Metal Recycling in Singapore

Source: National Environmental Agency (NEA)

Metal is one of the most recycled material in the world due to the ease of recycling. It can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties. Recycling metals conserves natural resources, saves energy, and reduces environmental pollution.

In 2023, out of 1,296 thousand tonnes of ferrous metal wastes and 106 thousand tonnes of non-ferrous metal wastes generated in Singapore,  99% (1,289 thousand tonnes) of ferrous metal wastes and 99% (105 thousand tonnes) of non-ferrous metal wastes were recycled.

There are two main categories of metals, ferrous and non-ferrous. Although ferrous metals are recycled in greater volumes, non-ferrous metals are more valuable.

• Common non-ferrous metals (Non-Magnetic) are: Copper, Brass, Aluminium, Stainless Steel (304/316)
• Common ferrous metals (Magnetic, with Iron content) are: Iron, Stainless Steel (201)

Out of the different types of scrap metals, copper is the most valuable, followed by bronze, brass, aluminium and stainless steel.

• 201 Stainless Steel
• 304/316 Stainless Steel
• Aluminium ET
• Aluminium Others
• Aluminium Beverage Cans
• Brass
• Copper Wire
• Copper Pipe
• Copper Scrap
• Iron
• Precious Metals: Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium

Always remove attachments and contaminants from the recyclables, as these lower the value of recyclables.

The process of metal recycling often involves:-

1. Collection of metals.
2. Sorting the metals into different categories.
3. Metals are melted.
4. Purification is done to ensure that the metals are free of contaminants.
5. Metals are heated at high temperatures, poured and cooled in a cast, and moulded into metal sheets or bars for manufacturing new products.