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Aluminium
Aluminium is produced from bauxite, a clay-like ore that is rich in aluminium compounds.
The aluminium is only found as a compound called alumina, which is a hard material
consisting of aluminium combined with oxygen. This alumina has to be stripped of
its oxygen in order to free the aluminium. The alumina is dissolved in a molten
salt at a reduction plant and a powerful electric current is run though the liquid
to separate the aluminium from the oxygen. This process uses large quantities of
energy. Recycling 1kg of aluminium saves up to 6kg of bauxite, 4kg of chemical products
and 14 kWh of electricity.
If all the aluminium cans in the UK were recycled there would be 14 million fewer
full dustbins each year.
Steel
There are currently about 11 Million Tonnes per year of iron and steel scrap arising.
About 70% of this scrap is recovered. Of the remainder 20% is landfilled.
• Each household uses approximately 600 steel cans per year
• Over 300million cans used per week over the Christmas period
• Over 2.5 billion cans recycled in the UK each year - A saving of 125,000
tonnes of solid waste
• every year That's equivalent to the weight of 18,000 double decker buses!
• All steel cans are 100% recyclable
• Recycling seven steel cans saves enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb
for 26 hours
Other Metals
Although present in smaller quantities all metals including nickel, copper, silver,
gold, lead and brass can be recycled. Given their recognised value smaller quantities
of these metals are in circulation. With reliance on these metals by specific industries
eg electronics their presence is often neglected when householders dispose of there
items.
We at National Waste Solutions are able to offer a dedicated
recycling collection service. For more information and prices, please call us on
the number above or e-mail us at enquiries@nationalwastesolutions.co.uk and one
of our experienced team will contact you to discuss your requirements.
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