Clearing out scrap metal not only helps declutter your worksite but also contributes to environmental sustainability by keeping it out of landfills. Most scrap yards accept all types of metal, from appliances to siding and old car parts. Here are tips for getting rid of your scrap metal:
Prepare Scrap for Transport
Preparing scrap metal keeps you and your vehicle safe during transport to the yard. Wear thick gloves when handling jagged edges that could cause cuts. Flatten bulky items that take up space with hammers. Remove glass from appliances to prevent dangerous breakage. If you are recycling any appliances, CFCs must be reclaimed. Load scrap in your vehicle so it won’t shift en route.
Hire Pickup Services
For large loads or unwieldy scraps, hire pickup services to transport it to the yard. Scrap companies often offer affordable haul-away options for metal too big to move yourself. Semi-trucks, roll-off containers, or trailers can be delivered to your jobsite and picked up when they are full. Professional scrappers have the equipment to safely lift hefty appliances, vehicle parts, and scrap.
Clean Metals
While scrap does not need to be free from dirt or rust, removing oil, gas, and other hazardous chemicals keeps scrap yards safe. Use a degreaser and rags to wipe down oily engine parts or appliance shells. If you are recycling automobiles or motorcycles, all fluids must be drained. Ask the yard about any cleaning requirements to avoid rejection.
Separate Different Metal Types
Many scrap yards pay more for sorted metals than mixed loads. The less time they spend sorting materials, the higher profit you make. As you collect metals, keep common types like aluminum, copper, and brass separate. Use color coding or labeling if needed to avoid mixing up pieces. Sort metals into individual bins according to a company’s published list of accepted items.
Gather All Metals
Check your property for recyclable metal already on hand. Search under piles, in shed corners, or overgrown areas. Old wire fencing, rusty tools, cans, and other discarded metal could lurk right at home. Make the most of your trip to the scrap yard because even small amounts can add up fast when scrapped.
Inquire About Scrapping Options
If you are not certain how to prepare items for scrapping, ask the yard if they have any special requirements. Find out if appliances need tanks drained or capacitors removed before drop off. Ask if they want specific car parts separated. Knowing dismantling techniques for big items helps make the process more efficient.
Maximize Space in Your Vehicle
Stack smaller metal pieces together in bins to optimize room when hauling scraps. Some scrap yards provide gaylord boxes, dump hoppers, and pallets to make items easier to sort and transport. Break down bigger items with hand tools so they take up less space. Use ropes, straps, and blankets to keep loads stable and contained inside your vehicle. Maximize how much metal you can transport to minimize the trips required.
Get Receipts for Your Scrap Load
When dropping loads at the scrap yard, request an itemized receipt that details each metal type. This creates a paper trail documenting your recycling efforts. Receipts protect you if any disputes over weight or payment arise. Keep them as records for tax purposes, as scrapping income may need to be claimed as income. Don’t leave the yard without proof of your transaction.
Clear Scrap Metal Today
When cleaning out or remodeling a home, gather all scrap materials, including window frames, siding, gutters, and downspouts, for recycling. Most scrap yards pay you by weight for the materials you drop off. Comply with regional ordinances and recycling requirements to make the most of your trip to the yard. Take the first step and turn your property’s hidden scrap into a profitable recycling opportunity today.
