[ Scrap Recycling ]
[ Scrap Recycling ]
Advances in metal waste recycling
In Europe , the management of metal waste represents one of the most demanding challenges regarding materials present in municipal solid waste ( MSW ).
Text by Picvisa
Metals will occupy a prominent place in the European sustainable agenda for the next ten years in terms of the volume generated and the complexity of their identification , selection , and treatment . According to the most recent data published by the European Environment Agency , the production of metal waste in Europe experiences steady growth , stemming from an increase in industrial activity and changes in consumption patterns . Metal waste ( including ferrous and non-ferrous metals ) represents a significant fraction of industrial and consumer waste . Its proper management is fundamental not only to reducing environmental impact but also to recovering valuable resources . The effective classification of metals , and especially of metal flakes / shavings , is crucial for their reuse and to ensure proper recycling .
Separation & recycling metal flakes The classification and separation of metal flakes are considerably more complex than other materials such as plastic , textiles , or glass . Metal flakes require extremely advanced identification and classification technologies due to their heterogeneity and variable properties :
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Diversity of materials : Metal shavings can come from a wide range of products and industrial processes and be composed of different metals . Each metal has unique properties and requires different processing methods for recycling .
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Variable size and shape : Metal shavings are often very small and of irregular shapes . Classification techniques that work for larger metal pieces are not always effective for these small shavings .
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Contamination and coatings : Many metal shavings are contaminated with oils , paints , or plastic coatings used during manufacturing processes . These impurities must be removed before recycling .
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Detection and technological repair : The accurate identification of different types of metal shavings requires very advanced technology . Systems based on artificial vision and sophisticated sensors are essential to distinguish between different types of metals . Highly sensitive , precise , and effective systems are needed .
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Specific recycling processes : Once identified and separated , the different metals require specific recycling processes . Multiple processing streams in a recycling facility are needed to process different types of metal flakes .
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Economic and energy efficiency : Maximizing the recovery of valuable metals from metal flakes while minimizing energy use and operational costs is a demanding challenge . Recycling facilities must balance process efficiency with economic viability .
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Environmental Regulations : Compliance with strict and ambitious environmental
regulations in metal processing and recycling also adds complexity .
Minimizing environmental impact Metal waste can pose serious risks in landfills and the natural environment if not properly managed . Metal waste , especially when it includes heavy metals , is difficult to decompose and can release toxic substances into the soil and water , affecting both ecosystems and human health . Heavy metals such as lead , mercury , and cadmium , can seep into the soil and reach groundwater sources . Cleaning and recovering soils contaminated by metal waste is a technically delicate process with high economic costs . For all these reasons , efficient separation and classification , recycling , and safe reuse of metal waste are crucial , and advanced technologies such as those developed by PICVISA play a vital role in the effective identification and separation of metal flakes , contributing to mitigating environmental and health risks and enhancing the valorization of this type of waste .
Metal recycling in the circular economy Metal recycling in Europe is crucial in the transition to a circular and sustainable economy . Within the European Union ’ s Environmental Agenda , metal
42 Stainless Steel World May 2024 www . stainless-steel-world . net