Scrap metal recycling is something that’s come a long way since it first came about. You might be familiar with recycling that’s done by hand, where material is sorted and tickets are kept by human beings. But the entire industry has come a long way since then, and the trends and innovations are only continuing to grow.
We now see technology revolutionizing the way scrap metal recycling is done. It’s innovative and efficient and can even mean better accuracy as things continue. It also comes with a lot of additional benefits for customers and for those who are handling the scrapping.
How Technology is Impacting the Scrap Metal Recycling Industry
It’s clear technology has an impact on all sorts of things, but how exactly is it influencing the scrap metal recycling industry itself? Let’s take a look.
Sorting and Processing
Perhaps one of the most time-consuming aspects of scrap metal recycling is sorting and processing. This is an area that has been greatly improved upon because of technology. It helps to speed up the tasks involved in the process. When things are sped up, it means an increase in the number of materials that can be recycled and greater output overall.
Better sorting and processing mean cleaner batches of recycled materials as well. We’re able to get a lot more accurate with what gets sorted and how because of technologies such as sensors and sorting machines.
We’re seeing great advancements in x-ray technology as well which allows machines to scan materials more accurately. This is particularly valuable to scrap metal recyclers as it’s possible to identify all different types of alloy grades and determine their chemical composition. This helps to better guarantee the quality of the product being examined.
Things only continue to get more sophisticated. In fact, lasers can also detect certain objects that should be removed from the recycled materials.
Software
Another area that’s been greatly influenced by technology is the introduction and adaptation of software. We now have software that’s specifically designed for scrap metal recycling and is continuing to have a great impact on operations.
Scrap Metal Recycling Software
Here are a few of the specifics when it comes to software and scrap metal recycling.
- Inventory management: With the introduction of software, we’re now able to better manage, optimize, and analyze the flow of inventory. This means for much greater profitability and that we can know exactly what material we’re dealing with, at what time, and at what location. Software can also help to determine the value of certain materials and do things like print and scan barcodes.
- Routing: Software is particularly helpful in the area of routing as it means we can better optimize our truck fleet routing. It’s even gone so far as to arrange better optimized driving routes and allows for the easy collection of customer and vendor information. This improves the quality of service provided. It also decreases the amount of energy scrap metal recyclers are consuming. The more efficient the better, if you ask us.
- Document signing: Some scrap metal recycling companies will give the option to provide signatures digitally rather than with pen and paper. Software has been a huge asset in taking this process digital, especially with programs like DocuSign. This helps to streamline the business and also helps to keep everything a lot more organized. Recyclers now don’t need to worry about losing important documentation and can easily take it on the go with them.
- Anti-theft: There are tons of technologies that can help when it comes to theft prevention. That’s things like cameras, thumbprint capture pads, and digital signature options. These technologies allow recyclers to create better reports and upload them to the authorities to help when it comes with compliance.
The Future of Scrap Metal Recycling
It’s clear technology has now become a major part of the scrap metal recycling industry. We’re seeing new advancements take charge and will likely only continue to improve the industry and the ways scrap metal recycling is done. So, what exactly does this mean for the future of scrap metal recycling? And where are we headed in terms of what the future holds?
Supply and demand
A big question in everyone’s minds is what supply/demand and pricing will look like as we continue on into the future. It’s expected that countries like India, South Korea, Turkey, and China will continue to drive the global demand.
Countries like Japan, the United States, and the European Union will likely continue to drive the supply side of things.
We should continue to see growth in terms of the manufacturing and green energy industries which will only mean the increased need for scrap metal and scrap metal recycling. This industry isn’t slowing down any time soon.
Does Scrap Metal Recycling Really Matter?
As we mentioned, the role of scrap metal recycling in our world is really just getting started as there’s a great demand for going green and recycling in general. But does it really matter?
The quick answer to this question is, of course it does! Natural resources are what help the world to function. And those important resources are getting overused each and every day, which brings on depletion concerns.
Ferrous metals especially, are used for things like construction which makes the demand for these types of materials quite high. It also makes it super important we recycle these materials so future generations can have access to them as well. Scarcity essentially means recycling is a necessity. Especially when we need metals for the things we use each and every day.
Benefits of Scrap Metal Recycling
Scrap metal recycling doesn’t just benefit future generations. It can have a major influence on organizations and individuals as well, which only contributes further to the case that scrap metal recycling is important. Here are some of those benefits.
- Conservation of energy
As each type of metal is produced, it requires different amounts of energy. They also each require tons of different resources in order to be made.
Scrap metal recycling allows for much less energy to be used along with resources. In fact, recycling saves anywhere from 60-95% of energy. Much less energy is used to recycle scrap metal making it a much better choice.
- More jobs to go around
One of the best things about scrap metal recycling is the copious amounts of new jobs that it creates. The industry employs millions of workers throughout the United States. In fact, it provides six times the number of jobs than there are for sending materials to an incinerator or landfill.
The industry is also known for offering competitive salaries and provides the type of hands-on jobs that many people enjoy.
- Can help you earn money
If you could earn money from scrap metal recycling wouldn’t you be more inclined to do it? The good news is, it’s totally possible. Scrap yards take all different kinds of metals whether it’s copper, iron, brass, aluminum, or steel.
The actual value you receive from the different types of metals will vary, but it’s always better to get something in return for your scraps.
- Means for more available space
If you’re holding onto your scrap metal then there’s a good chance it’s taking up valuable space. Recycling it means you’ll free up that space and can use it for other important things like storage.
- Conservation of natural resources
As we mentioned earlier, natural resources are diminishing over time. And they’re something that’s essential to the functioning of our world. Even water is a resource that’s greatly reduced when scrap metal is recycled. A huge amount of water is used to produce new materials which is a lot less with recycling. When we recycle, we better protect the future of our world!
Scrap Gators
We hope you’ve learned a little bit more about how technology is influencing the future of scrap metal recycling. If you’re looking for a trusted expert in scrap metal in Florida, look no further than Scrap Gators!
We’re seasoned pros when it comes to all of your scrap metal recycling needs and we can’t wait to provide you with assistance. We also happen to specialize in aerospace, manufacturing, HVAC, and large equipment scrap removal. So whatever your scrap metal needs may be, we’ve got you covered! Give us a call today to get started.
