Recycling Awareness at Schools

Education gives us knowledge of the world around us. It is important to educate our children for their better upbringing in a way that can educate them valuable lessons about how to live a sustainable life.

Teaching children to care for the environment is an essential part on how to become a good citizen. It is often said that home is the first school and parents are the best teachers for a child. Once children learn to recycle at home, they can share their experiences with their classmates on sorting recyclables at school or at their sports clubs. Also, metal recycling companies in Dubai have several such recycling campaigns for children that care for their present and future.

These days, teachers in school are playing a key role in educating children about recycling and how to reduce waste. Recycling and waste disposal exhibitions, outdoor campaigns, class activities, short movies and many other fun activities and tools are being used by  teachers to help their students to know the value of money and how to protect our environment.

There are various activities for children that can be undertaken to educate them about recycling and its importance to our eco-system. Following are the most common activities that can be carried out in school:
• Conduct recycling workshops and campaigns on ways to recycle.
• Arrange health and hygiene days to let them know the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
• Place bins for each recyclable item.
• Encourage them to bring reusable bottles that can be refilled instead of using single-use plastic bottles.
• Introduce activities with recycled materials.
• Take them to library to read books on green living or show them short movies on sustainable topics.
• Encourage students to plant trees for greener world at their schools and homes.
• Discourage printing of papers and switch to electronic paper.
• Organize a team including teachers and students who can monitor the waste free environment within the school premises.
• Encourage art lover students to use recycled items for their projects.
• Arrange field trip for students to visit metal recycling companies like Lucky Recycling to understand how the different type of metals get sorted at Dubai scrap yards.
• Organize “Zero Waste Day” at their schools.

Photo Reference: Lucky Group archives

What are the Effects of Not Recycling?

As human beings we generate millions of tons of waste every day. Usually the items are made from paper, metal, glass, tires and plastics that we throw away in the garbage - everything counts as waste. However, we often do not realize that such waste items can be used as raw materials for the production of new items.  Not to mention landfills are a burden for our planet as it has environmental as well as economic impact to our society.

If we don’t recycle waste, they will pile up and accumulate and with each passing day, this will create more landfills. Some of waste disposed off can also seep into the groundwater and contaminate our drinking water along with the harmful chemicals that can also mix with environment.

To utilize valuable recyclable from landfills into the scrap recycling industry, it is very important to recycle scrap metals through which we can significantly contribute to the conservation of the earth’s natural resources and contribute significantly to the economy.

Effective recycling can also reduce the overall production of greenhouse gases. The recycling industry produces way less greenhouse gas per unit, compared to the quantity of gas emitted as a result of the manufacturing the same unit of the specific product. The reduction in greenhouse gas emission can significantly improve the negative effects caused by global warming.

We can all make a difference by recycling all that we can.  So, what are you going to recycle next?

How does Metallic Appliances be Useful for the Recycling Industry?

From microwaves to dishwashers and even air conditioners - we often throw away once the appliances starts to perform poorly or when the maintenance cost is high.  However, it is not a wise decision to dispose-off into garbage, instead we can recycle these devices properly. In several Dubai Scrap Yards, we usually see heaps of rejected apparatuses. It is worth to recycle those devices with approved electronic waste recyclers and then sell those metals to Aluminum Alloy Manufacturers in Dubai.

Proper sorting of scrap metals from those appliances can extract precious metals like copper and aluminium that can easily be sale to recycling industries. Several recycling companies, like Lucky Group, also purchase those scrap metals at a good prices.

After receiving the old appliances, the recycling companies first sort the similar type of material and remove different components from the appliances. Then, they sort the same according to the different types of metal and its grading.  Once the whole cycle is complete, then they sale those to the business houses dealing with metal products.

Precautions should be taken before removing or disposing of any hazardous part. This is because proper dismantling of old appliances requires not only experienced hands but also proper understanding of the parts.  So, it’s always advisable not to do the recycling job yourself. There are several companies available all over Dubai that will help you with the recycling process of your old appliances. They not only effectively recycle the appliances but also take care of the environmental factors.

SCRAP METAL THEFT & ITS PREVENTION

“Recycling is a part of the solution to stop materials theft”

Scrap metals theft is one of the most common crimes in the scrap metal industry. Such metals are usually stolen from sites such as vacant buildings or on-going project sites. Then the scrap metals are offered to various scrap dealers or metal recycling industries.

Although local government bodies are working effectively to crack down such criminal activities but there are additional measures through which we can protect ourselves and our business activities to reduce thefts.  Trade activities in Dubai scrap trading has taken following major steps to combat scrap metal thefts:

Photo Reference: Lucky Group archives 

Reliable Vendor: Choosing a right vendor and validating its reputation in the market plays a key role in every scrap metals trading business. Verify that the company really exists by; visiting their office & facility and verify they must carry a valid business license.

Source of Material: It is very important to check the actual source of material before buying any material. This can be verified by supporting documents of the transaction. 

