Thanks to an increase in environmental awareness, between 85 and 95% of the steel used in the United States is now recycled. The recycled steel comes from scrap cars, old appliances, and construction demolition. By reusing scrap metal, fewer resources are wasted, and the need for additional mining is reduced. It’s a set up that helps the environment and saves money when it comes to manufacturing. Recycled steel is turned into a long list of products made for industrial, commercial, and residential uses.

5 Different Uses for Recycled Steel

1. Appliances

Everything from the components in your refrigerator to the steel drum in your washer could be made from recycled steel. Many appliances seem like they’re mostly made of plastic — such as dishwashers and refrigerators — but beneath those plastic housings are motors made from metal.

2. Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is one of the longest-lasting and most durable roofing materials on the market. It’s popular in areas with extreme weather, and in many cases, steel roofs last longer than the buildings they’re attached to. Most steel roofing is comprised of at least partial amounts of recycled materials.

3. Building Materials

Besides roofs, recycled steel is also chosen for other kinds of building materials. Large skyscrapers have always used steel, and the newest buildings all take advantage of recycling. Even smaller residential homes are now built with steel frameworks instead of wood.

4. Utility Poles

Recycled steel comes with strong ratings partially because it gains strength during reprocessing. With this added durability, steel utility poles are more cost effective than wood. And because steel lasts years longer, the poles won’t need to be replaced as often.

5. Industrial Tanks

Large tanks used for water and fuel need to be strong, and most are made from recycled steel. They come in all shapes and sizes, and the connected pipes are usually made from the same material.

It takes only a few minutes to profit from your old scrap metal, and you’ll benefit the environment along with your bank account. If you have a scrap car, old appliances, or want to recycle window frames, Denver Metal Recycling is Colorado’s center for car crushing, liquidation, and recycling. Call them at (303) 316-2888 to learn about the recycled steel process or visit their website for more information.