Processing Steel Containers and Cans for Recycling
Steel containers and cans generally include food containers, aerosol containers, and paint cans. Steel containers and cans are typically flattened, then baled or compressed into biscuits. It is very important that steel containers and cans be free of any contaminants before further processing. Steel mills are generally tolerant of small levels of foreign matter, but processors should guard against contaminants as much as possible. Contaminants to steel containers and cans include liquids (paint and other residues), dirt/mud, plastics and other debris. Paper labels and plastic nozzles from aerosol containers are not much of a concern since they are burned off in the extreme high temperatures of the steel furnace. Paint cans that have a thin skin of dry paint on the sides and bottom is acceptable, as is the paper label. Processed steel containers and cans should be free of other ferrous scrap metal. The processing of steel containers and cans for recycling will generally require the purchasing of some of the following equipment:
Can Sorter - Often times steel cans are collected commingled with aluminum cans and should therefore be run through a can sorter. The cans are fed into a hopper and carried up a conveyor belt. Cans are carried past a magnetic device that efficiently removes the steel cans from the aluminum cans and puts them into a separate container from the aluminum cans.
Can Handler Basket - These are generally round steel-framed units with nylon netting to contain the steel containers and cans. They can generally be purchased with small wheels so they can be rolled from the can sorter to the scales and then to the baler.
Scales - Scales are a necessity if the facility will be paying out money to individuals bringing cans in for sale. Scales that go up to 1,000 lbs is the recommended minimum.
Baler - Steel containers and cans should be baled in either a vertical or horizontal baler. Vertical balers can do the job but the specification on the baler will need to be carefully reviewed. The stroke of the baler must be of sufficient length to ensure proper compaction of the containers and cans, otherwise the bale may fall apart when removed from the baler. A horizontal baler can produce a fine bale of steel containers and is the recommended equipment for this activity. Local markets for steel will general accept the material either whole, loose, flattened, or baled so exact specifications are not required. Marketing steel materials directly to the steel industry is a different matter and may require specific bale sizes and weight. Contact the Steel Recycling Institute for the most current information on scrap steel end markets. A link to their website is listed in our "Recycling Links" on the Recycling webpage.
Questions - Questions or comments regarding the processing of steel containers/cans for recycling should be directed to the Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Program at MDEQ.
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