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The value of recycling materials

Facts

  • 70% of all the steel produced to date is still in use.
  • Using steel scrap instead of virgin ore reduces CO2 emissions by 58%.
  • Recycling one tonne of steel saves 1.4 tonnes of iron ore, 0.8 tonnes of coal, 0.3 tonnes of limestone and additives, and 1.67 tonnes of CO2.
  • Using recycled steel to make new steel reduces air pollution by 86%, water use by 40%, and water pollution by 76%.
  • 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today.
  • By using aluminium scrap, CO2 emissions can be reduced by 92% compared to raw aluminium.
  • Recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy needed for primary production.
  • 44% of EU copper demand comes from recycled sources.
  • By using copper scrap, we reduce CO2 emissions by 65%.

Source: EuRic

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