TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RECYCLING OF IRON-STEEL PRODUCTS

Abstract

The iron and steel sector is an indicator of development and sophistication with the usage areas of its products and its contributions to other sectors. Steel has become an integral part of modern society with its properties such as strength and durability and its usage areas such as construction, infrastructure, machinery and automotive sectors. In this context, the iron and steel sector has strategic importance for countries. Sustainability of production in the iron and steel sector is important for the entire manufacturing industry. The use of scrap metal in production has become an integral part of modern steel production, increasing the economic vitality of the sector and reducing the environmental impact of production. In this article, a number of methods applied in contemporary times in the production process of iron-steel products, iron-steel wastes and the re-processing of these wastes have been reviewed.
Using scientific studies, articles, statistical indicators on the topic as the theoretical and methodological basis of the study, a number of methods of iron and steel production and recycling serving the purpose of zero waste were studied.
As a result of the investigations, it was understood that in order to achieve a permanent competitive advantage in the iron and steel industry, policies that design waste management and every stage of production together should be produced. Establishing a holistic approach that includes several issues when planning production, such as the efficiency of the raw materials supplied, the equipment used and the manufacturing process, and the evaluation of the products at the end of their useful life, will provide a permanent competitive power.
The result of the article is that the recycling of waste will create a competitive advantage with its environmental contributions such as reducing emissions and saving raw materials, in addition to economic savings. In this context, strategies created for the zero waste target for the iron and steel industry in the world offer new opportunities to prevent additional burdens and increase competitiveness thanks to sustainable material management. On the other hand, within the scope of sustainable manufacturing, attempts to bring waste into the economy should be carried out in accordance with the waste hierarchy. The priority includes preventing waste, if it cannot be prevented, preparing it for reuse, if these two options cannot prevent waste generation, applying other alternative solution methods such as recycling practices and recovery, and disposal as a last resort.