Valid Documents: In additional to the standard commercial documents, it is necessary to also obtain the valid ID card of driver, driving license and vehicle registration and keep records for the same.

Security: Install CCTV surveillance to monitor daily activities.

Scrap Metals Storage: Keep all scrap metals storage areas closed or locked at the end of each day.

Restricted Area: Unauthorized persons must be restricted to access your facility.

Third party & calibrated weigh scale: Keep transparency between buyer & seller it is better to do third party weight in order to cross check the reliability of Weigh Bridge & its calibration.

Time Management: Deliveries & loading must be scheduled within day time and in the presence one of company’s representative.

Insurance: Protect your facility & metal scrap through all required insurances. 

Develop your skills through Scrap Art

Scrap metals is not only the thing which can be used for corporate business strategies but can be used by professionals or an art lovers.
There are some art materials that are fairly challenging to find out but Metal recycling companies in Dubai which has vast variety of metals availability used by an artist to showcase their creativity which we usually see in home decoration, jewellery, frames, sculptors, furniture accessories and much more.

“Transform your imagination in Scrap Art.”

Transform the scrap and highlight your creativity to an aesthetic world, will help you to improve the self-motivation.  Also scrap but art from scrap metals is unique idea to educate the local population the value of scrap metals and its utilization.

Some of those platforms like Lucky Recycling offer variety of scrap metals to discover your talent globally.

Scrap Metals & its Handling

Scrap metals in general, are divided into two basic categories ferrous and nonferrous. Ferrous scrap is metal that contains iron, while nonferrous metals are metals that do not contain iron.  As the buyers always look for receiving processed scrap metals through reliable sources, Fortune metals established a satisfied trade network globally.

To provide refined scrap to end-users, Scrap metals trading required guidelines for quality scrap handling methods which will also help in protecting the employees from any surprising events at work place.

There are many ways to keep Scrap metals trading safer but below 3 simple useful tips will help you in handling scrap metals efficiently;

1. Proper training of employees and inspect resources used in handling any scrap

2. Use of PPE for cutting or breaking any scrap 

3. Proper distance for manual loading or unloading any scrap 

HOW TO GET SCRAP READY FOR SALE

Life cycle of Scrap metals trading revolves around the trade of refined metal scrap.

Metal recycling companies in Dubai have to ensure better services, maintain good relationships, keep the transparency and win the business.  Also it’s important to make sure the scrap you’re dealing with is clean. Any sort of impurities attached with your metal scrap will also affect your per-ton rate and will reduce your margins. 

Handle the scrap revenue stream with effective scrap management system;

• Select a reliable vendor.

• Safety first no matter what type of material you are searching for.

• Collect scrap metals free from non-metallic waste.

• Test and sort every type of metals you collect, label it and place as per their shipment plan.

• Maintain the inventory

• Handle metals free from environmentally unfavorable conditions.

Achieve the highest return by monitoring the scrap metals trends.

Raising scrap value through mill-direct pricing

Raising scrap value through mill-direct pricing

If a metal mill stands in proximity to a scrap recycler, then they inherently develop a strong bond as they operate and grow together. Besides, they also learn the operation procedure of their counterpart to yield more efficiency. And, by doing this, they often build up a strong relationship that benefits both their businesses. This bond is also profitable for the dealer who sells scrap material in that particular area. Let's delve a bit deeper to check out how.

If you want to sell a stack of scrap in the open market, then the scrap recycler will give you the final quote, depending on the type of scrap, the service it will provide, and the overall transportation cost of your scrap. But, a recycler with an adjacent mill knows about the specific demand of that particular mill. So, they are well aware of the quality of scraps they are looking for, the proper assessment, and the efficient sorting process.

Selling your scraps to this kind of recycler has many benefits. It will have meagre transportation cost as the mill is located nearby leading to a boost in the final price of your scrap. Besides, a scrap recycling broker can also negotiate the final price of the scrap with the mill confidently, as they have vast experiences of operating businesses together.

By proper sorting and low-cost transportation, the scrap recycler actually enhances the final value of your scrap. Besides, it is beneficial for the mill itself as it gets the materials which it needs. The seller and the recycler both will earn more money compared to the earning that they can get by selling scarps in the open market.

Metal Recycling Facts

Recycling of metals is being encouraged worldwide for ensuring sustainability and
minimizing wastage. It is not just industrial metals but also household metals that are highly
suitable for efficient recycling. Here are some facts related to the recycling of metals.

Most recycled metal

Steel is one of the most recycled materials in North America. More than 69 percent of steel is
recycled there. In a year over 80 million tons of steel are recycled. Steel is a metal which can
be recycled repeatedly without deterioration of its strength.
(https://www.steel.org/~/media/Files/AISI/Fact%20Sheets/50_Fun_Facts_About_Steel.pdf).

