Sometimes, people avoid recycling because they don’t know how to sort the different types of paper products, plastics, and metals. For example, you may need to find out more about Metal Recycling Rochester MN at Watson Recycling. Many people have never recycled metal other than aluminum. Aluminum soda cans are recycled in abundance, but basically all types of metal are recyclable.
To recycle metal, you should first understand that metals are divided into two categories: ferrous and non-ferrous. Ferrous metals are magnetic, and non-ferrous metals aren’t magnetic. If you’re thinking that iron must be a ferrous metal, because you remember from basic chemistry that "Fe" is the symbol for iron, you’re correct. Steel, which is made from iron, is also a ferrous metal. However, to count as a ferrous metal, steel must be "unprepared". In other words, it can’t be stainless steel, which contains chromium. Other familiar types of non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, and lead.
What types of household items are eligible for metal recycling in Rochester MN? Iron is practically indestructible, so it isn’t thrown out often. However, a cook may occasionally dispose a cast iron skillet that is burnt or rusted beyond repair. Mostly, ferrous metals that get recycled will be made of unprepared steel. For instance, scrap vehicles and appliances are primarily composed of unprepared steel. You will likely need to make special arrangements with your recycling center to have these large items removed.
The majority of metal recyclables in the household will fall into the non-ferrous category. Since Americans use so many soda cans, aluminum is likely the non-ferrous metal that is recycled most. If you’ve recently completed a major repair or renovation on your home’s electrical work or plumbing, you may also have scrap copper wires or pipes. Copper is valuable, so be sure to ask your recycling center how much they pay for it per pound. Batteries may contain lead, another non-ferrous metal. All batteries should be recycled. They contain mercury, a toxic chemical that doesn’t belong in landfills.
Are food cans made of ferrous or non-ferrous metal? Tin is non-ferrous, but tin cans are actually made of tin-plated steel. Therefore, food cans are everyday recyclables belonging to the ferrous category. If you thought that the cans in your pantry were made of aluminum, stick magnets to them. This proves that the cans are made of steel. Now you know all the basics about recyclable metals!
