4 Ways Poor Disposal of Scrap Metal can Affect the Environment

In line with global sustainability efforts, recycling helps to reduce the wastage of limited resources and to put a cap on the emission of greenhouse gases. There are many items that help with sustainability during recycling, such as paper, cardboard and plastic bottles.

However, recycling scrap metal can also significantly help keep the environment green. If scrap metal were to be simply dumped in landfills, the effects would be devastating. Here are four ways the dumping of scrap metal can affect the environment.

1. Scrap metal can fill and pollute landfills

Scrap metal comes in many different shapes, forms and sizes. From stainless steel panels used in buildings to the frames of damaged vehicles, scrap metal can easily accumulate and fill up a landfill in a short amount of time.

When scrap ends up in landfills, it can significantly reduce the amount of space that is left for other types of waste. And because metal is non-biodegradable, it will remain inside the landfill for many years to come. Landfills that are filled with scrap metal cost more money to maintain, and they can irreversibly pollute the surrounding soil.

2. Mining of scrap metal results in barren land

If scrap metal weren't recycled, manufacturers would have to resort to the only other method of obtaining scrap: mining. Indeed, metal is obtained from the mining of iron ore, after which the ore is purified in an energy-consuming process.

The mining of metal ores causes extensive environmental degradation. In particular, the piles of earth that are moved result in barren land that can't be used for any other purpose. This is because the surrounding soil is often polluted, and the natural terrain of the area is disrupted.

3. Chemicals in metal can leach into the soil

Perhaps the biggest environmental impact of dumping scrap metal is leaching. Scrap metal in landfills can leach toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury into the surrounding soil. Even worse, these leached chemicals are easily washed away into nearby water bodies such as lakes and boreholes.

When improperly dumped and not recycled, scrap metal can be the cause of contaminated drinking water in an entire town.

4. Results in greenhouse gas emissions

If scrap metal is improperly disposed of, it can result in increased greenhouse gas emissions. How so? To begin with, more iron ore will need to be mined to obtain enough scrap for industrial uses. The processing of iron ore is a highly energy consuming process that ultimately results in the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO₂ and methane.

To prevent these harmful effects on the environment, scrap metal recycling should be a top priority in your home or business.