Recycling scrap metal offers significant environmental benefits. It reduces the need for mining and extracting virgin materials, which can cause habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution. Recycling also conserves energy, as melting down scrap metal requires far less energy than processing raw ore. This reduction in energy use leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, recycling metal helps keep waste out of landfills, reducing landfill space usage and preventing the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.