Scrap Metal Recycling: The Beginner’s Guide
time

DEC 06, 2022

Scrap Metal Recycling: The Beginner’s Guide

Scrap metal recycling can be easy and fun. All you need to know is the metals you have and where you can turn them in for cash or credit from your favorite companies, such as RCM Recycling. Find something of value in your scrap metal recycling, whether it is aluminum cans, steel appliances, brass fixtures, copper pipes or tools, and more.

Know What Metals You Can Trade-In

The first step in scrap metal recycling is knowing what metals can be traded in and how much they're worth. Aluminum cans are the most common type of scrap metal. They're easy to find in large quantities and have a high resale value. Other common scrap metals include copper pipes and wire, brass fittings, stainless steel products, aluminum siding, and even certain batteries. The most common metals traded in for cash include:

  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Aluminum
  • Steel
  • Brass
  • Zinc
  • Nickel silver (a combination of silver and nickel)

Search Inside and Outside of Your Own Home

Start by searching inside your home for any items made from these metals. You may find some old wires stripped of their insulation or scrap metal parts like old radiators or faucets that could be worth money if they’re still usable. Next, look outside your house for other sources of scrap metal, such as old appliances (microwaves), air conditioners, batteries, and more!

Research and Trade for the Best Price

The first step in any scrap metal recycling process is research. You must know how much your goods are worth before they reach the marketplace, or else you could lose money on the deal. There are many online sites where you can find information about current prices for metals like copper, aluminum, iron, and steel. Check these sites regularly to know what price range to expect when selling your goods.

Protect Your Metal While Storing

Many people store their junk car parts at home until they are ready to sell them or take them to an auto wrecker or scrap yard. If you choose this option, make sure your loose pieces are kept from getting lost or damaged while sitting around gathering dust! You want to retain valuable pieces before their time comes!

Learn How to Separate Your Metals

One of the most important things you can do is to ensure that all of your metals are separated before entering our facility. If they are separated properly, they could be mixed together and usable for recycling.

We also recommend that you follow these guidelines when separating your metals:

  • Rolls of metal should be cut into pieces that are no more than 12 inches long and 4 inches wide.
  • No nails or bolts should be attached to the pieces of metal.
  • The pieces of metal should weigh at most 50 pounds at any given time.

Connect With RCM Recycling for Your Scrap Metal Recycling Needs

Regardless of where your metal is coming from, whether it's from a local junkyard or from products you're replacing, or maybe even from a garage sale — you'll want to make sure to do your homework on the different types of metals that you have available to trade in at your local scrap metal company. By doing this research before you get started, you can ensure that when the time comes to trade in your scrap metal recycling, you'll get the highest price for your goods. After all, you don't want to lose money by accidentally trading in a material that the scrap yard doesn't accept!