fémhulladék

fémhulladék, which is Hungarian for “metal waste,” refers to discarded metal materials that are no longer needed for their original purpose. The term encompasses a wide range of metals, from ferrous metals such as steel and iron to non‑ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc. Sources of metal waste include manufacturing scrap, automotive parts, construction debris, household appliances, and pre‑manufactured components that have been damaged or decommissioned.

The composition of metal waste varies depending on the industry and product type. Ferrous scrap is often magnetically separable and includes a high concentration of steel alloys, whereas non‑ferrous scrap may contain mixtures of copper, aluminium alloys, and specialized alloys used in electronics or aerospace. Secondary contamination can arise from protective coatings, paints, and embedded polymers, requiring pre‑processing before recycling.

Recycling processes for metal waste generally involve sorting, shredding, and using magnetic or eddy‑current separation to isolate different metal streams. After segregation, metals can be melted in furnaces to produce new ingots or billets, reducing the need for primary ore extraction and the associated environmental impacts. For example, recycling one metric ton of steel can save up to 8 kWh of energy and reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions by several kilograms of CO₂ equivalent.

Because metals can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality, metal waste recycling ranks among the most economically viable and environmentally sustainable waste management strategies. Countries with mature recycling infrastructures, such as Germany and Japan, have implemented extensive collection schemes and recycling facilities, while many developing nations are expanding their capabilities through international partnerships and technology transfer.