3 Ways To Add Some Extras to Your Scrap Metal Load

Scrap metal recycling is a great way to make extra money while helping the environment. If you have a pile of scrap metal, it's time to start thinking about how to make the most of it. Adding a few extra items to your load can increase your earnings and ensure you get the best value with scrap metal recycling efforts. RCM Recycling has put together three ways to add extras to your scrap metal load.

Sort and Separate Your Metals

The first and easiest way to maximize your load is to sort and separate your metals. A scrap metal company pays different prices depending on the type and quality of the metal. Here's how to get started:

Identify Common Metals

• Steel: This is the most common scrap metal in old appliances, car parts, and household items. It's usually magnetic and rusts over time.
• Aluminum: Found in soda cans, window frames, and some car parts, aluminum is lightweight and doesn't rust.
• Copper: One of the most valuable metals, copper is found in electrical wires, plumbing pipes, and old electronics. It is reddish-brown in color.
• Brass: Commonly used in plumbing fixtures, brass is a yellow-gold alloy of copper and zinc.

Organize Your Load

• Separate Each Type: Place each type of metal in separate containers or piles. This will make it easier for the scrap metal buyer to assess your load and offer you the best price.
• Remove Contaminants: Remove any non-metal items, such as plastic, wood, or glass, that may reduce the value of your metals.

Special Items to Look For

• Electrical Wires and Cables: Strip the insulation off old wires to reveal valuable copper.
• Plumbing Pipes: Old copper or brass pipes can add significant value.
• Appliances: Remove valuable parts like motors and compressors, which often contain copper.

By sorting and separating your metals, you'll get a higher price per pound from the scrap metal company.

Look Beyond Your Home

Expand your search beyond your home to boost your scrap metal load even further. Here are some great sources to consider:

Ask Friends and Family

• Word of Mouth: Let your friends and family know you're collecting scrap metal. They may want to remove old appliances, electronics, or metal furniture.
• Help with Cleanouts: Offer to help them clean out their garages or basements in exchange for any scrap metal you find.

Check Local Businesses

• Construction Sites: Old pipes, wiring, and metal beams are often found in construction site dumpsters. Always ask for permission before scavenging.
• Auto Repair Shops: Car parts like batteries, radiators, and catalytic converters can be valuable if a shop is looking to sell them.
• Manufacturing Plants: Factories dealing with metal often have leftover scraps they're willing to part with.

Community Cleanup Programs

• Neighborhood Cleanups: Volunteer for local cleanup events where you'll likely find discarded scrap metal.
• Recycling Drives: Participate in community recycling drives and look for metal items that others are willing to donate.

By contacting friends, family, and local businesses, you can significantly increase the amount of scrap metal in your load.

Salvage Specialty Metals

Consider salvaging specialty metals if you want to add some real value to your scrap metal load. Here are some high-value metals to keep an eye out for:

Stainless Steel

• Found In: Kitchen appliances, sinks, and medical equipment.
• Tips: Use a magnet to identify stainless steel—if it's non-magnetic, it's usually of higher quality.

Lead

• Found In: Car batteries, old pipes, and roofing materials.
• Tips: Handle lead with care, as it's toxic. Wear gloves and a mask when handling.

Titanium

• Found In: Aerospace parts, medical implants, and high-end electronics.
• Tips: Titanium is lightweight and has a distinctive silver-gray color.

Nickel

• Found In: Turbine blades, rechargeable batteries, and some coins.
• Tips: Nickel often appears in alloy form and other metals like iron or copper.

Gold and Silver

• Found In: Jewelry, old electronics, and dental fillings.
• Tips: Extracting precious metals from electronics is a delicate process, so focus on higher-yield items like old circuit boards or broken jewelry.

When bringing specialty metals to a scrap metal buyer in Thomaston, ensure they are properly identified and separated. This ensures you'll get the highest value for these premium items.

Final Tips for Successful Scrap Metal Recycling

• Keep Your Load Clean: A clean load free of contaminants will always fetch a better price.
• Stay Updated on Prices: Scrap metal prices fluctuate, so it's essential to know current rates to negotiate the best deal.
• Build Relationships: Develop a good relationship with your local scrap metal company or buyer. They may offer advice on getting better prices or accept materials other buyers won't.

RCM Recycling

By following these tips and adding some extras to your scrap metal load, you'll be well on your way to maximizing your earnings and contributing positively to the environment.