Dirty Dozen: Scrap Metal

CCDES is a member of the Illinois Recycling Contamination Task Force, a group that addresses pressing recycling issues throughout the state. To answer specific recycling questions, the task force has launched the Dirty Dozen Campaign.

Scrap metal recycling has been around since the invention of metal but scrap metal has never been accepted in curbside recycling programs. The process of remaking new metal products from recycled metal is much easier and more efficient than using new, virgin materials. It can save energy, reduce transportation fees and even reduce air pollution, there are limits to where those materials can be processed.

Home repair projects such as fixing a screen, changing pipes for plumbing or replacing metal parts on a vehicle can have scrap metal that to get rid of and should be recycled. But to recycle that you need to find a local scrap yard and drop it off to make sure it is recycled. The machines used for sorting residential recycling are only able to handle aluminum and steel cans from your kitchen. Including other types of scrap metals in[DS(aS1]  the curbside recycling bins and carts can cause machines to malfunction or break.

A lot of times, people make the mistake of putting odd items into the curbside collection, this can keep the item from being recycled and also can damage the sorting facility. Just as plastic bags or metal chains wrap themselves around the conveyor belts, the odd metal items can tear through, dent or break the facility equipment.

If you have unwanted metal items, anything from rusty hangers to fencing or gutter spouts, search this map to find the location of scrap metal collection nearest to you.