4 Things To Know When Sorting & Recycling Scrap Metal

Posted on: 12 November 2021

If you want to make some extra money, one way to do that is by collecting and selling scrap metal. When it comes to collecting and scrapping metal, there are some things you will need to know to make as much money as possible.  

Thing #1: Know Metal Values 

If you want to get into selling scrap metal, it is important to know the different values of metals that you can turn into the recycling center for cash. Different metals will have different values, and the values are not always consistent, so you need to stay on top of what the current market values are so that you know what type of metals to focus on collecting to earn the most money possible. 

Thing #2: Know the Two Categories of Metals 

Second, it is essential to know the two different categories of scrap metal that you can collect. The first are non-ferrous metals. These include brass, stainless steel, bronze, aluminum, and copper. Non-ferrous metals tend to have the highest value. They are also metals that don't easily corrode and can easily be recycled back to their original form and reused.  

The second are ferrous metals, which contain carbon. This includes materials such as cast iron and carbon steel. These tend not to have as high a value as non-ferrous metals, and they also tend to rust, making them not as profitable to collect. 

Thing #3: Sort into Different Containers 

Third, when it comes to collecting scrap metals, you will want to sort them into different containers, with a different container for each type of metal. That way, when you take the material to the recycling center, you can get measured and paid for each individual metal that you collected. Each metal has a different rate, so if you want to be paid what each is worth, you need to separate things. If you don't separate your metal, you risk getting paid for the lowest value metal you have instead of getting the actual value of each one.  

Thing #4: Learn the Rules 

Fourth, it is essential to learn the rules of the recycling center where you want to take your non-ferrous metals. Each center will have its own rules for how you need to prepare the material before you bring it in. For example, if you are bringing in copper wires, you may need to strip the insulation away from the wires before turning it in. You are going to want to ensure that everything is prepared correctly.  

If you want to collect and earn money for scrap metal, know the market value of different metals, and be able to sort metal by category and type. When collecting materials, sort them into containers, and ensure they are prepared according to the rules of the recycling center you want to work with.  

For more information on non-ferrous copper recycling, contact a company near you.

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