Industrial Recycling Process | How Manufacturers Recycle
Waste is an obvious byproduct of manufacturing, even the leanest manufacturers make it. Although companies and individuals both contribute to the waste buildup, it doesn’t mean we should let it go to landfills.
Recycling in manufacturing stands as a proactive solution that addresses the unique challenges of waste generated by manufacturers. Manufacturers recycle waste material to lessen the impact of waste accumulation. It’s an opportunity to recover and reuse metals, glass, and other materials from manufacturing scraps, transforming waste into valuable resources.
In this article, we’ll help you understand the process of recycling major industrial materials. Additionally, we’ll highlight the benefits that companies can derive from these practices. So, let’s explore the ins and outs of the industrial recycling process and discover how it contributes to a greener, more efficient manufacturing industry.
How Manufacturers Recycle Waste Materials?
Waste Sources in Industrial Recycling
Industrial waste comes from:
- manufacturing companies
- construction sites
- production and power plants.
This waste can be by-products of manufacturing, like metals, or broken and defective equipment that can’t be repaired.
When a company finishes a project and tears out parts of its facility, it’s a great chance to recycle materials. Industrial waste that can be recycled is also produced daily as production occurs and scrap material is left over. Tear-out waste includes any materials not part of the company’s valuable equipment or resources. This waste can be anything from scraps of manufacturing material to profitable materials like copper, or even remnants from lunch breaks.
Identifying waste production is important to prevent future debris, save money, and conserve materials. Even more crucial is managing waste correctly to ensure resources are used efficiently and energy is saved.
Recyclable Industrial Materials in Manufacturing
Many industrial materials can be recycled. Some of the most common ones include:
- Scrap metals (copper, aluminum, iron etc.)
- Scrap tyres
- Glass
- Plastics
- Brown paper bags (kraft paper)
- Coal combustion products
- Digital waste
- Cables
- Cement
- Concrete
- Chemicals
Most manufacturing by-products can be recycled. This makes it crucial for manufacturers to recycle their waste. Recycling chemical waste is especially important. If not done responsibly, it can contaminate groundwater and other resources.
Industrial Recycling Process Explained | 6 Easy Steps
Recycling is an important process that helps turn waste into useful materials. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works:
1. Collection of Waste: The recycling process starts with collecting waste materials from various sources, such as homes, factories, and businesses.
2. Transportation to Processing Center: The collected waste is then transported to a recycling processing centre.
3. Unloading and Sorting: At the centre, the waste is unloaded and sorted. This sorting can be done by hand or with machines. Sorting helps separate different types of materials, like plastics, metals, and paper.
4. Processing the Sorted Waste: Once sorted, the waste is processed. This can involve:
- Breaking down: Materials like metal can be shredded into smaller pieces.
- Melting: Items like plastic and metal can be melted to form new shapes.
- Separating: Components like glass and paper can be separated and cleaned for reuse.
5. Transforming into New Materials: The processed waste is then transformed into new, usable materials. For example:
- Metal scraps can be melted and moulded into new metal items.
- Plastic bottles can be turned into pellets to make new plastic products.
6. Selling to Manufacturers: Then, these new materials are sold to companies. They use them to create new products that are then reintroduced to the market. The recycling loop ends here.
Recycling scrap metals is very beneficial for a company. First, it reduces extra costs, meaning companies don’t need to spend as much money. Second, it allows companies to reuse recycled materials to produce new ones. This reduces expenses for raw materials and cuts down on transportation costs
What Do We Do with Recycled Materials?
Recycled materials and metals can be used to create repurposed products, such as:
- Building Materials:
Recycled materials like metal, plastics, and glass are used to make eco-friendly building materials such as tiles, bricks, and insulation.
- Industrial Equipment:
Scrap metal can be melted down and reformed into new industrial equipment, storage containers, and machinery parts, reducing the need for virgin materials.
- Glass Products:
Glass bottles and jars can be melted and reshaped into new glass products like containers, countertops, and decorative items.
- Cables:
Old cables and wires contain metal components that can be recycled to produce new electrical cables and wiring. It promotes a circular economy for electronic materials.
- Furniture:
Recycled materials like metal, wood, and plastic can be reused to make sustainable furniture pieces like chairs, tables, and shelves.
These products are both budget-friendly and appealing to customers because they’re eco-friendly.
Benefits of Industrial Recycling | From Waste to Resource
- It saves natural resources by reusing processed materials.
- It reduces waste and keeps the environment cleaner.
- Requires less energy compared to making new products.
- Creates jobs in the recycling and transportation sectors.
- Protects wildlife habitats and ecosystems.
- It helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change.
Need to Recycle Scrap Metal in Perth?
Choose WA Scrap Metal for Reliable Recycling Services
At WA Scrap Metal, we specialize in scrap metal recycling. Whether you’re searching for ‘scrap metal near me’, or need experienced metal recyclers, we’ve got you covered. Being the most trusted scrap metal dealers in Perth, our team ensures efficient and eco-friendly recycling solutions for businesses and individuals alike.
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