The Versatility of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a highly versatile material that has applications in many different areas. Indeed, a lot of people have probably realized its presence in several different areas of life. This metal is made "stainless" by the amount of chromium contained in the steel. This trace substance provides a layer of oxide that guards against corrosion. This feature, along with a few other benefits, means that stainless steel is used in many ways, from domestic situations to the field of civil engineering.

Using stainless steel has many benefits beside its resistance to corrosion. It can also withstand very high and low temperatures, is fast and easy to make, and is durable enough to last for many years. Many people are familiar with stainless steel through kitchen appliances like sinks, saucepans and cutlery. At the same time, this reliable material is used in architecture for structural supports, reinforcement, masonry supports, and more. Its strength makes it ideal for use in architecture.

Another beneficial quality of stainless steel is that it is easy to clean. This makes it perfect for use in the medical field, where cleanliness and efficiency are both highly important. It can be found in surgical instruments and MRI scanners, among others. Its durability means it is well suited to use in piping that needs to stay in place over many years. This also makes it a natural choice for hardware like springs, fasteners and wire. This material can last reliably for a long time with little maintenance.

Stainless steel also has an aesthetically appealing look, which is why it can be found in many home and restaurant kitchens. It is also used in fixtures like door and window fittings. The simple, clean and polished look can be the perfect accent for many homes. It is often available with different finishes that can modify the look to suit whatever environment it has been used in. Whether you want something shiny and chrome, or something brushed and matte, stainless steel can fit your requirements.

Stainless steel is one of those things that has become so ubiquitous that we hardly notice it anymore. However, its many benefits soon become apparent to anyone who looks into it for potential use. No matter the final goal in mind, whether it is a faucet or a scalpel, stainless steel might be the perfect material to use. This material is also highly recyclable, which makes it an environmentally conscious choice as well. The next time someone wonders what stainless steel is used for, you will be able to tell them all about its ever present nature, as well as why we use it so much.

Learn more about stainless steel and aluminum recycling in San Jose, by visiting this website.

Modern Art

Crushed aluminum cans become a work of art. Combining rustic laddered boards and brightly colored discarded cans, this grid makes something old, new again. Sparking both interest and conversation, this recycling masterpiece is sure to garner attention.

Why You Should Teach Your Children to Recycle

Recycling is becoming more and more important with each passing year, as landfills grow more populated with recyclable trash. With landfills reaching capacity all over the country, upkeep costs continue to rise, and more than that, the materials in landfills give off methane gas, contributing to air pollution.

Strategizing for sustainable electronics

Federal agencies have embraced the National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship (NSES) and its goals by completing projects that make electronics purchasing, management and disposal more efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly... read more

Making a Statement

When it comes to graffiti, this wall makes a statement for the environment. A variation on the well-known symbol, this artist rendered green and white arrows and bold black letters proclaiming recycle, reduce, and reuse on concrete.

Recycling Scrap Iron

Scrap metal is defined within two distinct categories: ferrous (containing iron) and non-ferrous (not containing iron). Ferrous metals are strong and durable, such as steel, cast iron, or wrought iron. These metals are used mostly in construction, though their magnetic properties also make them good materials for things like stoves and refrigerators. While ferrous metals are susceptible to rust, non-ferrous are less likely to oxidize, and their malleability and non-magnetic properties make them good choices for things like wiring and electronics. Because of all their different applications, it's important that the two be separated during the recycling process.

1.    Inspection

When scrap metal arrives at a recycling plant, it is screened for radiation before it's even unloaded. If it's clean, it's transported to a conveyor belt, where it's screened an additional time in case any radiation was missed.

2.    Fragmentation
A large piece of machinery called a hammer mill breaks down the scrap metal into pieces the size of your fist and the fragments are shaken down into another conveyor belt.

3.    Separation

Then, a magnetic drum above the conveyor belt attracts any ferrous materials (since ferrous metals are magnetic), and the rest remains below. Any non-metal material is sucked up at this point, so that only metal remains.

