Environmental Benefits of Recycling Steel 

Metal scrap pile at business site for Metal Recycling Service Illinois

Environmental Benefits of Recycling Steel 

Whether you’re an individual with scrap metal or steel on your property, or a business owner who’s trying to find an effective solution for steel scrap management, it’s important that you know about the environmental benefits of recycling steel. While most people know that steel recycling supports the local economy and helps to support local jobs—and that they can get paid for their scrap metal—few understand that recycling steel is also a more sustainable option. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we are proud to be a global leader in scrap metal recycling, and we are committed to maximizing our sustainability impacts and minimizing our footprint. Here’s what you should know about the environmental benefits of steel recycling—if you have any questions or want to recycle your (steel) metal products, call us directly today.

Steel Can Be Recycled Again, and Again, and Again…

One of the things that makes steel such a sustainable metal is that it can be recycled not just once, not just twice, but multiple times throughout its lifetime. Indeed, steel can be recycled over and over again without losing the strength and durability for which it’s known. This means that it can be used in a variety of industries for numerous applications without its quality being compromised. When steel is recycled like this, the need for new metal mining is significantly reduced.

Recycling Steel Reduces New Mining Projects

When steel is recycled and becomes part of the circular economy, there is less of a demand for new steel products; on the other hand, if steel is thrown away and sent to the landfill, there is less steel in the economy, and therefore more steel is required to strike a balance. When new steel is required and it cannot be obtained through steel recycling, it must be mined. Mining can be incredibly destructive to the natural environment and natural habitats, result in the extraction and use of natural resources, lead to the release of toxins and pollutants, use large amounts of energy and water, and can be associated with labor violations in some cases. 

Recycling Steel Conserves Natural Resources, Water, and Energy

It would be untrue to say that steel recycling has zero carbon footprint or that it doesn’t use any energy or fossil fuels; it does. However, the amount of energy, fossil fuels, water, and natural resources that are used to recycle steel products is less than the amount of those same resources used to mine new steel. Keeping steel in circulation, then, is a more sustainable option that supports planetary health.

Learn More About Steel Recycling Today

To learn more about scrap metal recycling and steel recycling, please call Scrap Metal Services, LLC. We are a leader in steel recycling and look forward to working with you!

How Are Scrap Metal Prices Determined? 

Collecting Scrap Metal Becuse Prices Are Increasing and Fluctuating

How Are Scrap Metal Prices Determined? 

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we buy and sell scrap metal. We always pay fair market value for the metal that we buy, and always keep our prices competitive when selling. This begs the question, though: How are scrap metal prices determined? 

There are numerous factors that impact the price of scrap metal, outlined below. If you have questions about scrap metal pricing or how you can buy or sell metal with Scrap Metal Services, LLC, please reach out to us directly today.

Factors that Impact Scrap Metal Prices

Scrap metal prices are impacted by more than just a single factor; instead, there are a handful of details that can raise or lower metal prices. These include:

  • International trading and global politics. International relationships and politics can influence metal prices, in large part because such relationships may influence who’s selling to whom and how sellers are setting their prices. For example, tensions between China—which is a large player in the global metal markets—could impact prices. 
  • Season. The seasons and the time of year can impact the markets, as consumer behaviors may shift depending on the weather, holidays, etc., raising or lowering demand. 
  • Location. When metal has to travel long distances before being sold, transportation and handling fees can increase the price. On the contrary, when metal is sold near the ports or at the location of manufacture,  it tends to be less expensive. 
  • Quantity and quality. When the quantity of available metal is low, the price tends to go up; similarly, the amount of scrap that a scrap yard intakes can influence prices. Additionally, the quality of metal also impacts prices, with higher-quality metals typically being priced higher. 
  • Industry demand. When there is a large demand for certain metal types, prices of that metal tend to go up, especially if supply is low. This is the basic economic theory of supply and demand. 
  • Market prices. Finally, within a scrap yard or metal distribution center, global market prices for metal can impact for how much a smaller supplier is selling metal.

Call Scrap Metal Services, LLC Today

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we always keep our prices fair and reasonable and always pay top dollar for the scrap that we buy. If you have metal that you want to sell, or if you need to buy finished metal products, we can help. Learn more about our scrap metal recycling services, our brokerage and trading services, and our scrap yard by calling us directly or sending us a message at your convenience. We look forward to working with you!

