What is Scrap?
Scrap refers to the discarded or leftover material that is no longer needed or useful. It can be a byproduct of manufacturing processes, construction projects, or simply items that have outlived their usefulness.
Types of Scrap
- Metal scrap
- Plastic scrap
- Paper scrap
- Electronic scrap
Importance of Recycling Scrap
Recycling scrap helps conserve natural resources, reduce landfill waste, and minimize energy consumption. It also contributes to the circular economy by turning waste materials into valuable resources.
Case Study: Metal Scrap Recycling
In the United States, the recycling rate for metal scrap is around 70%, saving millions of tons of metal from entering landfills each year. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also saves energy and raw materials.
Statistics on Scrap Recycling
According to the EPA, the recycling rate for all municipal solid waste in the US was 32.1% in 2018. Of this, metals had the highest recovery rate at 34.9%, followed by paper at 23.1% and plastics at 8.7%.
