Metal is everywhere in our lives, from the cars we drive to the buildings we work in. But what happens to all that metal once it reaches the end of its useful life?
At C.D. Dodd, the leading commercial scrap metal recycler in Perth for over 50 years, we’re passionate about giving metal a second life.
That starts at the source: working with companies to build awareness of scrap metal collection and recycling techniques. So when the cars conk out and the buildings come down, we can reduce metal waste, recycle scrap, reclaim value and resupply the economy with high-quality raw materials.
Improving Recycling at the Source: Sorting Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal for Recycling
One of the most effective ways we (as a state and country) can improve our metal recycling capabilities is by getting better at sorting scrap at the source.
Simple steps like separating ferrous from non-ferrous metals have significant flow-on effects. In particular, improving efficiency, safety and effectiveness once the scrap arrives in our commercial scrap metal recycling centre in Perth.
So, here’s what you need to know about the different types of metal for recycling.
The Two Main Types of Scrap Metal
There are two main categories of scrap metal:
1. Ferrous Metals
These metals contain iron as a major component. They are known for their strength and durability, making them ideal for construction and manufacturing. Common examples include steel, cast iron and wrought iron.
2. Non-Ferrous Metals
As the name suggests, these metals don’t contain significant amounts of iron. They are generally lighter, more corrosion-resistant, and often have excellent electrical conductivity. Examples include aluminium, copper, and lead.
Ferrous Metal Recycling in Perth
Ferrous metals are some of the most recycled materials on earth. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
Collection and Sorting
Companies like C.D. Dodd and our partners collect scrap metal from various sources, including construction sites, vehicle graveyards, mine site demolitions, industrial scrap yards and households.
We use techniques like magnetic separators to sort ferrous and non-ferrous metals. We also aim to sort different ferrous metals as much as possible so the recycled materials are more pure.
Processing and Melting
We run the collected ferrous scrap through shredders and create big bales. Then we crank up high-temperature furnaces to melt the ferrous metal for recycling. Carefully controlling the temperature during this process enables us to remove impurities.
Refinement and Repurposing
Depending on the ferrous metal we’re recycling, we may pour the molten material into moulds to create new products like steel bars and beams. Or we might send the shredded-up bales to manufacturers with specialised processes, such as making auto parts and copper products.
Read more: How Metal is Recycled.
Where Recycled Ferrous Metal Ends Up
- Reinforcement bars: Essential in construction for reinforcing concrete.
- Structural steel: Our mining and construction industries are constantly in need of high-quality structural steel, and recycled ferrous metal is a fantastic source.
- Automotive parts: Recycled steel is used to manufacture car bodies, engines, and other components.
- Tools: Durable and reliable, ferrous metals are perfect for various tools and machinery.
Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling in Perth
The process for recycling non-ferrous metals in Perth is similar to ferrous metals. Both are collected, sorted, processed and refined.
But there are important variations that make a big difference.
Collection and Sorting
We collect much of our non-ferrous metal for recycling from vehicles, electronic waste and household items. We then use advanced sorting techniques like eddy current separators to identify and separate different non-ferrous types based on their electrical conductivity.
Processing and Melting
The collected non-ferrous scrap is shredded or compacted before being melted in specialised furnaces.
Some non-ferrous metals like e-waste are melted in a “slag”. The metal is heated, mixed with a slag-forming material, then recovered using a combination of conventional metallurgy and innovative electro-refining.
Refinement and Repurposing
Depending on the type of metal and its intended use, the molten materials might undergo further purification before being repurposed into new products like cans, pipes, and consumer electronics.
Some of this work happens in our commercial scrap metal recycling facility. We also work with Australian and international partners who produce high-quality products from recycled materials.
Where You’ll Find Recycled Non-Ferrous Metals
- Electrical wiring: Copper is a key material in electrical systems due to its high conductivity.
- Beverage cans: Aluminium is widely recycled into new cans, reducing the need for virgin materials.
- Batteries and electronics: Almost 100% of Australia’s lead-acid battery waste is recycled. Other battery types like Lithium-Ion are more challenging, but we’re investing in technology to prepare for the battery boom.
- Aerospace components: The lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties of aluminium make it ideal for aircraft manufacturing.
Read more: What Can Metal Be Recycled Into?
Why Commercial Scrap Metal Recycling in Perth Matters
According to the latest National Waste Report published by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCEEW), we generate around 5.7 million tonnes of metal waste – about 222kg per person.
Around 87% of that scrap metal is recovered. A little less than half gets sent overseas, and the rest heads to local facilities like our commercial scrap metal recycling centre in Perth.
These figures highlight the importance of investing in Perth’s commercial scrap metal recycling capabilities.
Metal recycling is a cornerstone of Australia’s sustainability efforts
The environmental impact of recycled metal products is significantly lower than that of new metal produced by mining, refining and processing raw materials. That goes for ferrous and non-ferrous metal recycling alike. As our populations and industries grow, we need recycled metal more than ever.
Everyone wins when we recycle scrap metal
Australia’s commercial scrap metal recycling industry employs over 2,000 people, from tradespeople, technicians and truck drivers to scientists and software engineers. In turn, the industry produces high-quality, low-cost materials that enable manufacturers to keep costs manageable for end-users. Scrap metal recycling benefits everyone through the chain.
Solving the commercial scrap metal challenge together
Our state-wide scrap metal collection capabilities and advanced recycling facilities mean we can collect, sort, process and recycle all manner of metal. And we are continually investing in our capabilities, especially in battery and e-waste recycling.
The challenge is that scrap metal is often improperly sorted or seen as having no value. If we don’t get the call to collect it, or collection is unsafe for our team, there’s a real risk that metal ends up in landfills.
That’s a situation we want to avoid.
If you have questions about ferrous or non-ferrous metal recycling, or scrap metal recycling in general, we are happy to hear from you. We can also help you organise a scrap metal collection, sort your scrap, and reclaim value from end-of-life materials.
Reach out to C.D. Dodd to learn why we’re the leading name in commercial scrap metal recycling in Perth.