Ferrous vs. Nonferrous Metals

Ferrous and Nonferrous material needs to be sorted correctly for safety

Ferrous vs. Nonferrous Metals

Whether your company produces scrap metal and you have questions about metal separation and pricing, or if you’re in the market to buy or sell metals, it’s important to understand the basic differences between ferrous and nonferrous materials. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we not only process both types of metals, but can answer all of your questions about metal types. 

What Are Ferrous Materials?

Ferrous materials are iron-containing metals. Because of this, ferrous materials have their own distinctive properties that affect what the metals are both used for. Because of the iron in them, most ferrous materials are magnetic, making them useful in electrical applications. Another thing to consider is that the majority of ferrous metals have a higher carbon content, which makes them more durable, but also makes them more likely to rust, with some exceptions. Common ferrous metals include steel, carbon steel, cast iron, and wrought iron. 

What Are Nonferrous Materials?

Nonferrous metals are simply those metals that do not contain any appreciable amount of iron. The primary advantage of nonferrous materials is that they are more flexible and malleable than their ferrous counterparts. Because they don’t contain any iron, they’re also more resistant to corrosion and rust. Common nonferrous metals include zinc, tin, aluminum, lead, and copper. 

FAQs About Ferrous and Nonferrous Materials

Consider the following answers to frequently asked questions we hear about ferrous and nonferrous materials–

  • Do I need to separate materials before recycling? If you are bringing metals to a scrap recycling center or scrap yard, you may wonder whether you need to separate materials before arrival. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, you do not need to separate your ferrous and nonferrous materials, nor do you need to weigh materials in advance. We can handle this at our facility.
  • Why should I recycle metal products? Recycling both ferrous and nonferrous materials is an important part of being an environmental steward and a responsible citizen. Recycling metals helps to reduce the need for new metal mining, keeps materials out of the landfill, conserves energy, and supports the local economy.

Learn More By Calling Scrap Metal Services, LLC Directly Today

If you have more questions about ferrous vs. nonferrous metals, what we buy, what we sell, or how to start recycling your scrap metal, call our team at Scrap Metal Services, LLC directly today. We are happy to answer your questions and look forward to working together.

How Companies that Buy Scrap Metal Are Improving the Environment

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How Companies that Buy Scrap Metal Are Improving the Environment

In 2021, environmental ills are a serious threat. Not only are greenhouse gases contributing to climate change–which could have devastating effects for the planet as a whole and everyone on it–but countries are also struggling with finding a solution to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, polluted air and water, a loss of biodiversity, and more. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we know that there’s no single panacea to this looming problem, but we are passionate about doing our part to help. We firmly believe that scrap metal recycling and buying scrap metal (as opposed to new metal products) can help the environment. Here’s how–

Recycled Metal Reduced the Need for New Metal Mining

New metal mining is an incredibly extractive and destructive practice that can lead to water pollution, loss of habitat, emissions, energy and water loss, and more. What’s more, metal is a nonrenewable resource. By recycling metal, on the other hand, the need for new metal mining is reduced.

Recycling Keeps Materials Out of the Landfill

Most people don’t think twice about putting something in the trash, but the reality is that the lack of land for new landfills is something that must be taken seriously. Not only is there not enough space in landfills, but landfills emit large levels of greenhouse gasses and are a source of toxic pollutants. By diverting materials away from the landfill–by recycling and purchasing recycled goods instead–you’re doing the earth a favor.

Recycling Takes Less Energy and Water

Finally, not only will you help to reduce emissions and conserve habitat, as well as keep materials out of the landfill, by choosing recycling metals over new metals, but you’ll also help to conserve both energy and water, too. 

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, We Do it Right

Part of being a conscious consumer is not only purchasing recycled metal when it’s available, but purchasing it from a supplier that’s committed to doing their part, too. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, our sustainability initiatives matter to us, and we are committed to being green. To learn more about some of our sustainability initiatives and what we’re doing to reduce our footprint, please feel free to reach out to us directly today.  

In the meantime, you can learn more about selling metal to us or buying metal from us by calling our center, visiting our location in person, or sending us a message using the intake form on our website. We look forward to working together.

What to Expect from Scrap Metal Prices in 2021

A pile of scrap metal representing how our Chicago non-ferrous processing services can benefit your business.

