Nonferrous metals refer to aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, titanium, cobalt, chromium and other precious metals. Although these metals can be produced, it would consume lesser energy if these metals are recycled instead of made. Aluminum recycling consumes 95% lesser compared to making it from raw materials.  Unlike ferrous metal though, non-ferrous metal recycling entails separation of these different metals from each other so that they can be properly processed.

Non-ferrous metal recycling involves an intricate process with the use of machine. Once sorting is done, the first step is packing together the non-ferrous metal. This is to ensure that they can be easily transported from one place to the recycling centers. At the same time, it would be a lot easier to carry if the metals are flattened. It will then be cut into handy sizes. This cutting process is done by hydraulic machinery that applies great pressure to the metal in order to be sliced appropriately. Although these non-ferrous metals have been pre-sorted, they will be sorted again using a shredder that uses electrical current, high pressure and liquid floating system. By doing this, that ferrous metals are thoroughly separated from non-ferrous metals.

Finally, these non-ferrous metals will be placed in a furnace to undergo melting. The resulting materials will be converted to flat sheet or shaped product such as tubing ready to be used again.

Non-ferrous metal recycling helps not only in saving energy but in lessening waste materials that could possibly end up in landfills. Even if non-ferrous metals undergo chemical processes, its physical properties are still the same. Aluminum recycled products are used in construction, transportation, packaging, electricity and tableware. Recycled copper is heavily used in electrical component, piping, roofing and insulation and cookware. Through recycling, enormous production of these metals is still possible without having to pose great risk in the environment. 

If you decide on renovating your house or getting rid of your old refrigerator, make sure to consider metal recycling. Not only will you contribute in saving energy, you will also help in achieving a cleaner environment for all of us. At the same time, metal recycling can help you earn a few bucks. Instead of putting away an old refrigerator carelessly, bring it to a metal recycler center near your place. Bear in mind that metals can either be non-ferrous of ferrous. How will you know the difference?

The easy way to determine ferrous from non-ferrous metals is by using a magnet. If the magnet sticks to the metal, then it is ferrous. It is important that you determine first the metal before carrying it to a recycle center so that they can also sort them properly. Non-ferrous metals can include aluminum, copper, zinc, lead and tin. Lead is one of the expensive recyclable products. If you are not using your car battery, you might as well sell in to a scrap metal dealer.

You might be surprised that some of the things you found in your garage, kitchen or bathroom can be a source of income for you and your family. Metal recycling companies and other recycling centers have the necessary equipment and materials to turn your seemingly unwanted home waste materials into some reusable. If you have renovated your bathroom, collect the taps and old and bring it to a scrap metal dealer. If you think an old kitchen sink is of no use, then you are wrong. Kitchen sink is made of stainless steel and it is accepted by scrap metal dealers.

If you think of discarding things in your house, consider if it can be recycled. If it is, go to your nearest recycling center and help make a difference by disposing and recycling your seemingly unusable garbage.