Saving energy with metal recycling

Recycling aluminium takes around 5% of the energy that is required in its virgin production.
Since aluminium takes as long as 200 years to break down and decompose, it can be recycled
over and over again with no loss of properties Moreover, the process of aluminium recycling
is far less time consuming and thus, energy saving.
(http://www.alfed.org.uk/files/Fact%20sheets/5-aluminium-recycling.pdf)
(http://www.world-aluminium.org/media/filer_public/2013/01/15/fl0000181.pdf).

Benefiting the economy through metal recycling

Recycling scrap metal is a significant industry in countries like the USA, where it earned a
total revenue of $29 billion in 2018-19 and employs around 24,698 people
(https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-trends/specialized-market-research-
reports/technology/clean-technologies/scrap-metal-recycling.html). The recycling industry of
the US is worth $117 billion, and it recycles over 130 million tons of scrap metals annually
(https://www.isri.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2018-04-26-rw---cisa-
camu-remarks-docx.pdf?sfvrsn=2&sfvrsn=2).

Lowering carbon emission by metal recycling

Production of metal is a major contributing factor towards increasing carbon emission in the
atmosphere. As recycling of metals consumes less energy, it emits less carbon to the air and
thus helps reduce global warming.

Conserving resources for future

Metal recycling allows more resource availability for future generation. When a ton of steel is
recycled, it saves 2500 pounds of iron ore, 120 pounds of limestone and 1400 pounds of coal
(https://www.steel.org/~/media/Files/AISI/Fact%20Sheets/50_Fun_Facts_About_Steel.pdf).

Dos and Don'ts of Metal Recycling

Scrapping metal is a good business idea, which is quite remunerative and at the same time supportive of environmental sustainability as the scraps are used for recycling of metals. However, to ensure the effectiveness of the process, one needs to take some precautions and follow a few dos and don’ts.

The dos

Scraps need to be separated

Scraps come with different materials which require different treatments during recycling. Hence, it is crucial to separate the contents of the scraps into various categories before starting the process.
Also, when one goes to sell scrap, it is essential to sort the contents before going to the buyer; as otherwise, there is not only wastage of time but also the possibility of getting incorrect value for the scrap material.

Choose the right technique and tools

As every metal comes with their distinct physical and chemical properties, selection of the correct recycling process and tools is very important.

Take help from experts

It is always a good move to seek expert advice on complex processes like metal recycling. There are companies who offer online advice also, through chats with experts.

The don’ts

Try not to misidentify the scrap

Identifying the right type of metal in the scrap is often tricky. Customers often bring scraps to a recycling facility thinking that to be a particular material, which when examined turns out to be different. Hence both the sellers and buyers at recycling facilities need to be careful and knowledgeable about the materials constituting the scrap.

Choose the scrap metal recycling facility wisely

Collection/selling of scrap metals from scrapyard needs extra caution because of price, payment and quality considerations. Scraps must always be bought from or sold at scrapyards that are well-reputed for honest dealings in terms of pricing, payment, and weight measurements.

To sum up, the quality of recycled metals will definitely depend on the quality of the materials of the scrap, proper identification of its contents and the efficiency of the recycling facility.

The 5 Major Advantages Of Metal Recycling

Metals are used as essential raw materials for producing goods and other industrial and scientific purposes. The primary advantages of using metals as raw materials emanate from their durability, malleability, and conducive character. Metals are extracted from the layers of the earth, and they are limited in supply. Excessive extraction of metals from the mines can lead to loss of balance in the tiers of the planet. That is why recycling metals is crucial. There are several other benefits of recycling metals of which five most significant are enumerated below.

Conservation of Scare Resources

The foremost benefit is the preservation of resources. As the stock of metal ores is limited and it takes perhaps millions of years to replenish the eroded stock, it is important to keep enough stock of metal ore available for future generation. Recycling of scrap metal will lower the extraction rate from the mines and increase the inventory available for future use.

Reducing Carbon Emission

Carbon emission is the most threatening problem on earth now. Production of raw metal from the ores involves numerous processes that use fossil fuel, which, in turn, is responsible for increasing carbon emission to the environment. Besides, there are other environmental hazards of mining processes. Recycling metal is less energy-intensive and hence generates less emission. It does not cause groundwater pollution or leave a permanent scar on the environment.

Economic Benefits

Metal recycling has economic benefits, as well. It takes lower cost to recycle metal than process metal ores to extract metal. Governments can save taxpayers’ money by allowing recycling of metal and invest that on training of workers in the recycling industry as the job is not only labour-intensive but also requires high level of skills.

Positive Impact on Prices

Owing to their scarcity and high cost of production, metals are often expensive. Recycling will ease the pressure on the price of metal and make it more available for a larger sphere of use at a lower cost.

Lowering Demand on Natural Resources

Recycling of metals will lower energy consumption and lessen the demand for natural resources. Thus, it is both good for the environment and the economy and its future sustainability.                    

   

  

Most common uses of aluminum

Aluminum, one of the most versatile and easily available metals, has now become a part of our daily lives. Besides, it is also one of the easiest metals to recycle on this blue planet. Discussing all the benefits and usages of this metal is beyond the scope of a small article. However, enlisted below are specific sectors in which the application of aluminum is common.

