Scrap metal is a vital component of modern industrial economies, serving as both a recyclable resource and a significant raw material. It refers to discarded or leftover metal pieces that are suitable for reprocessing and reuse.
These materials, ranging from iron and steel to copper, aluminum, brass, and more, are collected, sorted, melted down, and remanufactured into new products. With growing global emphasis on sustainability, the scrap metal industry has gained immense importance not only for its economic value but also for its environmental benefits. This essay explores the various types of scrap metals, the recycling process, and the wide array of sectors where scrap metals are extensively used.