Iron is a metal with many uses. Many industries rely on steel, which is an alloy made from iron. Iron and its derivatives have endless applications in construction, manufacturing, shipping, and other areas. Instead of throwing iron items away, you should always take them to an approved metal recycling facility. Here are a few ways that iron can be reused in the future. 

What Happens to Recycled Iron

All kinds of small components contain or are made of iron, including screws, nails, knives, and other tools. Iron is also used in alloys for making appliances, heavy equipment, gutters, and water heaters. It'is used worldwide, so while your recycled materials may be put to use again in your area, they might also be exported to other parts of the world. Additionally, recyclers can preserve most of the iron in materials that they're breaking down, which means that the process doesn't generate much waste. Steel, an iron alloy, is known for being 100% recyclable. 

How Iron Is Recycled  

An approved metal recycling center will follow a specific process for breaking down iron. The first step usually involves sorting the pieces into different categories for simplicity. Then, they'll send the items through giant shredders with magnetic drums. These machines pull out magnetic components and separate the metals from other pieces in the mix. 

After that, the materials may go through another separating process to further extract iron that should be recycled. Then, extremely heavy or large pieces are cut apart in a process called shearing. Metal recycling facilities have various tools that they use to condense these big pieces of metal. 

Finally, the broken-down iron is prepared for transportation during the baling process. Baling involves smashing the iron into large blocks that can easily be moved, loaded, and then transported to their final destination. From there, the iron is ready to be converted into new objects for future use. 

If you need to recycle metal in East Spencer, NC, contact Holmes Iron & Metal Inc. This family-owned and -operated business has served the local area since 1950. In addition to metal recycling, they offer dumpster rentals and demolition services. Learn more about their offerings online, or schedule a consultation by calling (704) 633-6119.