Common Scrap Metal Recycling Myths

Unless you work in an industry that produces large amounts of scrap metal, you’re probably not extremely familiar with the scrap metal recycling process. Like everything else, scrap metal recycling has its fair share of myths about what it means and what it entails. Anyone with any amount of scrap metal in their possession should be enthusiastic about the idea of being paid for these leftover pieces of metal, appliances, and even cars that they have no use for! However, misinformation has led some to be skeptical of the idea of scrap metal recycling and dismiss the process as something not worth doing. Realistically, recycling your scrap metal isn’t only worth doing, but it’s very beneficial to you, the environment, and your local economy! Below, we’ll debunk some of these myths so you can have a better sense of exactly what you’re in for when you go to sell your scrap metal!

Scrap Metal Myths vs. Truths

• “Recycling scrap metal isn’t an economical practice” 
  • The time, manpower, and resources it takes to mine and process metals from the Earth are much more costly than the process of recycling metals. By recycling metals, you’re actually lowering the prices of metallic products and putting otherwise useless metals back into circulation where they can be put to good use!
• “It’s better to let landfills take my scraps for me”
  • On the contrary, landfills are not good places for scrap metal. Not only do they have no potential there, but paying to put your scrap metal in a landfill where it’ll never be used again is only contributing to the over-consumption of the planet’s natural resources. Worst of all, certain metals such as lead and mercury contaminate the surrounding Earth and bodies of water!
• “There’s no demand for scrap metal”
  • Actually, the demand for scrap metal is only growing as companies continue to look for more eco-friendly (and less expensive) means of production. Scrap metals, which are just as good and less expensive than regular metals, are increasingly sought-after. As they grow in popularity, this also creates more jobs at recycling centers within the community.
• “Metal recycling facilities are dangerous”
  • While there are some rather large and “dangerous” pieces of equipment and machinery that go into recycling metal, these machines and their uses have strict regulations that ensure the safety of their operators and everyone else in the facility. Every team member in the facility is specially trained and qualified to handle their equipment in order to keep all customers and employees safe from harm!

Contact Second Street Iron & Metal!

At Second Street Iron & Metal, we purchase many different types of scrap metal for the best prices in the Greater Boston area! Our recycling services are open to businesses, demolition companies, homeowners, and the general public in the Boston region. Contact us today to get started by giving us a call at (617) 387-1188 or by filling out the contact form on our website!