Metals are elements mined from ores. Unlike glass and plastics which are produced from natural resources, we can’t make more metal like iron, aluminum, lead, copper. That keeps the demand and value of used metal high. Nearly all metals are infinitely recyclable without degradation. Scrap metal dealers pay recyclers for their scrap metal. They haul Recycle Utah’s mixed metal dumpster to a scrap metal yard where it is sorted, separated from non-metallic material, crushed, and compacted into large blocks. These are transported to a steel mill where they are melted in furnaces into metal sheets and ingots. We should be diligent about recycling metal. Recycled metal is vastly cheaper than mining ore. It significantly reduces manufacturers’ use of natural resources and energy. It provides recyclers some steady income.

So, what metals go into our curbside recycling bins? If it’s metal and food came in it, put it in your bin and make sure it is 90% clean. Labels do not need to be removed. Recycle aluminum cans, trays, pans, and foil. Keep top tabs attached to or inside crushed cans. Put steel and tin cans, metal bottles and caps into your bin as well.

What goes into Recycle Utah’s metals dumpster? Any non-hazardous item containing at least 70% metal! For example: washers, dryers, stoves, microwaves, bed frames, bikes, grills, cast and wrought iron, cans, golf clubs, tools, and car parts.

By Bev Harrison