What to Expect from Scrap Metal Prices in 2021

For businesses that rely on metal for production and manufacturing, as well as those who sell scrap metal or process scrap metal, metal prices can have a big impact on the business’s bottom line. While it’s impossible to say for sure what 2021 will hold in terms of scrap metal prices, here’s a quick overview of some of the predictions. To stay in the know about metal prices, or to ask any questions about metal prices or scrap metal processing, reach out to our team at Scrap Metal Services, LLC today.

Supply Chain Holes Expected to Push Prices Higher

According to an article published in Recycling Today, metal prices may very well climb in 2021, at least during the first half of the year. This is likely to be fueled by holes in the supply chain caused by the pandemic and the pending widespread vaccination, both of which are expected to weigh heavily on the supply side of the metal market. On the demand side, global economic recovery is likely to influence and drive demand, creating a gap between supply and demand that drives metal prices upward. 

Additionally, towards the start of the new year in the midst of winter weather, prices are also supposed to be a little bit higher as a direct result of the challenges of moving metal in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. Transportation is often hampered during the coldest months of the year, which impacts ports worldwide. 

Metal Prices Predicted to Stay Strong Over Next Few Years

Recycling Today isn’t the only one that believes that metal prices will remain high over the next year, and perhaps even longer; iScrap App also predicts that “copper prices and other metals are going to be strong over the next few years.” This prediction is based on an increase in the demand for commodities in the past few weeks – a prediction that is expected to last into the future. The coming vaccine also indicates that markets are likely to remain strong. Oil prices have also increased recently, which suggests that there will be a rebound in most markets moving into the new year. Both ferrous and non-ferrous metal prices are anticipated to increase in 2021 and demand is likely to continue to rise.

Scrap Metal Services, LLC: Meeting Your Metal Processing Needs

The fact that metal prices are on the rise means that it’s a good time to sell your scrap metal. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we pay cash for your metal and handle all weighing, separation, and processing on-site. To learn more about selling to us or to ask a question about metal pricing or scrap metal recycling, reach out to us today. 

Factors that Affect Scrap Metal Prices

Price word cloud for scrap metal pricing trends when wanting to sell scrap metal.

Whether you’re a business owner that purchases scrap metal post-processing, or an individual or a business owner that sells your scrap metal for processing, understanding how scrap metal prices are set is important. Consider these primary factors that affect scrap metal prices in the United States, and feel free to reach out to one of our scrap yards or scrap mills for more questions about the current prices that we are offering to buy scrap metal–

Energy and Production Costs

Clearly, the costs of energy (and production) can have a large effect on the price of scrap metal. Energy costs include the costs of gas, oil, and other sources of electricity. When costs of processing are especially high, the price that is offered for scrap metal may drop in order to make up for the difference. That being said, if the costs associated with new metal mining are particularly high, this can make scrap metal and scrap recycling a more valuable endeavor.

Supply and Demand

One of the most basic economic theories that drives the price of scrap metal is that of supply and demand. This theory holds that the greater the supply of a product, the lower the price; the greater the demand, especially when supply is limited, the higher the price. When scrap metal is in low demand and high supply, scrap metal prices will be lower.

Price of New, Virgin Metals

Another element that can affect the price of scrap metal is the price of virgin metals – those that are newly mined and have not ever been used, recycled, or processed. When virgin metals are more expensive (which can be driven by energy and production costs and supply and demand), scrap metal becomes more valuable as an alternative to virgin products. On the other hand, when virgin metal prices drop, scrap metal becomes less essential, as industries can afford virgin metals instead.

Contact Scrap Metal Services, LLC for Fair Scrap Metal Pricing

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we always pay top dollar and fair market value for our customers’ scrap metal and are transparent in how our prices for scrap are determined. To learn more about our scrap pricing, what we buy and what we do not buy, and our locations throughout the United States, please reach out to us today.

We are a leader in the scrap recycling industry with a reputation of excellence, sustainable practices, and worker safety. Please call us today at 708-730-1400 or send us a message directly.

How Will Tariffs Affect Metal Prices?

tariff graphic concept for how changes in tariff will affect price of metal, contact a reputable scrap metal recycler

How Will Tariffs Affect Metal Prices?

