Scrap steel comes from many different sources because it is very easily recycled. Some scrap comes from within the steelworks, where it might have been damaged or is at the end of a batch of one type of steel. It also comes from old car bodies, old ship containers, and buildings that have been demolished. Another source of scrap can be found in our homes. Steel cans (food cans, pet food cans, aerosols, paint cans, etc.) are collected as part of council curbside collections and can be recycled an infinite number of times. Scrap metal is used widely in the production of containers, which are used extensively by many companies. Many appliances are also made out of scrap metal, especially aluminum. This use of scrap metal by so many industries has helped the environment by minimizing the need for mining natural resources that are becoming scarce. Scrap metal is also much cheaper to use in the manufacture of these items. Recycled steel metal scraps can be made into higher quality tools through a process using an electric arc furnace. Stainless steel can also be made in this way. Copper scrap is made into products using some of the same processes as steel, which also include blast and reverberator furnace processes. Metal furniture is often made of recycled metals and can be beautiful and durable. Gliders, benches, tables and even lamps are just a few home furnishings that have been created from scrap metal. Some people see a pile of scrap metal and envision a work of art. It has been used in beautiful sculptures by artists.
