Due to its extensive use, non-ferrous scrap metal is usually recycled. The secondary materials in scrap are vital to the metallurgy industry, as the production of new metals often needs them. Some recycling facilities resmelt and recast non-ferrous materials; the dross is collected and stored onsite while the metal fumes are filtered and collected.Non-ferrous scrap metals are sourced from industrial scrap materials, particle emissions and obsolete technology (for example, copper cables) scrap.Precious non-ferrous materials are usually sourced from jewellery, electronics and used industrial catalysts.Recycling non-ferrous materials can pose hazards due to exposure. Skin disorders, respiratory problems and poisoning have been reported as health hazards.
Extraction and use of non-ferrous materials pollutes the environment. Though the pollution agents vary for each non-ferrous metal (like red mud for aluminium), they often include sulfur dioxide, particulates and various constituents such as fluorides. Sulfur dioxide is a known problem as most non-ferrous metals are extracted from sulfide ores. They can be recovered in high amounts and be sold as liquid sulfur oxide or sulfuric acid. Submicron metallic particulates are released in every aspect of the production of non-ferrous metals. These particulates may be removed through baghouses, electrostatic precipitators and drop scrubbers. Constituents such as fluorides vary from smelter to smelter and can be recovered or removed through special processes.
