Metal drums are durable containers commonly used in industrial activities, typically for storing or transporting liquid foods and chemicals. Made of metal, these drums contribute to reducing environmental impact when they reach the end of their life cycle by being recycled. Metal drum recycling is an important process for preserving natural resources, promoting energy conservation, and ensuring sustainability.
What is Metal Drum Recycling?
Metal drums, as well as IBC tanks, are suitable products for recycling. Metal drum recycling refers to the process of recycling metal drums that have worn out or become unusable by subjecting them to various treatments in recycling facilities.
The process of metal drum recycling contributes to waste reduction, preservation of natural resources, and energy savings. This process supports the creation of a sustainable environment by minimizing the environmental impact of industrial waste. Additionally, metal drum recycling offers economic benefits by reducing costs through the use of recycled metal in the production of new products.
How is Metal Drum Recycling Done?
Metal drum recycling is carried out in recycling facilities using specialized machinery and equipment to make the used metal materials suitable for reproduction. The recycling process of metal drums, which are made of metal as the raw material, involves several stages.
For metal drum recycling, the first step is to prepare the drums properly for recycling. It is important to thoroughly clean the drums to ensure that no substances remain inside. Chemicals, contaminants, or other hazardous waste should be safely cleaned and disposed of using specific procedures. Labels or stickers on the drums should also be removed. After the cleaning process, metal drums are sorted and classified based on material types and alloys. Material quality and size are taken into account at this stage.
Once sorted by type, the metal drums are shredded and crushed using special machines. This step facilitates easier processing of the drums and also helps reduce storage and transportation costs. The shredded and crushed metal materials are then melted at high temperatures. The melting process allows for the separation of metals contained in the drums. The melting process may also include refining steps to remove paints, coatings, or other contaminants from the drums. As a result, purified and refined metal melt is obtained.
The obtained molten metal becomes suitable for use in the production of new products. The recycled metal is transformed into different products for use in various industries.
Metal drum recycling helps reduce waste volume and contributes to the preservation of natural resources and energy savings. This process enables the minimization of the environmental impact of industrial waste, promoting environmental sustainability. Metal drum recycling supports the reduction of costs by using recycled metals in the production of new products.
