Metallikierrätystä

Metallikierrätystä, or metal recycling, is the process of reprocessing scrap metal into new products. This is a vital part of the circular economy, reducing the need for virgin raw materials and conserving natural resources. Common metals that are recycled include iron, steel, aluminum, copper, and lead. These metals can be found in a wide range of waste streams, such as old vehicles, construction debris, industrial scrap, and household appliances.

The recycling process typically begins with the collection and sorting of scrap metal. This can involve manual labor or automated systems that use magnets to separate ferrous metals from non-ferrous ones. Once sorted, the metal is often crushed or shredded to make it easier to transport and process. The next stage involves smelting, where the scrap metal is melted down in a furnace at high temperatures. Impurities are removed, and the molten metal is then cast into ingots or other forms suitable for manufacturing.

The benefits of metallikierrätystä are numerous. It significantly reduces energy consumption compared to producing metal from ore. For example, recycling aluminum requires about 95% less energy than producing it from bauxite. This reduction in energy use also leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, recycling conserves finite natural resources and reduces the environmental impact associated with mining and extraction. It also creates jobs in collection, processing, and manufacturing. Properly managed metallikierrätystä helps divert large amounts of waste from landfills, contributing to a cleaner environment.