When you have an old car or other items with large amounts of metal to dispose of, you may not be sure what to do with them. Even if you've considered scrap metal recycling, you might be reluctant to go that route due to a few common misconceptions about the practice. However, in most cases, recycling is the best option for getting rid of scrap metal. The following are some common myths you may have encountered. 

What Are the Common Myths About Scrap Metal Recycling? 

1. Size Matters 

Many people believe that they must have a significant amount of scrap metal to recycle it or that they cannot recycle smaller pieces. However, it's not always advantageous to bring a massive piece to the recycling yard. Large pieces of sheet metal must be cut down to fit in the shredders used for processing. Small pieces are favored since they're easier to shred and melt for making new products. 

2. Scrap Metal Recycling Doesn't Help the Environment  

Some people choose not to recycle scrap metal out of the mistaken belief that it's not harmful to put metal in a landfill since it breaks down faster than other materials. While it's true that steel takes 100 years to decompose compared to the 1,000 years for plastic, that's still 100 years in which the metal will take up space in a landfill and potentially harm the environment. Additionally, recycling scrap metal eliminates the need to mine and process new materials, which is better for the environment. 

3. Scrap Metal Recycling Is Cost-Prohibitive

While it's true that processing scrap metal can be expensive, it's still lower than the cost to mine and process new materials. For example, recycling aluminum requires 90% less energy than producing new products, and recycling steel uses 25% less energy and produces 75% less air and water pollution than manufacturing new steel. Since metal can be used repeatedly without losing strength, recycling it is the more cost-effective option. 

If you have scrap metal, whether a junk car, construction debris, or old appliances, contact Phipps Auto Parts in Goshen, OH, for help recycling it. This licensed scrap metal recycling center accepts various metals, including brass, copper, iron, and stainless steel, and offers competitive payments while keeping the material out of local landfills. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (513) 722-2034 to request a pick-up for your items.