Metal waste such as this can be recycled.
Recycling metal has its advantages. Mining is harmful to human populations and the environment. Without recycling, a nation is dependent on other countries for metal sources. These nations may use their monopoly on metal resources for unfair advantage. After metal deposits are exhausted, recycled resources will be the only "source" of metal.
Effects of Mining
Mining has negative environmental effects. Runoff and machine exhaust make their way into the environment. If these pollutants get into water supplies, as they usually do, local populations may suffer the effects. Recycling reduces the need for mining operations.
Economic Independence
The planet has uneven metal distribution. For example, uranium is a metal likely to be in demand as an alternative to fossil fuels. In 2008 Australia, Kazakhstan, and Canada dominated metal production. This fact gives these countries advantage in negotiations and disputes, just as oil does for OPEC countries. Patented use of recycling technology can reduce, if not eliminate, dependence on nations that may not be friendly.
Limited Reserves
The most basic case for recycling metal is that metal is non-renewable. Used metal combines into complexes and alloys that make it very difficult to extract for further use. This mechanical-chemical "extraction" of metal atoms is the primary challenge in metal recycling.
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