Metal Recycling Signs

Why Should I Recycle Metal?

Recycling metal items, parts and components is the safest and most responsible choice for the environment and the economy. Repairing and refurbishing metal items and products with metal components is sometimes possible, but once the product is beyond repair, it is time to recycle it. Recycling various metals can not only protect the environment by keeping waste out of landfills but will also allow for metals to be reused in the manufacture of other products.

Metal recycling preserves natural resources and reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. Manufacturing new products from recycled metals uses less energy than creating products from new metal, and some types of metal, such as aluminium and steel, can be recycled over and over again.

The UK Health and Safety Executive has many guidelines regarding scrap and metal recycling, which may apply to your business, so be sure you are following its advice when recycling metal and items that contain metal.

How do you Recycle Metal?

Many, though not all, types of metal can be recycled. In the UK, the majority of recycled metal consists of iron and steel. You are probably already aware that certain types of household goods, such as aluminium cans, are routinely recycled throughout the UK and generally collected by local councils. If, however, your business generates large amounts of scrap metal, you will no doubt need to put a system in place to dispose of this by selling it on to a licenced scrap metal dealer.

The metal recycling industry in the UK is highly regulated, and all scrap metal dealers must be licenced operators. You can contact the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) to learn how to sell your scrap metal to responsible dealers who will ensure it is safely recycled.

You can always find out where your closest recycling centre for a specific material is and what its policies are by visiting the Recycle Now website. This is also a great resource if you need to find out exactly how to dispose of or recycle a specific item that may have metal parts or components.

Which Metal Items can be Recycled?

Almost all metals can be recycled, including:

• Aluminium


• Iron


• Brass and bronze


• Steel


• Tin


• Copper

Even tin foil (including foil trays and packaging) can often be recycled as long as the foil is clean. When it comes to products that have metal components, from power tools to small appliances, there is very little that cannot be recycled. Generally speaking, if it runs off an electric source and/or has a charger or a battery, there is probably a way to recycle it. Even old cars can be almost fully recycled, with many metal car parts routinely recycled through scrap metal dealers. Other components, such as tyres, plastic mouldings and even mats and carpeting, are also recyclable.

What Metal Recycling Signs do I Need?

Which metal recycling signs you require will, of course, depend on your business, but using relevant recycling signage around your workplace and any outside work sites is vital. This practice can be at the heart of implementing a sustainable recycling policy that all employees are aware of. It helps ensure that everyone knows what can be recycled and exactly what they should do with any metal waste, containers or tools. Our recommendation and the most effective recycling signs are all that follow the recycling sign logos from the Government's ‘Recycle Now’ campaign. Choosing these will make it even easier for everyone to not only remember to recycle but to do it with confidence.

Making employees aware of your company’s metal recycling policy as part of their initial and ongoing training is essential, but reminding them of it on a daily basis can be as simple as providing and drawing attention to appropriate recycling facilities around their workspaces and throughout the business premises. Investing in the correct recycling signage can make this simple.

Depending on the type of organisation you run, you may need signs that remind employees and visitors to recycle food and drink cans or general signs that indicate what can and cannot be recycled when it comes to metal products. Depending on the nature of your business, you may also benefit from providing a recycling station for electrical items with metal components, such as irons or hair styling tools. Rest assured that here at Seton, all our metal recycling signs support the Government-led Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

Where Should Metal Recycling Signs be Placed?

Recycling signs should be placed in any area where recycling facilities are provided and where people need to be reminded and encouraged to recycle. This can include a variety of different workspaces as well as communal areas. Remember, you are aiming to inform and remind your staff and visitors of the company policy on recycling.

Signs regarding the disposal of food and drink cans are necessary in kitchen areas and cafeterias, whereas signage reminding people to recycle broken irons will likely be essential in a commercial laundry. Think through the activities that go on in your organisation and provide recycling options and signage wherever you deem necessary. Recycling labels for bins should be placed on any receptacles that have been assigned to collect metal products.

Physically putting recycling signage in place is easy with our signs, as they come with a choice of sign fixings, allowing you to choose the best solutions for your various workspaces.

Best Metal Recycling Signs

Only you will know exactly which types of recycling signs are an appropriate investment for your organisation, which will depend on your activities, workspaces and the types of metals you need to recycle. All our recycling signs are available in a variety of sizes and materials, with many featuring easily recognised recycling symbols. The following are some of our top-selling metal recycling signs.

Metals – WRAP Yes Please/No Thanks Recycling Signs – These signs include striking images and a list of exactly which metals can and cannot be recycled. They are available in a choice of sizes and materials, with permanent or removeable self-adhesive fixings.

Metal – WRAP Metal Waste Recycling Pictorial Sign – These signs come in a range of sizes and materials with a choice of permanent or removable fixings. They feature an eye-catching image to draw attention to stations for recycling metals.

Scrap metal – WRAP Metal Waste Recycling Pictorial Sign – With a bold image to draw attention to facilities for depositing scrap metal from around the workplace, these signs are available in rigid plastic or vinyl and in a variety of sizes.

If you have any questions about the type of metal recycling signs you need in your workplace, please feel free to get in touch. Our friendly experts are happy to chat with you about your individual needs and requirements.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information regarding why it is important to recycle, as well as top tips on doing your part to conserve resources and the environment; don't miss our comprehensive guide on Recycling in Business.