This metal is an integral part of the transport industry due to its unmatched strength to weight ratio. It is also researched that any car will have around 60% aluminum in it by 2025 (provide source). It also plays a vital  role in the construction industry.  Besides, making the structures temperature-efficient, this metal is also more malleable than traditional construction materials like steel and timber. Aluminum has revolutionized the window and door manufacturing industry, by replacing heavy woodworks with light but sturdy frames. Also aluminum frames can be powder-coated to any color with utmost ease. This metal has also become the primary choice for modern designs. Working with aluminum gives a designer the freedom to easily shape it into any furniture and give it a contemporary appeal. We cannot separate this metal from our daily lives, as it can be found in almost every consumer good, such as cans, bottles, and other packaging. It has become the first choice for the food and beverage industry for packaging. Kitchen products like foil and pots also have aluminum content. Starting from mobile phones to laptops, all the cutting-edge technological gadgets and equipment contain aluminum.

Source: https://www.highettmetal.com.au/blog/aluminium/most-common-uses-for-aluminium

Metal Recycling from Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW)

All construction companies now promote 'sustainable materials management' where they recycle and reuse certain CDW. This is mainly done to reduce the overall construction cost and the total aggregate demand for new building materials for a construction project.


CDW can be mainly divided into two categories: metals and non-metals. Wood, concrete, asphalt, bricks, glass, and plastics come under the non-metals category. On the other hand, ferrous and non-ferrous materials come under the metal category.


Around 95% of the total recovered metal from any construction project is actually steel. Besides, around 1-2% aluminum (mainly from doors and windows), 1-2% copper (mainly from piping and wires), and around 1% stainless steel (from structural supports) can be also recovered from Construction and Demolition (C&D) projects.

(Source: https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/b0ac5ce4-4253-4d2b-b001-0becf84b52b8/files/case-studies.pdf)


Steel is the easiest metal product to recycle from any C&D site as it can be segregated with minimal effort. And steel products actually produce almost zero waste. Besides, some surplus steel products such as tubes, rebars, pipes, claddings, and internal structural supports can be  reused with  little or  no reprocessing.



Recycling of steel products also has an environmental advantage, since there are  few environmental impacts due to minimal reprocessing. A majority of the steel products recovered from C&D projects can be sandblasted to remove coatings and base painting layers. Then, primer can be applied to use it for a new project. However, engineers do need to inspect and approve their properties and strengths before using it.



Other non ferrous metals, such as copper and aluminum, can be  melted to remove any impurities. They can finally be molded into new products to use in new construction sites.

Scrap metals: How they are reused to make new products?

Scrap metals which are generated abundantly from modern consumerism tend to be dumped in landfills or discarded away. Scrap metals may have toxic chemicals and hazardous elements in them so it is imperative to keep them away from landfills by recycling them where there is a danger of those metalspercolating into the environment which could cause soil pollution. Thus scrap metals must be used so that they don’t end up polluting the environment.

Aside from the environmental factor, reusing scrap metals such as copper, aluminium, brass, steel, and iron has economic benefits. It drastically reduces manufacturing costs as recycled metals can be used over and over again leading to a ‘circular economy'.

Some of the areas where reusing scrap metals can be effective are as follows:

1. Manufacturing: As mentioned before,  scrap metals helps to significantly reduce the cost of raw materials for the manufacturing plants. But other than that, the  scrap metals can be used to produce different alloys afterthe melting process..

2. Construction: From roads, bridges to buildings materials, reusable and production surplus scrap metals are used in a variety of ways in the construction industry. Scrap metals like iron, stainless steel and aluminium are used on a common  basis.

3. Packaging: Steel and aluminium are typically used for new food packaging. Canned items usually consist of certain out amount of recycled scrap metal with few being manufactured  entirely of scrap metal.

4. House furnishing: A typical house presents a lot of avenues for scrap metals to be reused. Appliances, lighting, metal roofing, etc., gets manufactured  using alloys that are tcomposed of scrap metals. Furniture like lamps, chairs, tables etc. all, are containing alloys that are composed of recycled metals owing to their durability.

5. Transportation: The bodies of ships, aircraft, and automobiles among others are the modes of transportation, manufactured using alloys produced from recycled scrap metals.

Thus, we can see that recycled scrap metals find a variety of applications and thus they must be recycled to conserve the environment as well as make manufacturing cost-effective. Scrap metals have a lower boiling point than virgin ore and thus can be easily melted and land would not be dug up to extract non-renewable metal ores which up the risk of environmental pollution.

Effects of Not Recycling

The fact that recycling is one of the most important issues in recent times needs no introduction. Also UAE passed an ambitious law in 2018 to recycle 75% of the waste generated by the country (Gulf News, New UAE federal law aims at 75% of waste recycling), which highlights the importance of recycling with combined efforts around the world to recycle human waste suffocating the environment.

This article is not about the importance of recycling, rather it talks about what would be the results of not recycling. That is, let the landfills fester with ever voluminous mounds of trash. What will be the effects of not recycling that?

