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Scrap Metals and Appliances are Resources

66,401 tons were disposed of at the landfill in 2006

KC Waste Stream What's in your garbage? Seventy-five percent of materials thrown away are resources – not waste.

What are they?

There are two kinds of scrap metal: ferrous (iron and its alloys) and non-ferrous (everything else). Ferrous metals are iron and steel. Nonferrous metals include aluminum, tin, lead, pewter, zinc, bronze and brass, to name the most common. Appliances include ranges, refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers, trash compactors and lawn mowers mostly made from ferrous metal.

Why recycle metal?

Scrap metal in the landfill is a wasted resource. Recycling metal requires significantly fewer resources than virgin metal extraction. It is less expensive and less environmentally damaging than mining, concentrating and smelting the raw materials. Every ton of steel recycled steel conserves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone. Steel, tin and aluminum are some of the most recycled of all scrap metals. Recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours. Steel, tin and aluminum are some of the most recycled of all scrap metals.

What can you do?

• If you are not signed up for curbside garbage collection, consider doing so. In most cases, recycling service is included in your bill.
• If you self haul, separate aluminum and tin and drop it off at the free recycling section of the transfer station.
• Use the What do I do with…? Web site to locate a private drop box.
• Appliances can be recycled at a number of locations for a fee. Use the What do I do with…? Web site to find a location nearest you.
• King County and many cities have recycling collection events that take scrap metal and appliances.

See What Happens to Your Recyclables in this 10 minute video (Please choose your preferred video format) :

• Windows Media variable speed format (Windows Media Player required - free download available)
• Real Media variable speed format (RealPlayer required - free download available)

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