The right company will meet all of the above criteria. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we are ready to meet with you and learn more about your scrap recycling needs. Call us today at 708-730-1400 or send us a message using the form found on our website.