There are several reasons you should recycle your unwanted or used scrap metal. For instance, you are helping to preserve natural resources, supporting manufacturing, and helping to conserve energy. In addition to promoting greater stewardship of the planet, recycling scrap metal is a great way to earn extra cash.
Sgt. Scrap is a trusted scrap metal dealer serving customers in New Jersey, as well as Delaware, southeast Pennsylvania, and parts of New York. He, we offer a guide on how to make money recycling scrap metal for those unfamilāiar with the trade. Learn about the metals we buy and how to get the most out of your scrap.
What Is Scrap Metal Recycling?
Scrap metal recycling involves collecting recyclable metals from broken, abandoned, oār unwanted products and structures to be processed and reintroduced as raw material for the production of new goods. Scrap metal is traditionally categorized into two types:
Ferrous Metals
A ferrous metal is any metal that contains traces of iron. In addition, ferrous metals tend to contain various alloying elements, such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, and manganese. Regarded for their strength and durability, ferrous metals are common building materials used in a wide range of sectors, such as residential and commercial construction, automotive, and industrial. Some of the most commonly found examples of ferrous metal include steel, cast iron, and wrought iron.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals are much more malleable and lighter than ferrous metals because they don’t contain any traces of iron. They’re ideal for applications where strength is needed but weight is a factor. Non-ferrous metals are also commonly used for aesthetic purposes. Aluminum, copper, and lead are among the most commonly used types of non-ferrous metal.
Scrapping Best Practices
There’s more that goes into gathering scrap than simply bringing it to a scrap yard. Those wishing to garner the highest prices for their scrap metal should be aware of scrap metal recycling best practices. These include:
Understanding the Market
Prices for scrap metal aren’t set in stone. Instead, they’re based on several factors and often fluctuate. Factors contributing to scrap metal prices include supply and demand, the time of year, the current prices for virgin metals, and production costs. Knowing what causes scrap metal rates to change can help you determine when the best time is to unload your stash for the highest payout. At Sgt. Scrap, we always post current metal prices for metals we purchase.
Clean Your Scrap Metal Beforehand
Just as important as the amount of scrap you have is its condition. Scrap metal that’s covered in insulation, corrosion, or residue is far less valuable and goes for a lower rate. Cleaning your scrap metal and removing any residue and insulation can earn you a higher compensation.
Learn the Values of Your Metals
Knowing the values of different metals can be very beneficial when determining which items you should scrap. It’s best to concentrate your efforts on higher-priced metals as opposed to metals with a lower rate.
How to Make Money Recycling Scrap Metal at Sgt. Scrap
At Sgt. Scrap, we aim to make the scrap metal recycling process simple for our customers. We encourage you to take a look around your property and collect any items you believe are worthy of scrapping. The metals we buy are recycled responsibly and reprocessed into new materials for future production. All metal is inspected and evaluated on-site, meaning cash ends up in your pocket faster. Sgt. Scrap prides itself on providing customers with the fairest and most competitive rates for their scrap metal.
Without the appropriate vehicle, transporting scrap metal to our locations can be challenging for some. In addition to purchasing your scrap metal from you, we’re also pleased to offer customers several specialized scrap metal services, including:
- Mobile pickup: Rather than transporting your scrap metal yourself, our mobile pickup services come to you. If you can’t bring your scrap items to Sgt. Scrap yourself, we’re happy to come collect it for you. You must have at least 500 pounds of non-ferrous metal to use this service.
- Roll-off dumpster: Our roll-off dumpsters are ideal for clients undergoing a project or job that results in accumulating excessive amounts of scrap metal. Dumpsters will be dropped off at your location and picked up once you’re ready. You’ll need to have 5,000 pounds of metal (which may include steel) to use this service.
People in New Jersey, Delaware, and parts of Pennsylvania and New York who want to learn more about making money recycling scrap metal should contact us today at Sgt. Scrap.