When it comes to scrap metal, it can be difficult to know what to do with it. If you read our recent metal recycling guide, you’ll know that the most sensible, responsible and beneficial option for unwanted metal is to take it to a metal recycling facility (such as Langley Recycling) where you can get rid of it, plus earn yourself some cash.
In our guide, we looked at lots of different types of metals you may come across in your day-to-day life. Right now, we’re going to take a closer look at nickel, and a few things you may not know about recycling it.
1. You can get paid for recycling nickel
Many people think that they’ll need to pay someone to come and remove their scrap, and in some instances, that’s right… but not with scrap metal. Because scrap metals like nickel are so valuable to multitudes of different industries (plus the environment), metal recycling facilities will actually pay you for the scrap you take there.
The amount of money you’ll receive will vary on almost a daily basis because recycling units follow the international nickel market to set their prices, but if you’re looking to make some cash for your scrap nickel, it’s easily done.
2. Nickel is one of the most common elements on the planet… but that doesn’t mean it’s invaluable to you
Nickel is the fifth most common element in the world. There’s around 300 million tons of it on the planet and almost 80% of that nickel was mined over the last 30 years. This is mainly because our knowledge has grown, technology has improved, and we are more aware of new opportunities to mine nickel.
You may presume that because nickel isn’t in great demand, that it’s invaluable to you. Well, if that’s the case, you’d be incorrect if you thought this. You’ll be pleased to hear that most scrap metal is valuable to recycling units.
This is because, yes, whilst there’s plenty of nickel out there, the more that’s recycled, the more we can rely on recycled nickel, as opposed to needing to mine more – depleting the earth’s natural resources and contributing to global warming.
3. Your recycled nickel could go on to become one of many interesting items
Despite its vast availability, nickel is still so valued because of its remarkable properties. It has high ductility, a high melting point, is resistant to corrosion/oxidation and can be 100% recycled. These properties make it a perfect fit for hundreds of items such as tools, cell phones, musical instruments and even kitchen equipment.
Equally, if you have items containing nickel at home, before they were owned by you, they could have been a completely different object in the engineering, transport or technology industries.
(WBrando, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
4. Recycling your nickel also helps the economy
Most people find themselves recycling nickel to help the environment and get a chunk of cash in their pocket at the same time. But did you know that when you recycle nickel, you’re also helping the economy?
2017 European research shows that the nickel industry adds a socio-economic value of €43 billion. Additionally, the output generated by nickel and related industries was at the €130 billion mark. This affects around 750,000 jobs – all which have a direct/indirect dependency on nickel. And this only covers Europe!
So, when you think about expanding the geographical landscape of this research, imagine what the details are for the whole world! It’s safe to say that when you recycle nickel, you’re contributing to the economy, including supporting a huge number of jobs.
5. You may use nickel without even realizing
As nickel is so plentiful and adaptable due to its array of properties, it resides in thousands of items. So many items that you may not even realize them! Next time you’re about to throw glasses, zippers, or even some old guitar strings into the trash, be sure to check with your local metal recycling facility first – you could earn yourself some cash.
6. Recycled nickel may outlive you!
In a world where global warming movements have never been more important, sustainability is a real focus in everyday life. Nickel is a 100% recyclable material, so if your recycled nickel goes on to get recycled by its next owner, and then again by the next owner, it can last for hundreds, if not thousands of years!
Based in or around Kansas City? Bring your nickel to Langley Recycling and we’ll give you cash for your scrap!