4.    Recreation

The ferrous metals are inspected one more time for any problematic materials, and then it's sent to steel mills to be engineered into new steel.

In the end, iron metals have many important applications, and without them, skyscrapers and bridges wouldn’t be nearly as sturdy.

For more information on recycling in San Jose visit this website.

Processing as a priority

Jake Anderson and Millennium Recycling focus on comprehensive collection and detail-oriented processing to offer recycling services to South Dakota... read more

Stages of the Plastic Recycling Process

Have you ever wondered what happens to the plastic bottles you throw into recycling bins? Although most people are aware of the significant impact recycling has on the environment, many have no clue as to the steps that are taken during the process.

Stage #1: Let the Sorting Begin

The first step is for you, as the conscientious recycler, to sort out your plastics appropriately making sure to remove all caps, corks, and lids. This will make it easier and more efficient for the machinery to sort through the products. Also, since there are different types of plastic, recycling plants further sort out them into distinct categories.

Stage #2: Scrub-a-dub-dub

After the recyclables have been identified and separated into categories, the washing process begins and removes the following:

• Labels
• Adhesives
• Other impurities

Stage #3: To Err is Human, To Shred is Divine

Once the plastics are all squeaky clean, they are loaded onto conveyor belts which funnel them towards rotating metal teeth that rip them into shreds of minuscule pellets. These tiny plastic nuggets are then bagged up for the next phase.

Stage #4: Show Some I.D.

With the shredding process complete, the plastic are now ready to be chemically tested to identify their exact specification. This process will determine the next action to take based on how the plastics are labelled.

Stage #5: The Finale

The final stage involves melting the shredded plastic and extruding it in the form of pellets, which are then ready to be manufactured into new plastic products.

Today, recycling has become just as easy as simply throwing something away.

For more information on plastic recycling in San Jose visit this website.

Easy to Recycle Cars: Mazda & Toyota's Steps toward Metal Recycling

Automobiles have for long been the bête -noire of environmentalists. They cause pollution. They guzzle fuel. They require way too many resources – natural resources at that – for manufacturing. The list goes on and on... read more

The Life Cycle of a Can

Many families go through a large number of aluminum cans. If each one is recycled, it will greatly benefit the environment in the decades to come. In fact, old cans can be recycled and in use in 60 days.

A Brief History of Electronic Recycling

Cell phone, computer, and tablet, MP3 player: chances are you have at least one of these in your possession, if not all. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that 90 percent of American adults have at least one of these devices. Their lifespan tends to be relatively short, though, due to rapid improvements in speed, storage capability and features. What do you do with all of those outdated gadgets? 

An estimated 50 million tons of electronic waste is produced every year when people toss out their old devices. E-waste is defined as a computer, mobile phone, television set or refrigerator that is discarded. The U.S. alone throws out up to 30 million computers each year, and only about 20 percent of those are recycled.

 There is a potential for problems when all those items end up in a landfill. While a computer may look harmless on the outside, the inside it loaded with metals and chemical compounds. When they are left to decay in a landfill, they can leak mercury, copper and nickel into the ground. 

The U.S. Congress has been trying to regulate how e-waste is disposed of in an effort to protect users and the environment. In March 2009, the House Science and Technology Committee approved what is considered the first federal bill that specifically addresses the issue. It provided funding to study how to reduce both the amount and impact.

 In April 2009, the House of Representatives passed two bills which provided for research and education to find new approaches to reducing hazardous materials in electronics. Three months later, two U.S. senators presented the Electronic Device Recycling and Development Act, which gave funding for research and development of more sustainable designs. The goal was to reduce toxic waste and increase recycling. 

While a federal law regarding mandatory e-waste recycling remains elusive, at least 25 states have instituted regulations. Those range from requiring products to meet certain guidelines to compelling corporations to offer recycling programs. 

