Recycling Facts & Figures

	More steel is recycled in North America each year than aluminum, plastic and glass combined - the industry's overall recycling rate in 2000 was 64.13%.
	Each year, steel recycling saves the energy equivalent to electrically powering about one-fifth of the households in the United States (or about 18 million homes) for one year.
	Steel's unique magnetic properties make it easily identifiable as a recyclable material.  If a magnet sticks, than consumers can be sure it's steel and should be recycled.
	More than 14.3 million tons of end-of-life vehicles (virtually every car taken off the road) were recycled in 2000 - enough cars to circle the earth more than one and three-quarter times.
	Steel recycling programs reduce the solid waste stream resulting in saved landfill space and conservation of natural resources.
	Every ton of steel recycled saves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone.
	Through the basic oxygen furnace steel making process, steel framing uses a minimum of 25% recycled steel.
	In 2000, steel plates and beams used in construction were recycled at a rate of 95% and rebar and other steel construction material posted a recycling rate of 47.5%.

For additional information on the environmental benefits of steel, visit the Steel Recycling web site at www.recycle-steel.org