Metal recycling is a £5.6 billion industry in UK. It processes ferrous and nonferrous metal into vital secondary raw material for the smelting of new material, employing over8,000 people and making a net contribute to UK’s trade balance. Thus recycled metals have significant economic value and so scrap metal is rarely discarded or sent to landfill.
The UK is one of the five largest metal scrap exporting countries in the world. In 2005, 13 millions of metal scrap was recycled in the UK, more than its own need, therefore around 40% of this was used in the UK, and the remaining 60% exported worldwide.
◇Ferrous scrap: 4.6 million tonnes of iron and steel and stainless steel scrap was supplied to steelworks in the UK, and 0.9 million tonnes to UK foundries; 6.1 million tonnes was exported. Major markets were Europe, particularly Spain, and Asia, particularly India. The worldwide market for ferrous scrap is predicted to continue its steady growth, which has averaged around 5% per annul over the past 12 years.
◇Non-ferrous metals: over one million tonnes was processed. Approximately 45% of this was aluminum, 31% copper, and significant quantities of nickel, brass, zinc and lead. Non ferrous metals are traded on the London Metal Exchange, and therefore subject to volatility in commodity investments. UK exports topped 800,000 tonnes in 2005, a 20% increase on the previous year. Europe, China and India are the main destinations.
Why UK Metal Recycling Industry Develops So Well
For the prosperous development of UK metal recycling industry, I think there are four important reasons. In UK, many sectors contribute to the collection of metal scrap which is shown in the following part:
a.Packaging: some 2 billion aluminum and steel cans are recycled every year.
b.Vehicles: over 75% of a car is metal – early 90% of the target. Around half of the material processed by metal recycling shredders comes from vehicles.
c.WEEE: the industry already recycles most discarded household appliances. Electronic and telecommunications goods are a significant consumer of non ferrous metals.
d.Batteries: The EU Directive comes into effect in 2008, but the metals recycling industry is already recycling most lead acid vehicle and industrial batteries.
For the prosperous development of UK metal recycling industry, I think there are four important reasons. In UK, many sectors contribute to the collection of metal scrap which is shown in the following part:
a.Packaging: some 2 billion aluminum and steel cans are recycled every year.
b.Vehicles: over 75% of a car is metal – early 90% of the target. Around half of the material processed by metal recycling shredders comes from vehicles.
c.WEEE: the industry already recycles most discarded household appliances. Electronic and telecommunications goods are a significant consumer of non ferrous metals.
d.Batteries: The EU Directive comes into effect in 2008, but the metals recycling industry is already recycling most lead acid vehicle and industrial batteries.
Next reason is UK’s prefect recycling system. It owns many small, family owned companies, as well as large, international businesses. These small scrap yards are scattered here and there, which is within local citizen’s approach. They carry out a range of function and then supply partially or fully processed metal scrap to larger operators or traders.
Another reason we have to mention is strict laws and decrees like The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. In this Act, all site-based and mobile scrap dealers must apply for a license from their local authority and the ban of cash payments for scrap metal will be extended to all metal dealers including traditional scrap yards, mobile collectors and motor vehicle salvage operators. More than that, the owner of scrap yard must verify the identity of anyone from whom they buy. These policies are inevitable force to ensure the healthy development of UK metal recycling industry.
The last reason I like to talk is recycling machines. The application of machines in metal recycling will greatly improve recycling efficiency and effect. Metal shearing machine can reduce the size of the large pieces by cutting; metal baling press reduces feed stock to fist-sized lump. A large shredder can process a car in less than ten seconds. These machines have been widely used in UK metal recycling industry.
More information, welcome to the original website to get: http://www.copper-recycle.com/news/copper_wire/Metal-Recycling-Situation-of-UK.html
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