When it comes time to replace your computer or other device, reconsider just throwing it away. When you recycle, you can reduce the chance of harmful chemicals seeping into the ground. In addition, the metals, plastics and glass can all be reused, which means fewer natural resources will be needed for manufacturing. 

Dealing with how to properly and safely dispose of e-waste has become a serious concern for both federal and state governments. You don’t have to wait for a mandate, though; there are companies that can recycle your old gadgets now. To learn more about electronic recycling options available, please visit this website.

Quick Eco Home Facts

Did you want to make your home more eco friendly? Learn the facts about energy use in the average home. Then get tips to make your home more environmentally friendly, starting with a quick list of natural household cleaners... read more

Learn About the Types of Plastics That Can Be Recycled

Recycling is extremely important when it comes to the environment, especially for plastics. They are everywhere, no matter where you look, yet in 2010 less than 10% of the plastics used ever made it to a recycler. Plastics are actually in high demand for recycling however, because they can be used to make new and more durable objects, including things like clothing and furniture. Acquaint yourself with the recycling symbols on your plastic containers and you’ll know which plastics can be recycled to help protect the environment. The number denoting each type below corresponds to the little number found inside the recycling symbol on the package, and listed under each type are some of the items where they are commonly found.

1.       PET or PETE

Polyethylene terephthalate is most commonly found in various drink bottles, peanut butter jars and cooking oil containers.

2.       HDPE

High density polyethylene is most often found in milk and juice bottles, butter and yogurt containers, and bottles for household cleaners.

3.       V or PVC

Vinyl or polyvinyl chloride can be found in containers for household cleaners, but also health and beauty items, medical equipment and vinyl siding.

4.       LDPE

Low density polyethylene is common in squeezable bottles and shopping bags, but it can also be found in more durable items such as carpet and furniture.

5.       PP

Polypropylene is often used to make medicine bottles, bottle caps, straws and some food containers.

6.       PS

Polystyrene is used for take-out containers, compact disc cases and disposable tableware.

7.       Other

These are usually heavy duty items such as gasoline containers, DVDs and computer housings.

Recycled plastics can be made into a wide variety of things, from flooring to lumber to trash cans. Furthermore, many of them can also be recycled right back into what they were before.

To find out more about plastic recycling in Milpitas, please visit this website.

Paper Recycling: A True Environmental Success Story

More than 60 percent of paper consumed in the U.S. has been recovered for recycling in each of the last three years – exceeding 66 percent in 2011. That’s great news for the environment and for the paper industry... read more

A Brief Lesson on Copper and Its Recycling

Copper is truly the unsung hero of nonferrous metals. Used by man for over 10,000 years, copper’s resistance to corrosion, electrical and thermal conducting properties and high malleability have made it an indispensable metal for the evolution of civilization. Since it is also a trace element necessary for the health and development of humans, animals and many plants, lives literally depend on it.

Quick Copper Facts

• Only about 12% of the world’s copper resources have been extracted, and almost all of what has been mined is still being used today.
• Brass and bronze are copper alloys, and the “Bronze Age” of human history stresses the importance of this metal to our cultural development.
• Because it retains its value and properties even through the recycling process, copper has an infinite life span.

The Many Uses of Copper

• As the first metal to be used by humans, copper’s first use was most likely tools.
• Because of its conductive properties, it is used in electronics, electric transmission and cooling and heating systems.
• Its resistance to corrosion accounts for its prevalent use in water systems, as does its ability to be shaped easily.
• It is also used in building materials and as an ornamental.

Why You Should Recycle Copper

• Copper disposed of in landfills can cause environmental contamination.
• Since repurposing copper is cheaper than mining it, bringing copper to a recycler keeps copper costs down.
• Although copper is a sustainable resource, it is non-renewable.
• Recycling centers pay money for used copper.

Whether you’re cleaning out your garage, renovating your home or just disposing of old or excess wiring, consider bringing copper to your local recycler.

