Gathering and selling scrap metal can seem like an intriguing pursuit given its many perks that not only benefit you but the environment, as well. Anyone new to the trade or wishing to sell scrap metal for the first time will more than likely have questions. Here, Sgt. Scrap provides insight into the most common questions customers have about the scrap metal industry.
Can Anyone Collect and Sell Scrap Metal?
Many individuals are under the impression that selling scrap is only reserved for large corporations and construction sites. The truth is, that many scrap yards, including Sgt. Scrap, are open to the public to dispose of their unused or unwanted scrap metal responsibly.
How Much Money Can Be Made From Selling Scrap?
Those interested in exploring the world of metal recycling often want to know if their efforts are worth it or not. How much you earn from a haul depends on several factors, such as the amount of scrap, the types of metals, and their condition. Understanding these factors can help you generate the most income.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the prices of scrap metal fluctuate based on supply and demand. Prices for scrap metal can be as volatile as the stock market at times. Paying attention to current market trends and today’s prices can help you determine the best time to unload your stockpile of scrap metal.
What’s the Difference Between Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals?
If you’re new to selling scrap metal, you may be unfamiliar with the terms ferrous and non-ferrous metals. These terms are used constantly in the recycling process, making it essential to know the difference to accurately estimate the value of your haul and garner higher prices for your efforts.
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals are metals that contain various alloying elements, such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, and manganese. They are most known for their strength and durability, making them excellent materials for construction and engineering applications, including skyscrapers, tools, vehicle engines, pipelines, containers, automobiles, railways, fences, gates, and similar items.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Any pure form of metal, excluding pure iron, is considered a non-ferrous metal. Because non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, they are lighter and more pliable and therefore easier to weld and fabricate. These metals also tend to be corrosion-resistant with low density and feature great thermal and electrical conductivity.
Many non-ferrous metals are used for industrial and aesthetic purposes and can be found everywhere from copper piping to food cans to automobile parts. Non-ferrous metals typically are more valuable when sold to a recycling company.
What if I Have A Large Amount of Scrap at Once?
One of the biggest challenges for a scrapper is getting their haul to the scrap yard safely. Using a personal vehicle to transport large quantities can be dangerous and can potentially damage your car or truck. To prevent these scenarios and make the scrapping process as simple as possible, Sgt. Scrap offers convenient mobile pickup services. If you have over 500 pounds of material and no way to transport it to our locations, our team is happy to handle it for you.
In addition, we also offer 20, 30, and 40-yard roll-off dumpsters to help you prepare your scrap pick-up on your own time. Simply collect scrap at your leisure and give us a call to haul it away once the container is filled.
Where Can I Sell Scrap Metal in NJ, DE, and PA?
Once you’ve collected scrap metal and are ready to sell it, you may be wondering where to take it. As a premier scrap yard in New Jersey, Sgt. Scrap serves a large area, including:
- All of NJ
- All of Delaware
- Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Bucks County, Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County
- Long Island and Staten Island in New York
Learn More About Metal Recycling From Sgt. Scrap
If you’re interested in learning more about the scrap metal industry, lean on the experienced team at Sgt. Scrap. Our knowledgeable team members are happy to answer any questions you might have and are standing by at our scrap yards near Haddon Township and Pennsauken Township for you to sell your scrap metal. Contact us today.