The Scrap Metal Journey

With over 30 years of experience in scrap metal recycling and as a large part of the local industry, we pride ourselves on our efforts to support the local economy and the environment. At Morecambe Metals, we ensure that all the scrap metal collected or delivered to our yards is disposed of correctly and in an environmentally conscious manner. This blog will explain the journey our scrap metal takes from reclaiming the metals to the melting process.

A yellow and white skip truck labelled with Morecambe Metals Logo

Reclaiming and Collection of Scrap Metal

As part of our services, we offer industrial dismantling, a process that allows us to reclaim as much scrap metal as possible from decommissioned sites, factory clearances and obsolete machinery. We can dismantle machinery and buildings, and the collection of scrap metal will be included as part of this service.

We also offer a collection service to domestic and trade customers, with suitable vehicles available for instant collections and on site baling. Our scrap metal skips and bins come in various sizes and can be rented out for as long as needed.

Processing Scrap Metal

Once we have collected the material, it will enter our yard for recycling.

Shearing –  With the heavy-duty machinery on site, we can process most ferrous metals we receive. Our large shear allows us to produce high-quality cut-grade scrap metal.

Shredding –  Our scrap metal shredding process allows us to have that competitive edge amongst the local area. With this process, we can shred vast amounts of materials, and with the help of the Eddy Current Separator, we can extract the quality materials ready for recycling.

Scrap metal shredder shredding metal

End Of Life Vehicle Depollution Service – As an expert in scrap metal, we can provide Certificates of Destruction for all vehicles we recycle. We aim to be as environmentally friendly as possible when processing our end of life vehicles by extracting all the toxic materials before moving the vehicle through the recycling process.

Non Ferrous Metal Recycling – To deal with the non ferrous materials we receive once the products have been dismantled and shredded, we use the Eddy Current Separator to extract the scrap metal. We also have the equipment to test special alloys to ensure that when the material is processed for recycling, the client gets the best value for money we can offer.

Ferrous Metal Recycling – We can recycle up to 2000 tonnes of ferrous metals per week. We process and produce various grades of heavy melting scrap for re-use. Our ability to do this helps reduce the carbon footprint of new materials made by up to 95%.

Exporting The Scrap Metal

Once the scrap metal has been processed through our different procedures, it is put through our balers. Our balers can crush and condense the scrap metal, making it easier and more efficient for transporting and exporting. We also have a mobile baler, which can bale scrap on site, making it more compressed and easier to transport, allowing more scrap metal to be exported in one go.

A white and blue Morecambe Metals mobile Baler

At Morecambe Metals, we are proud of our status as a scrap metal trader. We can process scrap metal with some of the latest technology, enabling buyers to be confident in the quality of the materials they receive.

Once processed, we export scrap metal from a local port, Glasson Dock, worldwide, ensuring it reaches the most environmentally conscious plants and steel mills for melting and giving our scrap metal new life. Our presence in Glasson Dock has also supported the local economy, significantly increasing jobs and revenue for the docks.

Melting Down and Remaking the Scrap Metal

Once we have exported the materials, our job has been done successfully. We then begin the process all over again.

However, when the scrap metal reaches its destination, it is put through various processes to return it to usable material to be made into new products.

The scrap metal is usually put into a giant melting pot or furnace and fired to reach the correct melting point. After melting, it is then emptied from the furnace, moulded and cooled into the desired shape – usually sheet metal – suitable for making the product usable again.

Take a look at the video below, which shows you the recycling process of Steel.

Whilst recycling metal takes much energy, it consumes up to 95% less energy than mining raw material, which damages the environment and increases greenhouse gases. So with our recycling processes, we are able to help the planet by reducing the resources needed for developing new products.

If you have any questions about our services or are looking for scrap metal solutions of your own, you can contact us either online or over the phone. We are open Monday to Friday and are happy to assist you with any information you may need.