The world is already reeling from an unimaginable turnover of waste. According to the World Bank, the global volume of waste is set to increase by 70 percent by 2050. (World Bank, Global Waste to Grow by 70 Percent by 2050 Unless Urgent Action is Taken: World Bank Report)

The developed countries generate the maximum amount of the world's waste with the US being one of the biggest. An estimated 254 million tonnes of waste gets generated by the USA per annum (Environmental Protection Agency or EPA). The UAE being the highest waste generator in the Gulf region, generating an estimated 6.5million tonnes of waste and is one of the world's highest in terms of per capita waste production.(Gulf Business, UAE seeks end to status as one of world’s largest waste producers)

The effects of not recycling can be categorised broadly into two categories: environmental and economic.

1.                  Environmental

First, let’s talk about plastic. Recent reports around the world of the presence of plastic in the bowels of aquatic creatures especially an infamous one have raised alarm over the problem that the accumulation of plastic waste poses. According to a World Bank report, 242 million tonnes of plastic waste was produced globally which constituted 12 percent of the total solid waste generated worldwide (World Bank, Global Waste to Grow by 70 Percent by 2050 Unless Urgent Action is Taken: World Bank Report).

Scrap metal, easily recyclable, when not recycled puts pressure on landfills and serves to increase the toxicity of the environment.

Glass can be recycled ad infinitum thus saving cost as well as lessening water pollution.

If recycling is not done (and not done properly), there are environmental costs to bear globally.

2.                  Economic

There are significant economic implications of not recycling in addition to the obvious environmental effects.

In 2017, the global recycling industry generated an estimated $265.61 billion (975.64 billion dirhams) of revenue. The global plastic recycling industry alone was estimated to have a market size of an estimated $37.6 billion (138.1 billion dirhams).(Cision, Global Waste Recycling Market Outlook Report 2017-2018: $37.6 Billion Opportunities in Plastic Recycling)

Revenue generated leads to more jobs. In the US alone, tens of thousands of people work in the recycling sector. If recycling is stopped, these people along with thousands of others around the world will lose their jobs.

Recycling also helps to reduce prices on many items such as glass and some types of metal. Since the material is recycled every time, manufacturing costs are cut drastically in half. The effect of not recycling would not only put immense pressure on already depleting finite resources but would also make prices inflate for a lot of materials.

Thus, to conclude, the impact of not recycling has a tremendous cost, both environmentally and economically and would only clog the various spheres of the planet with unmanageable clutter, both hazardous and non-hazardous. Therefore, in a world of fast depleting resources, recycling is the need of the hour.

How To Properly Care For Brass

 Although brass has an attractive colouring and is versatile, it is more malleable than many other metals.  It is important to take care of your brass bars the moment you receive them because of its malleable nature.

This makes brass prone to easy damage and hence should be handled carefully. Therefore, on receiving a delivery of brass machining bars, you should immediately check the packaging to ensure that each bar is coated with plastic. You have to also make sure that the packaging and palates are not damp, as this can often cause staining. Moreover any damage to the packaging can easily travel through to the metal inside.  Brass should be ideally kept indoors, in positions higher than the ground level.

While handling brass bars, you have to be careful that they do not bang or scrape against each other in order to prevent the surface from denting. To minimise the possibility of corrosion, it is necessary to prevent the brass bars from coming in contact with ammonia based products or ammonia itself. In case of contact, the brass will be rendered useless as it will develop stress corrosion cracking.

Using mild detergent mixed with warm water to clear the surface dirt regularly will preserve the brand new look of your brass material. Refrain from using abrasive cleaners as that may result in removing the lacquer coating on the brass which is done to prevent tarnishing.

Powder coating removal from aluminium

When it comes to metal painting, there are various ways to do it, some more prevalent than others. In Aluminum’s case- powder coating is one of the most used ways of coloring. A colored powder is sprayed on the metal when it is extremely hot, which results in a very strong second bond that ultimately leads to long lasting color.

Sometimes people don’t need the metal color anymore and want their object back in the original color, in which case one can follow the following steps to remove the color-

STEP 1: Set up a location outside home to hang the object so that it is accessible in all the areas. You can use your garage or work station for this work.

STEP 2: If there are any areas that you don’t want to change color of, cover them with paper bags and tape them all around very well so that they stay intact.

STEP 3: Use an industrial strength gasket remover to remove the powder color by spraying it all over. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, by this time you shall see the powder coating bubbling and peeling down.

STEP 4: Clean the object with a dry rag and if you’re still able to see the color at some places, repeat the process.

Safety precautions:

Wear thick long-sleeved clothing, gloves, safety goggles and a respiratory mask since the gasket remover is pretty poisonous.

Discard all the rugs and bags used in the process.

What causes metals to corrode?

Ever seen those dreary red vehicular bridges or metal structures leading to water tanks, creaky gates, fences or handles? The most common example of corrosion that we see in our everyday lives is rust – corrosion of the iron metal. This redness indeed is a typical representation of the phenomenon of ‘corrosion of metals’. Corrosion is when the metal quality has deteriorated.

