Scrap Metal

Recently, Hayes Metals successfully recycled 608.149 tonnes of scrap metal received directly from a long-standing nationally based customer over the calendar year. This scrap metal primarily consisted of redundant cabling, transformers, and miscellaneous steel.

Environmental Impact and Carbon Emission Savings

We calculated the total carbon emission (CO₂e) savings to be 522 tonnes, based on the difference between using primary metals and secondary metals. This calculation assumes the scrap metal was recycled in first-world secondary melting facilities. Unlike many companies that export scrap metal to third-world countries, Hayes Metals processes all scrap metal in New Zealand. Given that 80% of New Zealand's electricity is generated from renewable sources, the actual CO₂e are higher than initially indicated.

Hayes Metals uses electric (induction) furnaces powered by 100% grid electricity, resulting in a total of 674 tonnes CO₂e savings. This is also due to New Zealand's grid electricity, which reflects the country's high sustainable energy profile. Additionally, our furnace's air discharge emissions are significantly lower than international levels. Hayes Metals operates at 3-4 ppm, compared to 50 ppm in the US, and likely higher levels in countries like China. Although the international study we reference does not account for air discharge impacts, Hayes Metals' lower emissions further improve our carbon footprint.

Challenges Faced During the Project

- Complex Material Handling: Managing and processing a diverse range of scrap materials, including cabling, transformers, and steel, requires specialised equipment and expertise to ensure efficient recovery and recycling.

- Environmental Compliance: Navigating stringent environmental regulations and ensuring minimal impact on local ecosystems posed significant challenges, requiring meticulous planning and execution.

- Traceability and Documentation: Providing accurate traceability for recycled materials and documenting carbon emission savings demanded rigorous tracking and reporting processes to meet client specifications.

- Optimising Furnace Operations: Ensuring our electric induction furnaces operated efficiently while maintaining low air discharge emissions required continuous monitoring and adjustments.

Despite these challenges, Hayes Metals successfully documented the carbon emission savings on a Project Emissions certificate, as requested by the client.

We also ensured full traceability for the remanufactured aluminium material, which was subsequently utilised by our customers in the production of aluminium cans, automotive engine blocks, and various other automotive engine parts.

This not only highlights our dedication to recycling but also demonstrates our ability to support the circular economy by providing high-quality, reusable materials.

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