The Basics about Recycling Scrap Metal

by Kevin Smith Author

Recycling has become a mantra of the green movement. Not only does it make sense for our environment, it allows citizens to not only help propel the green movement but also add a little more green to their wallets as well. Metal scrap recycling is one way to help the planet and make some money at the same time.

Toss It in the Trash

Once Americans have no more use for an item, they toss it, and that could be resulting in a large amountChase, MI, and the surrounding area to purchase certain types of metal from you, then recycle them. Once you have no more use for a metal item, check to see if a local metal recycling service will buy the item from you.

Businesses and Individuals Can Recycle Metal

Some businesses, such as those who buy and sell auto parts, collect a great deal of metal each day. Construction companies also collect scrap metal including steel beams used in building structures, and plumbers collect a large amount of copper from pipes and fittings. Individuals can sell anything from laptop batteries and old PC towers to appliances and car bodies to make some extra cash and clean up the junk around their home.

Types of Metal Purchased

Metals are sorted and then weighed. Each type of metal sells for a different price according to current market value, in most cases. Non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, aluminum, and stainless steel, and ferrous metals like iron or steel, and e-scrap (electronic devices, such as laptops) can generally be sold at a metal recycler. In some cases, metals that appear to be the same may not be and will have a different value at a scrap metal business. Red brass, for example, has a higher resale rate than yellow brass. A clean motor has a higher resale rate than an uncleaned motor.

Separate Your Metals

Collect all of your metal into containers, dividing out ferrous and non-ferrous metal objects, and take your scrap to a local recycler. However, it’s a good idea to check their website to find out what type of metal they’ll buy and won’t buy. Most won’t buy any item that is radioactive, contains mercury, or a vehicle that still has a fuel tank attached. If your scrap metal collection is too much for you to haul, contact the company to see if they offer metal scrap removal in Chase, MI or the surrounding area.