What Are Ferrous Metals? 

Ferrous metals are iron-containing materials known for their strength, durability, and magnetic properties. Due to their high recyclability, they play a vital role in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and engineering. These metals vary in composition depending on their iron and carbon content: 

  • Mild Steel: Contains 0.1% to 0.3% carbon, with the remainder being iron.  
  • Carbon Steel: Comprises 0.6% to 1.4% carbon and up to 99.4% iron.  
  • Stainless Steel: Made from iron, nickel, and chromium. 
  • Cast Iron: Includes 2% to 6% carbon, with iron making up 94% to 98%. 
  • Wrought Iron: Nearly 100% pure iron. 

Ferrous metals are essential in industries like construction, automotive, and manufacturing because of their strength and durability. While they are prone to rust, their high iron content makes them easy to recycle, helping to conserve valuable resources. In fact, recycling steel uses 75% less energy than producing new steel from raw materials, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice. 

Recycling ferrous metals helps conserve natural resources like iron ore, coal, and limestone, significantly reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. 

 

 

ferrous metal recycling

 

 

Morecambe Metals

Our Ferrous Metal Recycling & Processing Capabilities 

At Morecambe Metals, we process up to 2,000 tonnes of ferrous metals per week. These metals contain varying levels of iron and carbon, making them highly recyclable and reusable across multiple industries. 

We handle and process a wide range of ferrous metal grades, including: 

  • Heavy Melting Scrap (HMS 80/20): Industrial and commercial steel scrap, including plates, beams, columns, scrap machinery, and metal stampings.  
  • Shredded Scrap Metal: Produced from loose light iron material, broken down for efficient recycling. 
  • Cast Iron & Heavy Carbon Steel Turnings: Sourced from machining processes and used in foundries. 
  • New Production Steel Sheets & Light Steel Cuttings: Scraps from manufacturing, such as steel strips and wire.   

A vast number of everyday ferrous metal products can be recycled, including vehicles, tools, washing machines, cookers, cast iron baths, pipes, and water tanks. The construction industry also contributes significantly by recycling steel beams, machinery, and structural components.  

Did You Know? 

  • 40% of global steel production comes from recycled scrap metal.  
  • Car steel frames contain at least 25% recycled steel, while household appliances contain 75% recycled materials.  
  • Over 500 million tonnes of recycled steel are produced each year worldwide.  

Why Recycle Ferrous Metals? 

Recycling ferrous metals is essential for the steel industry, helping to meet demand while reducing costs and minimising environmental impact. Steel is one of the most widely recycled materials, and reprocessing it offers significant benefits: 

  • Saves Natural Resources: Around 40% of global steel production comes from recycled scrap metal. 
  • Reduces Energy Consumptions: Recycling steel uses 75% less energy than mining and refining new steel, saving enough electricity to power 18 million homes. 
  • Eco-Friendly: Every tonne of recycled steel conserves 1,100kg of iron ore, 630kg of coal, and 55kg of limestone, reducing the demand for raw materials.  
  • Retains Strength: Unlike some materials, steel can be recycled repeatedly without losing its strength or quality. 

By choosing Morecambe Metals, you’re contributing to a greener future while benefitting from a cost-effective ferrous metal recycling solution. 

 

recycling aluminium is important

 

Morecambe Metals arranging ferrous metal processing

Find Out More About Our Ferrous Metal Recycling Services 

At Morecambe Metals, we specialise in ferrous metal recycling for all grades of scrap metal. Our comprehensive recycling service includes the collection, processing, and responsible disposal of ferrous metals, helping businesses reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable environment.  

We offer a hassle-free scrap metal collection service, supplying containers, skips, and bins to ensure a hassle-free recycling process for industrial, commercial, and construction sectors. Our expert scrap metal buyers offer competitive prices and efficient service tailored to your needs.  

For reliable and environmentally friendly ferrous metal recycling, contact Morecambe Metals today. Call 01524 69191 to speak with our team and arrange your recycling service. 

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