Blog
Demand for recycled steel
25th March 2008
One of the beneficial side effects of the boom in commodity prices is that the economcis of recycling materials has changed. This BBC video clip looks at the booming market for recycled steel, 95% of an old war ship can be used again as it is ripped apart in a shipyard in Belgium.
On the other hand, the soaring price of copper and other metals has seen a rise in theft - this article from the Guardian last week says that up to two dozen people have died in crime related to the stealing of copper in the USA over the last two years: “With copper prices rising from 80 cents a pound five years ago to $4 a pound, the wiring and pipework to be found in transport, buildings and electrical infrastructure is suddenly attractive booty for thieves.” Schools, hospitals and churches have not been immune to the rise of copper stealing - it is all a question of incentives!
Geoff Riley
Geoff Riley FRSA has been teaching Economics for over thirty years. He has over twenty years experience as Head of Economics at leading schools. He writes extensively and is a contributor and presenter on CPD conferences in the UK and overseas.