Tariffs, including what they are and how they work, can be complicated to understand. What’s more, if you are employed or run a business in an industry that relies heavily on metal, you may be wondering how tariffs will affect metal prices. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know-

What Are Tariffs?

Tariffs refer to a type of tax that is paid on an import or export to the United States. The tariffs imposed under President Trump specifically impose a tax on imports to the United States, which is assessed at the border (of course, in response, other countries enacted a tariff on imports to their own countries from the United States).
The basic idea behind a tariff is this: because it increases the cost of the good to be imported, the cost should act as a deterrent, urging Americans to purchase locally-manufactured items instead of imported ones. While this is a nice idea, in theory, the problem is that the vast majority of goods in the United States are made overseas, or at the very least, contain parts that are manufactured overseas.

What Do Tariffs Mean for Metal Prices?

The tariffs that were enacted by the Trump administration a few months ago have meant that metal prices have increased. To be sure, in January, the cost of Ingot Premium aluminum was 10 cents a pound, and by mid-March (after Trump had announced the 10 percent tariff on aluminum), the price had jumped to 20 cents a pound. Steel underwent a similar price hike – in January, the cost of hot-rolled coil was $661 per short ton, and in March, the price had increased to $836.

When Will Tariffs End?

If you’re in an industry that relies on the import of metals, you may be curious about when the tariffs will end. The answer is unclear, but as of September 2018, Trump has said that he’s considered more tariffs, not fewer. As a leader who strongly believes that imports hurt America, he’s been vehement in his conviction that tariffs will make America a stronger country and global leader.

Recycling Scrap Metal Can Help

While no one can avoid tariffs, and your business may be forced to import and pay high taxes on your imports as such, recycling scrap metal can help. The recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous materials like steel and aluminum reduces the need for additional imports from other countries, is good for the environment, and can be economically beneficial for companies.

We Can Help

To learn more about how we can manage your scrap metal processing and recycling needs, please call us today at 708-730-1400 or send our team a message today. We are a leader in the scrap recycling industry.

Environmental and Economical Benefits of Scrap Metal Recycling

sustainability concept for metal recycling work with our scrap metal company in Illinois

Environmental and Economical Benefits of Scrap Metal Recycling

Recycling scrap metal rather than taking it to the landfill is the just smart thing to do, period. In fact, not only can recycling be great for the earth–after all, recycling limits the amount of natural resources that have to be extracted and utilized–but it also has numerous economic benefits, too. Consider some of these environmental and economic benefits of scrap metal recycling–

Recycling Saves Natural Resources

One of the most pressing reasons why our team at Scrap Metal Services, LLC is passionate about recycling is that recycling saves natural resources. There is only a limited amount of metal ore found on the planet, and once we’ve extracted it, it’s gone. What’s more, extraction practices are harmful, energy-intensive, costly, and destroy habitat and pollute the air and water. Soil, plants, animals, water, and air are all tainted when we mine for metal ore – recycling is a better option.

Recycling Keeps Harmful Toxins Out of Landfills

Many metal-containing items that are recycled contain dangerous toxins, such as lead and mercury. When these materials are processed in the property facility type, these toxins can be separated and properly disposed of. Unfortunately, these materials–and the toxins they contain–often make their way into landfills, where the toxins then contaminate our soil and water. This can have a major disruptive effect on wildlife and the earth, as well as human health.

Recycling Generates Export Sales

Recycling scrap metal is good for the economy and generates billions of dollars in export sales every year. This means that through recycling of metal, America remains more competitive on the global scale.

Recycling Employs People

The recycling industry, including the scrap metal recycling industry, is one of the top employers in the country, providing jobs for tens of thousands of workers on an annual basis. In fact, according to Ecocycle.org, recycling and reuse creates at least nine times more jobs than does sending materials to landfills and incinerators, and up to as many as 30 times more jobs!

Do the Smart Thing for the Earth, the Country, and Your Business

By recycling your scrap metal, you can be an active participant in helping the environment, supporting American jobs, and even improving your own business’ economic situation – at Scrap Metal Services, Inc., we pay top dollar for your scrap!

To learn more about how we can help and why you should work with our scrap recycling team, please call us at 708-730-1400 today, or send us a message directly.