For more information on copper & metal recycling in Santa Clara please visit this website.

Old Becomes New Again With Recycled Aluminum

Blocks of recycled aluminum are stacked as they wait being reprocessed for new cans or other uses. Recycling creates jobs, helps the environment, and protects our resources... read more

Go Green - 5 Benefits

The idea of “going green” has been gaining steam as people realize the impact our choices can have on our environment and the future of our planet. Being environmentally conscious can have a positive impact on our Earth, help conserve our resources for future generations, improve our physical health, and put more money in our pockets.

Going green can help save and conserve the Earth’s resources and lands. Fossil fuels, coal, and natural gas are not unlimited and they will eventually run out. These fuel sources cause pollution to our atmosphere when they are used, and land and water are damaged, often permanently, by trying to extract them. The sooner we learn to rely on more natural sources of energy, such as solar and wind, the sooner we can prepare for a future without these exhaustible resources.

Protecting our land is also a huge benefit to going green. Reducing the use of chemicals that poison the land and water, cultivating open space and lots of trees, and choosing to support companies that work to help sustain the Earth can propel this movement forward.

The choice to reduce, reuse, and recycle can also benefit your health. Instead of driving to the store, wasting fossil fuels and producing pollution in the process, walking can help keep you healthy and in shape, burn calories, and give you a breath of fresh air. Using products that are natural or created with natural ingredients can be better for your home as you reduce the use of chemicals in your home environment. Going green can be incredibly healthy for your diet as well. Eating organic fruits and vegetables benefits your health and supports the businesses that do not use pesticides or other chemicals that are harmful to the land. Choosing to consume less red meat can also lower your carbon footprint and be healthier for your heart.

Deciding to go green can be easier on your wallet and beneficial to your budget. Walking instead of driving reduces the travel costs typically spent on a car and gasoline. Even taking the bus or carpooling helps reduce the use of resources. Deciding to reuse materials in your home, such as bottles and cans, can mean you’re not spending money to buy new products and you’re also decreasing your production of waste.

One of the most important benefits to being environmentally conscious is the protection and sustaining the well being of our planet, both now and hopefully for generations to come. Preserving this planet and all it provides is a benefit that cannot be underestimated.

To learn more about a recycling center in San Jose, please visit this website.

E-Cycling for Big Impact

When most people think of recycling, they think of newspapers and plastic water bottles. Did you know that electronic waste is a growing problem? Learn more about electronic consumption and the value of recycling e-waste... read more

Keeps Clutter at Bay with a Mini Recycling Center

Whether you are in your home or place of business, you are generating trash on a regular basis. With so much of our waste going into landfills, it’s a great idea to recycle whatever you can. While most people view it as a chore, you can make the process easier and encourage it to become a habit among your family, friends and co-workers. Setting up a mini recycling facility in your home or office will make everyone aware of just how much they throw away that can actually be kept out of landfills and repurposed.

Materials That Can Be Recycled

Each area has different rules and regulations about what can be recycled. In some areas, municipalities provide receptacles and will come pick up your recycling, and some areas, you have to do it yourself. Either way, most places will accept the following:

• Glass
• Plastics
• Metals
• Paper

Some recyclers will pay for plastics, but almost all will pay for glass and metal.

Collecting Your Recyclables

You should make this as easy and convenient as possible to encourage use. Put the area in a place where people go to throw out other garbage on a regular basis or somewhere central but discreet that they pass by often. Above all, make sure the containers themselves are not cumbersome to use or move.

• Use containers with very wide openings.
• If containers have lids, it’s better if they are hinged.
• Receptacles with wheels make them easy to move and unload.
• Stackable containers will save space.
• Make the area a clean and organized and provide space for people to put things down.

Keeping an area set aside for recycling is good for the environment and will keep clutter from piling up at your home or office.

For more information on recycling in Santa Clara, please visit this website.