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Graham's Green Energy Blog

Hello! My name is Graham and this is my green energy blog. I was inspired to start this blog when my 8-year-old son returned home from school with his science homework. The homework consisted of information and questions relating to climate change. I was shocked to discover the impact humankind was having on the planet so I decided to take action. I contacted a green energy company and asked them to conduct an assessment on my home. I then installed double-glazed windows and solar panels on my home. These measures mean I do not need to rely on carbon generated power.

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Graham's Green Energy Blog

Scrap It All

by Robert Watson

When it comes to recycling and making some money on top of it, recycling scrap metal is one of the best things you can do. Scrap metal recycling is such a booming industry because it is easy to reuse most metals and turn them into other products to make a profit. This is because the process that goes into creating metal objects can sometimes take longer than recycling and reshaping it and even cost more in the long run. Fortunately, there are plenty of scrap yards around, and if you're willing to dismantle old furniture and junk that you no longer want, you can also make a quick dollar by working with them.

Steel

Steel itself is an alloy, which means that it is a combination of different metals. This helps to create a strong metal that can be shaped and used from everything from construction to electrical equipment. However, where steel really comes into its own is in the fact that it is one hundred per cent recyclable. This makes it hugely valuable for both people scrapping it, and companies looking to reform and reuse it. In fact, for every three tons of steel produced, it's estimated that two tones of it are recycled, making it one of the most recycled materials in the world. Unfortunately, it's not one of the more profitable metals to recycle with regards to weight, only earning up to two Australian dollars per kilo. However steel can often come in large quantities compared to the more profitable copper or platinum metals, so combining it with other metals can still earn you some good cash.

Copper and Brass

If you want to boost your scrap steel profits, then selling off some copper or brass isn't a bad idea. They're both great metals that are easily malleable, meaning they can be shaped easily. Copper also has great conducting abilities, making it great for pipes and wire. If you're renovating an old bathroom or home and need to replace the piping, then saving the pipes is a brilliant way to recoup some of your expenses. Likewise, lots of old furniture will have brass knobs and fixtures. Just be aware of the different grades of copper and brass that are available as different colours will determine the value based on the alloy composition. If the copper or brass is dirty, contains other metals or is covered in paint, then cleaning it is a must in order to increase the value. 

For more information on recycling scrap steel and other metals, consult a resource in your area.

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