Yes. When steel barrel drums have reached the end of their life cycle, they can be easily recycled as steel is a recyclable material.
Once no longer needed, they can be collected and taken to a recycling facility where they will be shredded and melted down. Steel barrel drums are often collected alongside other standard grades of steel scrap. The steel can then be used to make new products such as cars, appliances, and other types of containers.
Recycling steel barrel drums is both cost effective and resource-saving. It can save energy,raw materials, reduces environmental footprint and the need for mining and drilling
To ensure steel drum scrap is counted towards meeting recovery and recycling obligations, the UK Steel Association, the British Foundry Association, and the British Metals Federation have signed a joint agreement with the Environment Agency that recognises the retrieval of commercial and industrial scrap.
Steel scrap is the only material recovered for recycling that is an essential ingredient to produce new material, and all new steel contain up to 25% recycled steel. This recyclability makes it easier for companies which handle or use steel barrel drums to meet their UK recycling targets, introduced in January 1998.
Here are a few environmental facts about steel barrel drums:
- Steel can be recycled multiple times without losing its strength or quality, therefore retaining all its properties through the recycling process.
- Steel barrel drums are durable and long-lasting, which means they can be used for many years before they need to be replaced. This will then reduce the need to produce new drums, which in turn reduces the environmental impact associated with manufacturing.
- Every tonne of steel drums recycled saves:
- 5 tonnes of iron ore
- 70% of energy
- 5 tonnes of coal
- The production process for steel drums is energy-efficient and it has been improving significantly over the past decades. It has a lower carbon footprint and emissions compare to many other materials, such as plastic.
- All steel drums are re-usable, after a thorough cleaning
- Steel barrel drums are often made from a type of steel known as "black steel," which is composed primarily of iron and small amounts of carbon.
- As steel barrel drums are used to transport and store hazardous and toxic substances, they help to reduce the risk of spills and leaks, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
- When properly disposed of, steel barrel drums are not harmful to the environment.