Metals

Products: Aluminium, scrap iron, steel and stainless steel (ETP), copper, brass, tin, zinc

Info: The recycling of metals has a long tradition because metals can be easily melted down and formed into new shapes. However, the metals must be free of foreign matter such as grease, plastic, rubber, wood, etc.

Avoiding/reducing: Protect metals from corrosion (rusting) to extend their service life. When you no longer need the products, send them for recycling.

Recycling/environmentally sound disposal: After sorting out any contaminants, the metals are shredded and used in steel mills (ferrous metals) or non-ferrous metal smelters to make new products. Metal products containing oil (e.g. shock absorbers, oil filters) are collected and processed separately for reasons of transport safety (risk of water contamination).