Sustainable Practices for Businesses: Recycling Metals

Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a business imperative. One of the most impactful ways companies can reduce their environmental footprint is through metal recycling. Metals are infinitely recyclable without losing their properties, making them ideal for circular use in manufacturing.

By recycling scrap metal, businesses not only cut costs and reduce waste—they also actively support a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Why Commercial Metal Recycling Matters

Commercial recycling is essential for industries like manufacturing, construction, and demolition that generate large volumes of scrap. Recycling these materials reduces the need for resource-intensive mining and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

“The scrap metal we process is diverted from landfills, which not only preserves space but also helps protect soil and groundwater,” says Mike Susaneck, VP of Internal Operations at Premier Metal Buyers. “It’s a critical, often overlooked, part of environmental responsibility.”

Recycling also offers tangible business benefits:

• Generates revenue from scrap

• Reduces landfill waste

• Ensures compliance with environmental regulations

• Builds reputation as a responsible, forward-thinking organization

  
  

How Premier Metal Buyers Helps Businesses Recycle Smarter

Manufacturing slowdowns and plant cleanouts often lead to scrap buildup. That’s where the Premier Metal Buyers team steps in. From providing containers and coordinating pickups to delivering accurate, transparent weighing, PMB helps turn waste into value.

“A summer slowdown or plant cleanout isn’t just about moving metal; it’s about creating value and opportunity,” says Chad Wiesepape, VP of Operations at Premier Metal Buyers. “We don’t just see scrap metal—we see the building blocks for the next generation of American manufacturing.”

Steps to Build a Successful Commercial Recycling Program

To make the most of metal recycling efforts, businesses should:

• Conduct a waste audit to identify recyclable metals

• Educate employees on proper sorting and handling

• Partner with a trusted recycler like Premier Metal Buyers

• Set goals for waste reduction and track performance

• Promote a culture of sustainability across teams

  
  

What Scrap Metals Are Worth the Most?

Understanding scrap value helps businesses prioritize. Currently, the highest-paying metals include:

• Copper – from wiring and plumbing

• Aluminum – cans, frames, automotive parts

• Brass – plumbing fixtures, hardware

• Stainless Steel – appliances and industrial equipment

• Lead – batteries and shielding (requires careful handling)

  
  

Regularly checking pricing and properly sorting metals ensures maximum return.

The Environmental & Economic Upside

Metal recycling delivers powerful environmental benefits:

• Uses up to 95% less energy than mining new metals

• Cuts greenhouse gas emissions

• Preserves finite natural resources

• Keeps waste out of landfills

  
  

It also supports job creation and strengthens local supply chains. For businesses, this translates to reduced costs and stronger ESG positioning.

Best Practices for Efficient Metal Recycling

• Separate metals to avoid contamination

• Clean materials to boost value

• Use labeled containers

• Schedule consistent pickups

• Track metrics for insight and improvement

  
  

Sustainable metal recycling is a win-win for business and the planet. Premier Metal Buyers is proud to help industrial partners turn scrap into opportunity—one load at a time. By embracing recycling today, companies pave the way for a more efficient, responsible tomorrow.