What Kind of Products Are Made from Recycled Scrap Metal?
Scrap metals (such as aluminum, copper, steel, brass, and iron) can be reused many times for the manufacturing of new products. Scrap metal recycling reduces the amount of waste being produced and minimizes the need for mining new metals. After it has been recycled, scrap metal can be used in a number of different ways — both in the home and in the manufacturing industry. Much of the recycled scrap metal in the United States is used to manufacture new products (such as appliances and building materials). Some of the most common products that use a high amount of scrap metal include automobiles, aircraft, and appliances. But, scrap metal is also used to make industrial containers, ductwork, and plumbing.

Recycled aluminum and steel are often used to make food packaging. Most canned goods are stored in containers that have some amount of recycled metal, and many of them are made entirely from recycled materials. Recycled scrap metal can reappear on grocery store shelves in as little as two months, which is more efficient and economical. Recycled aluminum also requires less processing than new aluminum, which makes this kind of metal recycling extremely cost-effective. Scrap metal can also be used to make home components (such as furnishings, fixtures, and lighting). Even metal roofing materials are made from at least some amount of recycled metal.
Scrap metal doesn’t always have to be used for industrial and manufacturing purposes. Some people like to get creative with old pieces of metal by making life-size transformers, a variety of sculptures, as well as decorative models and wall hangings. Both individuals and artists are using recycled metal to decorate their homes and even make valuable artwork that they can sell. Scrap metal recycling can even be useful for making more interesting metal furnishings (such as tabletops that used large clock faces, chairs that are formed from car hoods, and chests that are made airplane doors).
Aside from the many advantages of metal recycling, it’s important to mention the environmental benefits. By using recycled steel, there is an 86% reduction in the amount of air pollution. There is 40% less water being used for manufacturing, which leads to a 76% reduction in water pollution. Scrap metal recycling also reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Common Items Used for Scrap Metal Recycling
Scrap metal can come from almost anything that’s used in both commercial and residential applications. Some of these products include but, may not be limited to:
- Aeronautical and aerospace equipment (including airplanes and rockets).
- Aluminum siding, doors, and window frames.
- Appliances.
- Automobiles.
- Bed frames and mattress springs.
- Bicycles.
- Bridges.
- Cast iron sinks and bathtubs.
- Computers.
- Cooking pots and pans.
- Electrical wires.
- Elevators.
- Eyeglass frames.
- Farm equipment.
- Food and beverage containers.
- Hospital equipment.
- Industrial cuttings.
- Industrial machinery.
- Locks and doorknobs.
- Office equipment and furniture.
- Park and playground equipment.
- Pipes.
- Railroad and subway cars.
- Roadbed reinforcing bars.
- Roofing.
- Ships.
- Structural steel building frames.
- Telephone wires.
- Tools.
- Toys.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for metal recycling in Corpus Christi, TX, be sure to reach out to Dawson Recycling and Disposal.