RECYCLING OF STEEL
A great part of modern steel-making is the recycling of used or scrap steel that comes from all sorts of products that use steel in their making. The recycling of steel has a great impact on the environment as it reduces the need for iron ore extraction (which is the raw material steel is made of) and therefore reduces the emission of CO2, water and energy consumption, as well as air pollution.
One of the restrictions is the supply of steel scrap, since most steel products have a long life span, with most structures lasting over 60 years, cars lasting more than 12 years etc… But once the products reach the end of their life-cycle, steel is easily recycled and a great tonnage of steel is available for recycling each year.
RECYCLING OF US STEEL
North America, as one of the biggest consumers of steel scrap, recycles more or 70% of that steel domestically.
The steel industry is highly committed to conserving natural resources and energy, which is proven by its high consumption of steel scrap.