What causes corrosion of metals?

Corrosion in metals is an electrochemical process; it is part chemical and part electrical. Positively & negatively charged ions from the metal result into a chemical called ‘iron hydroxide’ when they come in contact with water. When both oxygen and moisture work their wrath on the metal, it causes the metal to corrode. It will continue to cause the reaction leaving back nothing but say, a pile of rust (in case of iron) as long as the process continues.

Which metals are prone to corrosion?

In the metal family, magnesium, aluminum, iron, zinc, brass, copper, bronze and tin have higher reactivity so they easily corrode. Rust on steel, greening of copper or tarnish on silver/brass is a common phenomenon that we see every day around us. It also represents danger to human lives as its impact can cause injury.

What are the typical causes of corrosion?

·         Improperly maintained metal

·         Use of low quality metal

·         Ignorance towards maintenance of structural issues such as plumbing problems, leaky areas/roofs, stagnant water, and foundation issues of the building/structure, etc.

Does this mean all metals corrode? No, some metals rarely corrode. This group of metals which are less reactive, also known as ‘Noble Metals’ are metals that can be found in nature in their purest form - rhodium, palladium, silver, platinum, and gold are some examples of metals that are much less reactive than others; thus more expensive!

Understanding of the environmental conditions and metal properties and implementing this understanding into your design structure or foundation is an effective preventive measure against metal corrosion.

How is Scrap Metal Processed

In an era of recycling, it is imperative to have knowledge of recycling process in order to take better decisions of the tools and methods of recycling. The recycling process dealt with here in particular, is scrap metal. 

A scrap metal processing yard where one gives away his or her scrap metal for recycling, chiefly categorize the metals into ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Ferrous (from Latin ferrum, meaning "iron") metals comprised of iron and steel (an iron alloy). Copper, aluminium, brass et al., are called non-ferrous metals.

Scrap metal processing in part entails separation of these types of metals from each other using magnetized tools. A number of wrecking yards allow people to purchase scrap metals for specific purposes. Such a sale occurs only after due separation of the metals. This makes for easier identification of the metal by an interested buyer.

The primary basis of the sale of metals by the wrecking yards is the weight of the scrap metal being sold. Quality of the metal is really not that important in such a scenario. This is because the main concern of the yards is what the metalworks factories give them for selling metal. Metalworks factories purchase metals on the basis of weight.

After proper separation and sorting into suitable divisions, the scrap metal is subject to a number of processes which include cutting, shredding, molding and turn into metal cubes. The metal cubes are then purchased by the metalworks factories that melt the metals for the manufacture of new products.

Methods of Recycling Non-ferrous Metals

Conscious efforts towards sustainability have led to the recycling of even non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, nickel, silver, and tin. These metals retain their original properties even after undergoing recycling repeatedly. As they are found mixed with liquids and solids, extracting and purifying them before recycling can be a complex task. However, recycling is cheaper than mining metals and saves up to 95% of energy costs.

Three methods widely used to recycle non-ferrous metals are:

Electrowinning: Electrowinning, also known as electroextraction, is a relatively simpler procedure of extracting metals, which dissolves them using electricity. If non-ferrous metals are to be extracted for recycling, the procedure involves the metal in any form of waste to be put in a liquid solution, to dissolve it into the liquid a state known as leaching or leachate and then submerging it using cathodes. Hence, non-ferrous metals like copper, nickel, silver, and tin are recycled for further use.

Precipitation: Another widely used method for recycling non-ferrous metals from aqueous solutions is precipitation. It includes two metal removal sub-methods known as co-precipitation and adsorption. The end-result metal is called precipitate and the chemical that causes it to precipitate is called precipitant, which is mostly sodium and calcium hydroxides or oxides used to increase the pH.

Metal Sensors: Metal sensors are widely being used in sorting and extracting non-ferrous metals from scrap found in vehicles or e-waste. The method might falter as non-ferrous metals of similar densities can’t be separated from each other using gravimetric techniques which ultimately require human observation and intervention.

What exactly is scrap metal?

Metal is present in most objects we see around us - food storage boxes, houses, vehicles, accessories, computers, mobile phones - a component that's found in various things, big or small. When these objects are old and ready to be discarded or demolished, the metal that remains becomes scrap metal, which can be melted and recycled to produce new useful products for consumers.

Many consumers, individuals or  business organisations, actively participate in recycling discarded metals by bringing large amounts of scrap metal to the scrap yards which also rewards them with money in return.

Some sources of scrap metal are:

Construction Waste: 

Lots of metal like aluminium siding, steel beams and copper pipes go into constructing houses and other buildings. When old buildings are demolished, the leftover metal materials can be used for new construction.

Industrial Waste: 

Factories, manufacturers and other mechanic shops discard heaps of metal waste. After metal sheets are cut out, the remaining material becomes scrap which can be recycled for new products.

