Zinc
Zinc is an essential element for all living organisms. Its unique metallurgical and chemical properties have also made it the material of choice for an extensive range of applications in modern society. At the end of their useful life, the contained zinc recovered from these products can be recycled without loss of its metallurgical characteristics or value.
Further, while the attributes of zinc contribute significantly to sustainability during the use phase, since zinc recycling is a critical and beneficial supplement to primary metal production, zinc also plays an important role during the end-of-life phase by reducing energy use, lowering emissions and minimizing waste disposal.
Different grades and varieties of zinc scrap is used for recycling purposes and to recover pure zinc from the scrap. Given in the table below are some of the important grades / types of zinc scrap used in recycling.
| Types | Description |
|---|---|
| Mixed Zinc Scrap | It comprises of clean zinc solids including castings, sheet and clippings. |
| Zinc Die Cast Scarp | It consists of miscellaneous coated and uncoated zinc die castings. |
| Zinc Borings or Turnings | Zinc Borings or Turnings contain zinc turnings, borings or grindings free of excessive oils. |
| Remelt Die Cast | It consists of remelted zinc ingots or pigs from a sweat furnace operation and should be free of dross or slag materials. Ingots should be uniform in shape with a minimum of 25 lb, and a maximum of 75 lb in weight. |
| Zinc Dross | Zinc dross consists of slag, dross, skimmings or spillings from zinc die cast melting operations. It should contain a minimum zinc content of 85% and slabs chunks should not exceed 75 lb. |
| Zinc Flue Dust | This grade contains assorted zinc or zinc oxide content materials including powders, dusts or residues, derived from bag houses or EAF dust collection systems. It may contain residues of iron, cadmium, lead, mercury provided that an analysis complete with pH specifications accompany the materials. |
| Other Zinc Scrap | It include any other zinc scrap materials, which are not included in the other listed grades. |
