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Iron
Accepted at 3 locations
Iron is a ferrous metal that, by weight, is the largest category of metals in municipal solid waste, commonly found in appliances, automobiles, and construction materials.
Source: epa.gov : Ferrous Metals: Material-Specific Data | US EPA (1)
Iron Summary
Also known as: Scrap Iron
Parent material: Scrap Metal
Accepted Locations

Last updated on June 15, 2026 by Green Star GM

Remove non-metal parts like wooden handles and rubber gaskets
Separate iron from other metals like copper and aluminum
Don't mix iron with non-ferrous metals like copper
Don't leave non-metal attachments on scrap
Last updated on June 21, 2026 by Green Star GM

Last updated on June 5, 2026 by Green Star GM
About Iron
What it is
Iron and steel scrap is a vital raw material for the production of new steel and cast-iron products, and the steelmaking and foundry industries in the United States are highly dependent upon the ready availability of scrap from manufacturing operations and from the recovery of products that are no longer used or needed. The steel industry has been recycling steel scrap for more than 150 years. Iron is magnetic, making it easy to separate from other materials during recycling.(1, 3)
How it’s recycled
Recycling iron and steel scrap comes from many sources including steel cans and other steel products, appliances, automobiles, and construction materials. The process involves collection and sorting using magnetic separation, followed by shredding to reduce size and increase surface area for melting. Secondary production facilities typically use an electric arc furnace, with scrap providing the main input; in an EAF, scrap is melted using electric arcs, which can be supplemented with natural gas-fueled combustion. The molten metal is then purified and formed into ingots or other shapes for remanufacturing.(1, 2, 4)
How to prepare it
Ensure all fluids are drained from engines, radiators, and other machinery; fluids can contaminate the recycling process and are hazardous to the environment; remove non-metal attachments such as plastic, rubber, or wood. Use a magnet to separate ferrous metals (iron and steel) from non-ferrous metals, and keep different metal types in separate containers to prevent cross-contamination.(2, 6)
Common mistakes
Not cleaning scrap metal before recycling is a common mistake that can affect both the value and the recycling process; residual materials like oils, fluids, and non-metal attachments can contaminate the recycling process and reduce the metal's purity. One of the biggest mistakes scrappers make is mixing metals together, for instance, tossing brass fittings into a pile of steel or leaving insulated wires mixed with clean copper.(6)
Environmental impact
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that secondary steel production uses about 74% less energy than the production of steel from iron ore. The EPA estimates that recycling one ton of steel conserves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone, preserving these resources for future generations. Steel scrap recycling conserves raw materials, energy, and landfill space.(1, 4, 5)
Sources & additional reading
- Ferrous Metals: Material-Specific Data | US EPA epa.gov
- Scrap Metal Merchants Sector epa.gov
- Iron and Steel Scrap Statistics and Information | U.S. Geological Survey usgs.gov
- Recycling is the primary energy efficiency technology for aluminum and steel manufacturing - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) eia.gov
- What Are the Key Benefits of Recycling Metal? | Okon Recycling okonrecycling.com
- How to Prepare Scrap Metal for Recycling to Maximize Value - The Cameron Journal cameronjournal.com
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