What to Look for in a Trusted Scrap Recycling Partner

trusted steel mill scrap metal recycling company in Blue Island

What to Look for in a Trusted Scrap Recycling Partner

Regardless of the industry in which you work, if your business produces scrap, or if you are an individual who is in possession old farm equipment, or other types of scrap metal, scrap recycling is a must. To be sure, scrap recycling not only helps your business to maximize its profits but also clears up space and puts you or your business at the forefront of responsible recycling efforts.

But before you hire just any company to buy and process your scrap, you should know what to look for in a trusted scrap recycling partner. Here are some key characteristics of a trusted scrap metal services company:

Experience

Our team of professionals knows that when it comes to scrap recycling, experience makes a huge difference. This is because scrap management and processing is a large undertaking and one that can take years to effectively refine. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we have been providing scrap services for clients for over a decade, and have quickly grown to a worldwide leader in the scrap recycling industry.

Comprehensive Services

We provide myriad services for our industrial partners. These services include management of all logistics, transportation services, container recycling services, railcar dismantling, ship decommissioning, processing of ferrous and nonferrous materials, demolition services, and more. We are your one-stop-shop for all of your scrap metal recycling needs; you’ll never need to work with outside third parties.

Commitment to Worker Safety

Worker safety is at the forefront of our approach to scrap management and processing. We maintain written health and safety policies, always do business within OSHA compliance and federal regulations, and maintain accident reports and a thorough investigation process.

Commitment to the Earth

We know that improper scrap metal recycling and dismantling services can be hazardous for the earth and that our workers and our planet face risks ranging from asbestos exposure, radioactive material exposure, pollution exposure, and more. We believe that recycling is one step in the goal to be more sustainable. We recycle in the most planet-friendly way possible, always adhering to EPA guidelines and best practices.

Putting Clients First

Finally, you want to work with a company that puts you first. We listen to our clients, pay top dollar for scrap, and handle all logistics. Working with us is easy, and you’ll always be met with honesty and transparency.

Start Recycling Scrap Today

The right company will meet all of the above criteria. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we are ready to meet with you and learn more about your scrap recycling needs. Call us today at 708-730-1400 or send us a message using the form found on our website.

The Benefits of Recycling Scrap for Your Business

Scrap Metal and if you are looking for help with metal scrap recycling contact a great company in Burnham.

There are a number of businesses in different industries that can benefit from the process of recycling scrap, ranging from agricultural businesses to manufacturing companies and more. Recycling scrap is not only easy when you work with Scrap Metal Services, LLC, but also a great way to clean up your property, make some money, and do the earth some good. Consider these tops benefits of recycling scrap for your business–

The Cash Makes it All Worth It

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons for businesses to turn to scrap recycling is the fact that recycling your scrap yields business revenue. If you have old equipment on your property that is obsolete, taking up room, and super heavy (because it’s so dense with metal), you can be paid for that piece! At Scrap Metal Services, we take all scrap, ranging from old reapers and winnowing machines and more. We pay cash for scrap!

Your Property Could Use the Pick-Me-Up

Another benefit that you’ll get from recycling your scrap is a cleaner and more organized-looking property. Not only may this be a key part of attracting customers and doing good business, but it can also provide you with more physical space on your property for other business operations. After all, if you keep allowing scrap to pile up without recycling it, at some point you’re going to run out of space.

You’re Doing the Earth a Favor

If your business is trying to go green, recycling your scrap is one step in the right direction. As explained by U.S. Geological Survey, metals are important reusable resources and recycling them provides environmental and economic benefits, including reduced waste and improved energy savings. In a single year, the United States recycled 58.3 million metric tons of selected metals, the majority of which were iron and steel.

If you’re wondering why going green is good for your business, consider that in today’s competitive business market, customers are always looking for companies that stand out from the rest – prioritizing environmental responsibility may help you achieve that. Recycling may also help your business get the green certifications it’s striving for.

Learn More About Scrap Recycling from Scrap Metal Services, LLC

There are a number of benefits associated with recycling scrap but you can’t take advantage of these benefits without partnering with a trusted scrap recycler near you. At Scrap Metal Services, we provide a full range of scrap recycling services including the processing of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, railcar and ship and vessel dismantling, and management of all transportation and logistics.

To learn more about our scrap recycling services for your business, please reach out to us directly. We serve businesses in a variety of industries and serve companies throughout the United States. Reach us by sending us a message using the intake form on our website, or call our Burnham, Illinois location at 708-730-1400.