Tantalum is a distinctive metal with unique properties which make it an essential material in various global industries. The properties include an incredibly high melting point, being very resistant to corrosion and being highly conductive of electricity and heat.
In our recent guide to metal recycling, we spoke about the uses of tantalum and how it’s utilized heavily in the electronics industry. Additionally, it’s used in several other industries which are crucial to the development of the economy.
Due to its wide usage, it’s extremely important to promote the use of recycled tantalum over mined tantalum. This is to protect the earth’s natural, but finite resources and reduce as many of the carbon emissions released into the atmosphere as possible.
Here are five tips for recycling tantalum.
- Identifying your tantalum carefully
Did you know that there are regulations in place specifying which metals can and can’t be recycled? This is why it’s incredibly important to identify what type of metal you have before it’s recycled.
If you’re unsure, a top tip is to ask a professional. Some recycling units (like us, at Langley Recycling) can help you figure out which type of metal you have before you even take it to be recycled – so it’s worth keeping that in mind.
Out of all the metals, tantalum is one of the most easily identifiable due to its blue-grey exterior.
- Pick a responsible recycling unit
As we mentioned above, there are various laws and regulations in place to ensure metals are recycled/disposed of appropriately. This is why it’s so important to choose a recycling facility that is open about its procedures. For example, at Langley Recycling, we have a dedicated program in place to accurately identify metals and ensure they’re recycled responsibly.
You can check their website, social media channels and even call and ask the unit in person. What you’re looking for is transparency around their separation process.
- Know your tantalum’s value
It’s important to know roughly how much your scrap tantalum sells for prior to accepting a deal at a metal recycling unit – so do your research. But also keep in mind that scrap tantalum prices will change depending on the current markets, so you can expect some fluctuation on a daily basis.
- Shop around for your scrap tantalum
While market prices are changing daily, some recycling units will hold a competitive advantage over others in terms of their pricing. For example, using a trusted leader in the metal recycling industry, such as Langley Recycling, will assure that you’re getting a fair deal and the best value for your scrap. In these instances, you may find that it’s worth travelling a little further out to get the best value for your scrap possible.
- Be mindful of the planet when recycling tantalum
While recycling in itself is certainly a good deed, as we mentioned above, the way it’s done is very important. Recycling processes can vary depending on the unit, and it’s important, as a seller, to understand as much as possible about that process. This is so that you can be assured that your scrap is being recycled ethically and you’re reducing your carbon footprint as much as possible.
For example, at Langley Recycling, we’re a fourth-generation scrap yard and metal recycling unit. We’ve been doing what we do for such a long time, that it’s fair to say we’re experts. We promise to provide you with the best metal recycling approach for both you and our planet.
Langley Recycling’s role in the circular economy
Tantalum is a hugely popular metal globally and plays a vital part in our economy. However, with our planet’s resources becoming more and more limited, and the mining process producing a significant amount of emissions into our atmosphere, producing new tantalum is becoming more and more risky.
Here at Langley Recycling, as specialists in metal recycling (including tantalum), we play an extremely important role when it comes to aiding a circular economy with the help of recycled metals. We are proud to support the chain of recycling that protects our planet’s finite resources, reduces damaging impact to our environment and, also, contributes so greatly to the global economy – supporting jobs and industries across the world.
As well as benefits to the planet and economy, we’re also passionately committed to our customers. Making sure that through your journey of recycling scrap tantalum, you get an efficient, effective and profitable service.
