 Steel is enviromentally friendly and responsible!
More steel recycled in North America each year thanaluminum, plastic and glass combined - with the industry's overall recycling rate of 64%. Each year, steel recycling saves the energy equivalent to electrically powering about one-fifth of the households in the United States (or about 18 million homes) for one year. Steel's unique magnetic properties make it easily identifiable as a recyclable material. If a magnet sticks, than consumers can be sure it's steel and should be recycled. More than 12 million cars (virtually every car taken off the road) were recycled in 1998 - enough cars to circle the earth more than one and three-quarter times. Steel recycling programs reduce the solid waste stream resulting in saved landfill space and conservation of natural resources. Steel recycling programs reduce the solid waste stream resulting in saved landfill space and conservation of natural resources.
- Every ton of steel recycled saves
- 2,500 pounds of iron ore
- 1,400 pounds of coal and
- 120 pounds of limestone.
- Through the basic oxygen furnace steel making process, steel framing uses a minimum of 25% recycled steel.
- In 1998, 88% of the steel taken from commercial construction demolition sites was recycled.
- Building with wood uses approximately 40 trees per house.
- Building with light gauge steel uses approximately 11 wrecked cars per house.
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