Steel is a versatile construction material that is 100 percent recyclable and is also the most recycled item in the world in terms of tonnage.

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The 100%
Recyclability of
Steel

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Steel is a versatile construction material that is 100 percent recyclable and is also the
most recycled item in the world in terms of tonnage. Engineering construction accounts
for 21 percent of steel consumption in Australia. Recycling rates are high at 80-90
percent of this material are either recycled or reused.
Effects on the Climate
The production of steel has an effect on the climate because of the resources needed
to produce steel-based products.
Steel contains carbon and iron that uses high levels of heat during its production. The
electricity needed for the process consumes fossil fuels, emitting greenhouse gases
and contributing to climate change. Transporting products also consume energy and
fossil fuels throughout the life cycle of manufacturing – from site extraction to the
facility to outlet to waste management.
Recycling steel is one way to reduce its negative effects on the environment and lower
greenhouse gas emission because of fossil fuel consumption.

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The Process of Recycling Steel
Waste management facilities use magnets to
separate steel from other recyclable
materials. Once segregated, handlers melt
and reshape the steel before turning it into
other products such as cans, bikes, paper
clips or other items.
Steel is a diverse and recyclable material; it
would be a waste to not find a way to reuse
steel-based products. Recycling has several
benefits not only to the environment, but for
communities as well.
Environmental Benefits of Recycling
Steel
When companies and communities
recycle steel they conserve non-
renewable resources and raw materials,
reduce water and air pollution caused by
manufacturing plants and reduce the
need for landfills.
Recycle steel-based products also keep
waste out of water systems, reduces the
amount of waste produced, keeps soil
integrity and animal habitats intact and
saves energy.
Reusing, reducing and recycling are the
best ways to reduce the amount of
greenhouse gas emissions and waste
produced in any country.

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Sources:
http://www.rawmetalcorp.com.au/
http://www.cleanup.org.au/PDF/au/steel-and-aluminium-factsheet.pdf
http://www.earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-metal/