Abstract: The method of the present invention involves recycling or reprocessing small-sized metallic or non-metallic by-products by enclosing them in a binder prior to melting. The binder can be a steel drum or other suitable steel enclosure. Melting is then accomplished by a cupola.

Abstract: A method of successfully disposing of, or recycling, waste metals comprising placing the waste metals in an aluminum container, placing the container in a crucible containing a mixture of powdered aluminum and iron oxide, initiating a self-sustaining reaction between the oxide and the metal that oxidizes the aluminum and reduces the iron and heats the contents of the crucible to 4,000.degree. F. or higher to melt the waste metals and the iron and produce an ingot of the iron and the metal from the sharps and aluminum oxide slag, and trapping the heat and reaction products above the crucible with a hood of refractory material which covers the crucible and is sealed by partial immersion in loosely packed sand. The hood enables complete containment and incineration of the reaction products. The ingot and the slag can be recycled.