Recycling is becoming increasingly integral for Australia’s society and economy. As we look to bolster the circular economy and bring down emissions, the potential value of scrap metal is set to increase steadily.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re breaking down the environmental and economic benefits of scrap metal recycling in Perth, with tips to help you recycle the right way.
What is Scrap Metal Recycling?
Scrap metal recycling is the process of recovering and reprocessing leftover metal from various sources like old appliances, buildings, batteries and vehicles.
These metals are then reborn as raw materials.
Snapshot of Scrap Metal Recycling in Australia
The latest Federal Government National Waste Report found that we generated 5.71 million tonnes of metal waste in 2020-21 as a country. Around 87% was recovered and recycled, a higher rate than any other material.
Australia fares pretty well when it comes to recycling scrap metal.
However, we should be processing more locally. There is also too much e-waste going to landfills containing precious metals that could be repurposed. These are challenges that scrap metal recyclers like C.D. Dodd aims to address through technology innovations, process improvements and local industry partnerships.
Why is Scrap Metal Recycling Important for Perth?
Names can be deceiving. In the right hands, ‘scrap’ metal is valuable, sustainable and useful for supplying the circular economy.
There are numerous reasons why scrap metal recycling is crucial for our planet and our wallets.
Environmental Benefits
- Reduces landfill waste: Landfills overflow with metal that could be reused and consumer electronics that contain valuable components. Recycling reduces waste and strengthens the circular economy.
- Conserves natural resources: Mining new metals is energy and resource-intensive. Recycling uses less power and preserves natural resources.
- Decreases emissions: Recycling produces significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than producing new metal, especially products imported from overseas.
- Powers renewable technologies: Scrap metal recycling is a key partner of Australia’s growing renewables industry, supplying precious metals, recycling batteries and providing low-impact steel.
Economic Benefits
- Creates jobs: The scrap metal recycling industry employs over 2,000 people, contributing over $215 million in wages.
- Boosts the economy: Australia’s scrap metal industry adds an estimated $4.3 billion to the nation’s GDP. That’s only counting direct contributions; the industry also supports sectors like mining, oil and gas, battery manufacturing and advanced construction.
- Profitability: Recycling your scrap metal earns you money. Whether you’re a miner with end-of-useful-life infrastructure or a regional community leader organising a fundraising battery recycling drive, your scrap is valuable.
- Cost savings: Recycled metal is often cheaper for manufacturers to use than virgin materials. Since the metal has already been refined, processed, and smelted, fewer steps are required to turn Perth’s scrap metal into useful materials.
Types of Scrap Metals
If you want to start recycling scrap metal in Perth, you first need to know what you’re working with.
There are two types of scrap metal.
Ferrous metals contain iron and are typically magnetic. Common examples include steel and iron.
These are widely used in construction, manufacturing and mining. Ferrous scrap is abundant and includes items like old machinery, cars, household appliances and building materials.
Non-ferrous metals like copper, aluminium and brass don’t contain iron and aren’t magnetic.
These metals are highly valuable because they retain their chemical properties and can be recycled repeatedly without degradation. Common sources include electrical wiring (copper), plumbing (brass), and cans (aluminium).
The Recycling Process
It’s common to find more than one metal in scrap material.
For example, cars contain non-ferrous components, ferrous metals and alloys. Household appliances and electronics contain copper, but also tiny amounts of gold and other precious metals – not to mention Lithium-Ion batteries.
Our job as Perth’s scrap metal recycling expert is to reclaim as much value as possible from all this discarded stuff.
The journey of scrap metal from your hands to a new life is fascinating. Here’s a brief look.
Collection
This can be done through community recycling collections, Perth scrap metal yards, or directly from businesses and construction sites. As a commercial scrap metal specialist, we even travel to remote regions to decommission mine sites.
Proper sorting at the collection point is crucial to ensure high-quality recycling.
Sorting
First, we sort discarded material using magnets, electrical currents, machine vision systems and even human expertise. Then our equipment shreds the metal into manageable sizes for processing.
Melting and Refining
The processed metal is then melted down and purified. Once refined, the metal is solidified into bars, sheets, or other forms. It’s ready to be used in manufacturing new products. This cyclical process supports a circular economy, reducing the need for new raw materials.
Safety Standards and Regulatory Requirements
Legal Requirements
Australia’s scrap metal recycling legislation varies from state to state.
In our home state of WA, Perth scrap metal recyclers must be licensed under the Pawnbroker and Second-hand Dealer Act (1994) and Pawnbroker and Second-hand Dealer Regulations (1996).
You should never do business with an unlicensed recycler. The laws exist to keep our industry ethical and prevent theft.
Safety Tips
It’s important to use proper protective gear when handling scrap metal. Gloves and safety glasses are a good start, and steel-cap boots are smart if you’re working with heavy or sharp materials.
Reach out to our team if you have concerns or questions about safe storage and transportation. We are always happy to offer advice if it can prevent injuries and environmental contamination.
How to Get Started with Scrap Metal Recycling in Perth
Identifying and Collecting Scrap Metal
Start by identifying scrap metal around your home or business. Tools like magnets can help distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Keep your collection organised to make life easier for the recycler and maximise your payday.
Finding Recycling Centres
Contact nearby scrap metal recycling facilities to find out what they accept.
Most centres will provide guidelines for dropping off your scrap. Reputable recyclers like C.D. Dodd might be able to collect it from you, depending on the quantity and type of material.
Making Money from Recycling
Keep an eye on market prices and try to sell when prices are high.
Sorting and cleaning your scrap metal can also increase its value.
We can also help you organise a battery collection drive to raise funds for your community.
C.D. Dodd is Perth’s Scrap Metal Recycling Partner
We provide safe and efficient scrap metal recycling solutions across Perth and throughout Western Australia.
Our services include household and commercial scrap metal recycling, mine site demolition, hazardous material disposal and battery recycling.
With state-of-the-art equipment, an impeccable safety record and a collection network spanning the entire state, we are equipped to handle any challenge.
By partnering with C.D. Dodd for scrap metal recycling in Perth, you’re choosing a company committed to sustainability, safety and customer service.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can give your scrap metal a valuable new life.