How Recycling Scrap Metal Can Reduce Landfill Waste

Most people don’t think twice about putting something in the trash can. Indeed, trash services are something we all take for granted—for most people in residential areas, weekly trash service is expected and reliable. We put things in the trash, and then that trash is taken and dumped in a landfill. Unless you live near a landfill, where your trash goes once it leaves your home is probably something you never think twice about.

But landfills are quickly filling up, making recycling more important than ever. Here’s what you should know about how recycling scrap metal can reduce landfill waste—

The Landfill Problem

A 2018 article published by the Global Citizen cites a SWEEP report that brings light to the landfill crisis: the 2,000 active landfills in the U.S. that hold most of the country’s trash are reaching their capacity. This statement is confirmed by a 2015 analysis conducted by the Environmental Research and Education Foundation, which found that seven states are looking at running out of landfill space in the next five years (2020). What’s more, Americans produce a whopping 292.4 million tons of municipal trash every year!

And the landfill problem isn’t constrained to space, although it is time that Americans start thinking about where we’ll put our trash once we run out of room. The other issue is that waste is highly polluting and toxic. Landfills are the third-largest producer of humane-related methane gas in the United States. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is up to 36 more times potent than CO2 at trapping greenhouse gases and warming our atmosphere. In addition to greenhouse gases, landfills can also pollute our waterways and leach harmful chemicals into our soils. 

Recycling Scrap Metal Is Beneficial for Everyone

By recycling scrap metal rather than sending it to the landfill, materials are kept in production. This conserves landfill space; it also reduces the need for new metal mining. Scrap metal recycling also supports the local economy and keeps local workers employed. 

Recycle Your Scrap Metal with Belson Steel

At Belson Steel, we are a leading scrap metal recycler in Illinois. If you have scrap metal on your property that should be recycled, call us for the services you need. We are a full-service scrap metal recycler that can handle logistics, transportation, metal separation, weighing, and processing. Reach out to our team today by phone or online to learn more and get started.