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Scrap metal recycling in Toronto
Recovering scrap metal for its market value goes back in history for thousands of years. Needless to say, this wasn’t about recycling as much as it was about re-use and recovery – it was just essential. Today, and mostly in the western nations, market value is certainly an incentive, but environmental motivation has also become an important dynamic. And for scrap metal recycling in Toronto, it’s no different. Industry statistics show that recycling rates and volumes ever-increasing, and the numbers are impressive – up to 45% of worldwide steel production makes use of recycled metal; over 30% of worldwide aluminum production incorporates recycled material; and some 40% of the worldwide copper production uses and re-uses recycled copper.
The recycling of scrap metal affords benefits to all involved: to the business sector, to the environment at large, and to each of us as individuals and consumers. The Canadian Association of Recycling Industries probably says it best in their mission statement - they assert that recyclable materials are valuable resources – and not waste. The fact is, there are major cost savings when it comes to the energy conserved; there are massive benefits with respect to our natural resource management; and there are substantial reductions in overall greenhouse gas emissions. In short, the economic benefits are immense, and scrap metal recycling in Toronto makes a significant mark as one of Canada’s principal markets.
Recycling scrap metal is truly a win-win proposition, if only because thousands of tons of waste are diverted from our overflowing landfills. But beyond that, the processing of scrap metal requires much less energy consumption than the mining, processing and manufacture of brand new metal from virgin ore. In addition, our natural resources are conserved, as most metals can be recycled and reused almost indefinitely.
As for the environmental benefits, best replica watches we already know that greenhouse gases are reduced in substantial amounts; we can measure the huge reductions in mining waste; and much less water is consumed during processing and manufacturing. Like many other cities in North America, it can be said that scrap metal recycling in Toronto makes its direct contribution locally, and makes its greater impact globally.
On the ground, scrap metal recycling can take on many different proportions, depending on a collector’s scope and capacity. For the serious collector, a reputable scrap metal dealer will have the experienced and knowledgeable staff to answer questions of all kinds, and to advise on various subjects – everything from proper sorting and separating of scrap, to special handling requirements, to identifying metal types, purity and quality. In some cases, and depending on volume of scrap, a dealer can arrange for bin service in order to make collection and delivery easier for both parties.
For those involved with scrap metal recycling in Toronto, it’s important to establish and maintain a productive working relationship with a good dealer – by providing regular, consistent and ongoing scrap metal, that working relationship can become mutually beneficial very quickly.
There is no doubt that the market is out there – whether it’s for residential and household scrap metal; large “white” appliances like washers, freezers, or ovens; even electronics and machinery that contain both metal and wiring. As it is, we North Americans tend to consume a lot, to waste a lot and to trash a lot – it seems to be part of the culture, but there’s really no reason for it, because a high proportion can be recycled (and not just metal). Household scrap metal like pots and pans, sports equipment, and aluminum lawn chairs can all be rerouted to a scrap metal dealer. Scrap metal from a renovation or a construction site can also be very valuable, with metal sheeting, paint cans, and air ducts making for large volumes of waste. Not to mention electrical scrap, which includes heavy wiring and cables, light fixtures and electronic equipment. All of it is
reusable, recyclable and above all – valuable.
Scrap dealers engaged in scrap metal recycling in Toronto accept ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and offer pricing that reflects the volume, the quality and the purity of the scrap received. Ferrous metals are the ones that contain considerable amounts of iron content, like metal off-cuts from manufacturers and metal scrap from building construction and demolition sites. Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, and include the likes of copper, brass, aluminum, and lead. Even for a smallish collector, it’s easy to tell the difference – just by using a hand-held magnet, and knowing that ferrous metal is magnetic. At the end of the day, scrap metal recycling in Toronto is a business, and the bottom line relates to market pricing, especially for collectors in business to make money. The local marketplace is competitive, with scrap pricing based on a number of variables. Because metals are commodities, world market prices have a direct influence on local prices - and local markets are further affected by supply and demand fluctuations.
For the dealer, the cost of processing scrap material also has a bearing on price – it means that better quality and higher purity will have a positive affect on the price.
The serious collector must be on top of current pricing trends at all times, so that scrap collection can focus on the higher demand materials, which consequently bring higher prices. Scrap metal dealers want to know that their providers are reliable, with a consistent supply of quality scrap. It’s therefore critical for the collector to identify the very best sources for scrap metal recycling in Toronto, and to ensure that the scrap is always available as a steady supply for the dealer.
Local pricing and future trends aside, the basics remain common for collectors: building a solid relationship with an established scrap dealer; ensuring reliable transport for pickup and delivery; and employing the proper tools and equipment to assure full productivity. But the quality of the scrap is probably an overriding factor, because the more work the dealer has to do in terms of sorting and processing, the less the payoff.
And the flipside is equally true – better-separated, higher quality, higher degree of purity – better price. |