PrintPrintEmailEmail

Recycling Steel

December 31, 1899

Recycling Facts & Figures

 

 

  • More steel is recycled in North America each year than aluminum, plastic and glass combined - with the industry's overall recycling rate of 64%.

     

    •  

  • Each year, steel recycling saves the energy equivalent to electrically powering about one-fifth of the households in the United States (or about 18 million homes) for one year.

     

    •  

  • Steel's unique magnetic properties make it easily identifiable as a recyclable material. If a magnet sticks, than consumers can be sure it's steel and should be recycled.

     

    •  

  • More than 14.2 million end-of-life vehicles (virtually every car taken off the road) were recycled in 1999 - enough cars to circle the earth more than one and three-quarter times.

     

    •  

  • Steel recycling programs reduce the solid waste stream resulting in saved landfill space and conservation of natural resources.

     

    •  

  • Every ton of steel recycled saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone.

     

    •  

  • Through the basic oxygen furnace steel making process, steel framing uses a minimum of 25% recycled steel.

     

    •  

  • In 1999, steel plates and beams used in construction were recycled at a rate of 95% and rebar and other steel construction material posted a recycling rate of 45%.

    For additional information on the environmental benefits of steel, visit the Steel Recycling web site at www.recycle-steel.org

    Return to NASFA Main Page

    •  
     

    More like this

    Comments on: "Recycling Steel"

    RELATED ARTICLES

    The feed vs. the hunt.
    Read More
    The underutilized and awesomely powerful spreadsheet

    From what I gather in my dealings with builders and designers, our industry underutilizes spreadsheets.

    Read More
    Word is the market is coming back—are you?

    Having been in this industry for more than 40 years, I know from personal experience that our industry has always recovered from previous recessions. I contend, however,...

    Read More


     

    See all videos

    Search Our Buyer's Guide

    Reference Library

    Professional Remodeler's 2013 Market Leaders

    Professional Remodeler’s annual Market Leaders list, which identifies the top...

    Using the kitchen as a social space is just one of Professional Remodeler's Top
    15 design trends for kitchens & baths

    With demand for custom design, remodeling, and renovations at its highest level since 2005, ...

    A 78-inch long, 36-inch high island outfitted with granite countertop and built-
    Project Spotlight: Kitchen countered

    Normandy Remodeling converts confined kitchen into sprawling galley.

    5 bathroom design trends for 2013

    Each year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association surveys its members to identify the latest...

    6 kitchen design trends for 2013

    Each year, the National Kitchen and Bath Association surveys its members to identify the latest...

    More >