top of page
Search

Extracting vs. Recycling Metal: Which Is More Sustainable?

Writer's picture: ImmixImmix

As the demand for metal in manufacturing various products, devices, and equipment rises yearly, industries increasingly source and process every available metal product. With a renewed focus on sustainable practices, the debate over the most environmentally friendly method of obtaining metal products favors recycling over extraction.

Extracting Metal

For years, raw metals have been sourced from the earth through extraction processes. These materials are mined from the soil, refined, processed, and transported to manufacturers for further fabrication, which varies according to the final product. While metal extraction benefits the economy by enabling exports and creating jobs, it is environmentally damaging. The extraction processes often lead to significant pollution and consume large amounts of non-renewable energy, releasing harmful emissions into the atmosphere and nearby communities. As a result, the carbon footprint of metal extraction is considerably high. Continued extraction could deplete natural metal supplies within a few years.

Recycling Metal

In contrast, recycling offers a more sustainable approach. Many products today are made from metals, and when these products reach the end of their useful life, they often end up in landfills, contributing to pollution. Sending scrap metal to recycling centers is a more sustainable option. Metal recycling not only boosts the economy by creating new products from recycled materials, but it also allows individuals to earn money by selling scrap metal to centers like IMMIX Integrated Metal Management Melbourne. Environmentally, recycling significantly reduces landfill waste and energy consumption since it bypasses many energy-intensive processes. It also conserves raw metal resources for future use.

Although recycling involves factories, trucks, and sorting facilities that can increase the carbon footprint, its overall impact is much less harmful than metal extraction.

While metal extraction supports economic growth, recycling metal helps meet manufacturing demands without long-term environmental harm.


To learn more about the processes involved in recycling metal and how IMMIX Integrated Metal Management Melbourne can assist you, visit our website at www.immix.com.au.


5 views0 comments

Kommentare


Like to know more?

Immix Locations

For all enquiries give one of our friendly team

a call today on 1300 046 649, or send us an email. 

Thankyou for your enquiry, one of our team will be in touch with you very soon!

Immix Truganina

90 Foundation Road 

Truganina Victoria 3029

Immix Wodonga

96-120 Whytes Road,

Bandiana, Victoria 3694

Immix Wagga Wagga

236 Copland Street,

East Wagga Wagga NSW, 2650

Immix Laverton North 

5 Holcourt Rd,

Laverton North VIC 3026

Bureau of international Recycling

Immix Hallam

30- 32 South Hallam Rd, 

Hallam, Victoria 3803

Immix Wangaratta 

11 - 29 Sandford Rd, 

Wangaratta, Victoria 3677

Immix Shepparton 

5 Wheeler St,

Shepparton VIC 3630

Contacts

TRADE ENQUIRIES: 1300 046 649

ACCOUNTS ENQUIRIES: 1300 046 649

EMAIL: trading@immix.com.au

Member

Australian Industry
CMRA Recycling Metal Branch

© 2021 Immix Integrated Metal Management. | Privacy Policy

bottom of page