Auto Parts: 

Large number of old/damaged automobiles and their parts are discarded, from which the metal parts can be broken down, recycled and reused as metal scraps.

Consumer Goods: 

Our houses are loaded with metal scraps right from household appliances  to steel cutlery, cans, can openers, aluminium foil, electronics like computers and televisions and furnishings. At scrapyards, these metals are recycled to make other goods.

If you plan on recycling metals, the simplest way is to gather your old household items and bring them to scrapyard to be recycled and reused.

Disclaimer: This article(s) has been prepared solely for information purposes, using publicly-accessible sources that are believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of publishing. LUCKY GROUP accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage resulting from the use of information, images or opinions expressed in the report. LUCKY GROUP does not give warranty of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy and reliability of the information included in the article(s).

Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Scrap Metal

While buying and selling scrap material, have you ever wondered “What is the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous materials?” If you have, read on to learn more.

Ferrous metals like mild steel, stainless steel, cast iron, wrought iron and carbon steel contain irons which are used for their strength and durability. They are used in making industrial containers, construction of buildings, pipes, automobiles and rails for railroads and hardware tools like knives, used at home.

Most ferrous metals except for wrought iron and stainless steel are prone to rusting because of the use of carbon to create them. They also have magnetic properties and are used in creating electrical appliances like refrigerators and large motors. The most recycled materials in the world are indeed ferrous metals.

Non-ferrous metals include tin, lead, copper, brass, aluminium and zinc. These metals are strong, more malleable and light weight than ferrous metals and are used largely in the canning industry and aircrafts.

Since they don’t contain iron, they resist rusting and are used in water pipes, road signs, gutters and roofing. Their non-magnetic factor works in electrical wiring and small electronics. Also, aluminium is the third most recycled material while other non-ferrous metals like brass, lead and copper are scarce.

Those wanting to sell the metal must know that ferrous metals are found in good number; hence the prices tend to be lower than non-ferrous metals with minor rises or drops in the pricing. Other than aluminium, prices of non-ferrous metals can highly fluctuate.


Disclaimer: This article(s) has been prepared solely for information purposes, using publicly-accessible sources that are believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of publishing. LUCKY GROUP accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage resulting from the use of information, images or opinions expressed in the report. LUCKY GROUP does not give warranty of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy and reliability of the information included in the article(s).

Aluminium Recycling

The act of recycling metals has been in practice for a very long time as aluminium can be reprocessed and reformed an endless number of times without affecting its quality.

Recycling aluminium takes just 5% of energy and all of its properties remain as good as new which add to its demand in the scrap industry. The metal can be used in the manufacturing of various products e.g. cars, aeroplanes, window frames, food packaging and many more.

There are five stages involved in the process of recycling aluminium:

1. Collecting:

 Aluminium waste material in the form of aerosols, drink cans and foil trays can be collected from houses or waste banks where they are mixed with other food and drink packaging. Some waste management councils also collect aluminium waste like foils and cans separately.

2. Sorting: 

After collection, the recyclable metals are taken to local waste transfer stations where, with the use of magnets, they are sorted into groups of steel and aluminium items that arecompressed into bales.

3. Reprocess:

 After the metals are compressed into bales they are taken to a reprocessing plant where they undergo the stages of shredding, decoating, melting and casting. In the last stage the molten metal is cast into huge ingots.

4. Rolling:

 The ingots are sent to rolling mill that is then rolled out to create sheet aluminium which can then be used to make new packaging.

5. Conversion:

 The aluminium sheets are then fit to undergo conversion to produce a variety of packaging items.


Disclaimer: This article(s) has been prepared solely for information purposes, using publicly-accessible sources that are believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of publishing. LUCKY GROUP accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage resulting from the use of information, images or opinions expressed in the report. LUCKY GROUP does not give warranty of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy and reliability of the information included in the article(s).

Technology and the Scrap Metal Industry

The act of recycling metals is prevalent since times unknown and today, with widespread technology, managing scrap metals, and its business has become easier than ever. Technology provides us with many platforms to efficiently manage waste by connecting buyers with sellers.

Websites

Numerous websites with verified scrap listings connect people to buy and sell scrap online as per their requirements and price ranges. You will come across several deals and you can choose which suits you best.

Software

Every person today is using a handheld device such as a smartphone or tablet, hence, the online business of waste management is integrated for use on-the-go. Many apps or at least mobile sites can be found that aid in keeping you connected with the websites and let you filter your searches based on your requirements, price range and location as well as initiate transactions which make up the larger part of e-commerce.

Communication

Technology today has enabled us to communicate in different ways from anywhere and everywhere. It is so much easier to now exchange photos and videos and asks to have a look at the scrap you are planning to buy. Communicating with the help of technology on verified platforms helps buyers and sellers in staying away from making any possible fraudulent transactions.

Inventory

You can create an online inventory where you can manage your scrap to suit your customers’ requirements. The filters and data management options available help you organize your scrap inventory systematically as well as make suitable purchases.

