Ferrous metal contains some degree of iron (its name derived from the latin term meaning iron). Scrap is generated from obsolete material, as well as through the generation of prompt scrap as a byproduct of manufacturing.
In terms of ferrous metal, steel is the most recycled material both in the United States and globally. In 2010, 74 million metric tons of ferrous scrap were processed by the scrap recycling industry, accounting for more than 55% of the volume of all domestically processed material. Scrap metal can be further categorized as obsolete or prompt scrap. Sources of obsolete ferrous scrap include automobiles, steel structures, household appliances, railroad tracks, ships, farm equipment as well as other sources.
Recycling Rates For Ferrous Scrap
- for cars: 106%
- for appliances: 90%
- for steel cans: 66.8%
- for structural steel: 98%
- for reinforcement steel: 70%
This photo guide includes images of commonly recycled ferrous scrap, provided courtesy of WestCoast Metal Recycling. All photos are copyright of WestCoast Metal Recycling and may not be reproduced without consent of the copyright holder.
