GLOBAL REPORT SHOWS THAT STAINLESS STEEL IS IN A RECYCLING CLASS OF ITS OWN
Worldstainless.org has released a useful summary of a study which quantifies the stocks and flows cycle of stainless steels. Conducted by Barbara Reck, Senior Research Scientist at Yale University, the study ‘Comprehensive Multilevel Cycle of Stainless Steel in 2015’ concluded that on average, 85% of stainless steels are recycled once they reach their end of life, either to become new stainless steels (56%) or a valuable iron source for carbon steels (29%).
This makes stainless steel the champion of recycling with around 90% of end-of-life stainless steel collected and recycled into new stainless steel – without loss of quality.
The growth in the use of stainless steel has been the highest of any material in the world. Stainless steel’s properties, such as its 100% recyclability, durability, minimal maintenance requirements, and product safety partly explain this amazing consumption surge.
Given its durability and longevity, stainless steel is typically in use for many years before it becomes available for recycling. The average lifespan is estimated to be around 20 years, but there are examples of stainless steel in use for a century and beyond. All stainless steel, still in use, represents a valuable source of potentially recyclable raw material.
The high value of stainless steel scrap makes it worth collecting and sorting and this is the reason why it is recycled at such a high rate. The only limitation is the availability of scrap, especially in emerging countries, due to its durability. For example, when stainless steel is used in buildings, it remains there for years and cannot be reused until the building is demolished.
Depending on the type, location and availability of stainless steel scrap, the production of stainless steel in an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) can be economically advantageous. In addition, the recycling system for stainless steel is very efficient and requires
no subsidies.
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