Disclaimer: This article(s) has been prepared solely for information purposes, using publicly-accessible sources that are believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of publishing. LUCKY GROUP accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage resulting from the use of information, images or opinions expressed in the report. LUCKY GROUP does not give warranty of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy and reliability of the information included in the article(s).

Recyclable Metals in Jewellery

The fashion space keeps introducing new designs and existing metals are used to make jewellery pieces according to latest trends. While some metals are referred to as scrap when they are worn and outdated, it is quite easy to recycle them to get new designs.

These are the metals you can recycle as jewellery:

1. Copper: 

Copper wire, mixed copper and copper tubing can be recycled to produce new jewellery pieces.

2. Bronze:

Bronze is a common scrap metal found in a variety of industries that can be recycled once it is worn out. The use of bronze fixtures has increased tremendously and it is being used on a large scale in the jewellery industry too to create fashionable pieces at lower costs.

3. Stainless Steel: 

The stainless steel industry knows how important and beneficial it is for our environment to recycle the metal. The metal is found in various items we use on a daily basis and can be recycled to be used as jewellery.

4. Silver: 

Often found in electronic waste, coins, and old jewellery, silver is commonly recycled to get new jewellery pieces. It is a durable and highly valued metal in the jewellery industry which can be recycled to produce new pieces from time to time.

5. Gold: 

Known as the most valued metal, gold is often recycled to keep up with its high demand in the jewelry industry. 

Disclaimer: This article(s) has been prepared solely for information purposes, using publicly-accessible sources that are believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of publishing. LUCKY GROUP accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage resulting from the use of information, images or opinions expressed in the report. LUCKY GROUP does not give warranty of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy, and reliability of the information included in the article(s).

Potential Sources Of Sheet Metal Scrap In Your Machine Shop

Labor intensive industrial activity is not only time consuming but also capital consuming. In the process of fabricating, processing, or manufacturing, a lot of scrap materials get wasted that eventually results in wastage of a company’s resources.

If you have already sensed a way to make the most of your company’s resources, you are absolutely right. Here are some of the wise and simple ways to make quick money with metals and scraps.

Aluminium Sheets

Aluminium is a versatile metal that not only rules our kitchen utensils and spatulas but also is greatly used in aircraft, doors and furniture. If you are a keen machine enthusiast, you may be able toss extra bucks in your pocket by selling off scrap aluminum.

Stainless Steel Sheets

Stainless steel is a revolutionary industrial product that is widely used in medical purposes like surgeries and vaccinations; besides, it reigns over almost every metal department in the world owing to its durability.

Scraps Obtained from Water Jet Cutting

Water jet scrap parts and bits have high market value as they are not at all oily and are greatly pliable. If you can collect a good amount of water jet scraps, chances are you would make good money. Usually it is used for granite and soft metals such as aluminum, and copper.

Scraps Gathered from Metal Plate

Never throw away metal plates or its scraps and bits, for they would eventually be recycled and reused in the industries. Make a profit by collecting and recycling them, without much fuss or difficulty. These could be aluminum or metal shavings or filings etc.

Disclaimer: This article(s) has been prepared solely for information purposes, using publicly-accessible sources that are believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of publishing. LUCKY GROUP accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage resulting from the use of information, images or opinions expressed in the report. LUCKY GROUP does not give warranty of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy and reliability of the information included in the article(s).

A Guide to Identify Metals

If you are new to this world of scrap metal recycling, you are surely prone to get confused between steel, iron, tin and aluminium. This unfamiliarity and inability to identify these metals can be quite overwhelming. But there is nothing for you to worry about. This guide will assist you in identifying the various kinds of metals out there.

As a matter of fact, there are various tests you can perform in order to classify various kinds of metals. These tests include the following:

1.Magnet Test

This is by far the simplest way to classify and identify the metal. Getting an ordinary magnet is all you need and in case the metal contains iron, it would get attracted to magnet. These are ferrous metals. Scrap iron will pass this test. However, scrap brass or aluminium will not be responding to magnet as they are non-ferrous in nature.

2.Identification by Means of Colour

Colour of the metal can help you in identifying the chemical makeup of the metal. In case the metal is red in colour, it could be copper or even red brass. Similarly, golden coloured metal could be brass.

3.Identification by Means of Weight

You can also classify metals on the basis of their weight. For example, a lightweight metal could me aluminium and likewise, lead and iron metals would be heavy in weight.

4.Hardness Test 

If the metals are soft, they could be copper; however, metals like steel and iron are quite hard and are break resistant. The metal which is quite easy to bend is aluminium.

5.Professional Help 

If you are still unable to classify the metal, it would be best to seek help from professionals. They can assist you in classifying the metals through their scientific tests.

Disclaimer: This article(s) has been prepared solely for information purposes, using publicly-accessible sources that are believed to be accurate and reliable at the time of publishing. LUCKY GROUP accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage resulting from the use of information, images or opinions expressed in the report. LUCKY GROUP does not give warranty of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy and reliability of the information included in the article(s).