Scrap metal collected during a construction job

Types of Metal Scrap: A Guide for Electricians and Contractors

Construction jobs and renovation projects are common sources of valuable metals that can be recycled. Instead of discarding unused or unwanted scrap, electricians and contractors working on these job sites can collect the scrap and turn it into cash. Because not all scrap metals hold the same value, it’s important to know the different types of scrap metal and what to look for.

Sgt. Scrap is proud to be the most trusted scrap metal dealer serving customers in New Jersey, as well as Delaware, southeast Pennsylvania, and parts of New York. Here, we offer electricians and contractors a basic guide to scrapping and provide tips on how to maximize your efforts.

What Are the Different Types of Scrap Metal Found on Job Sites?

Construction projects often involve jobs that result in materials quickly piling up. In some cases, these piles can create safety hazards and even impact efficiency. Collecting unused materials and sorting them can be beneficial to the renovation project and benefit your pockets as well.

Most of the materials collected during construction jobs are recyclable and valuable, especially scrap metal. The types of scrap metal electricians and contractors will find on their job sites depends on the duties they are performing. Common sources of scrap metal that you might find include:

  • Aluminum siding
  • Rebar
  • Electrical wire
  • Ductwork and HVAC components
  • Structural beams
  • Light fixtures
  • Plumbing components
  • Gutters
  • Shutters
  • Railings
  • Overhead doors

For electricians and contractors, it might be wise to walk the site before a job to identify any worthy items that can be recycled for cash. Also, look to see what parts should be manually dismantled and separated before the tear-down begins.

Get the Most Out of Your Scrap

Collecting scrap around a job site – that you are permitted to take – is a great way to earn some extra money. However, the amount you can make often depends on the tactics and strategies you apply. Learning these methods can help you in the future. Tips to help you make the most of your scrap metal include:

Separate Metals

As you begin collecting metal for scrap, it would be wise to sort and organize your items by type and quality. Consider putting each metal in its own container and labeling it. The reason for separating your scrap is that some metals have a higher value, but they could go unnoticed if you present them mixed with other recyclables. If you choose to present your scrap metal to the dealer separately, you can receive a higher return.

Proper Storage

As an electrician or contractor collecting scrap on a job site, it’s common to collect pieces over multiple days. If this is the case, you should protect your scrap metal during storage before you deliver it to the scrap yard. This is important because ferrous metals rust when they are exposed to water and oxygen for a prolonged period. The rust eats away metal, reducing its weight and resulting in lower profits. Safely store your scrap metal in low-moisture areas.

Stay Up-to-Date on Pricing

Pricing for scrap metal tends to fluctuate. Value for scrap depends on several factors, including supply and demand, the time of year, and more. Keeping up with market trends and current prices for metals can help you get the most return when looking to cash in.

Premium Scrap Services in NJ, DE, NY, PA, & MD

Electricians and contractors looking to unload their collected scrap and receive fair prices should turn to the experienced team at Sgt. Scrap. Regarded as the premier scrap metal dealer in New Jersey, we are pleased to offer our clients competitive rates and professional scrap services. To make scrapping easier, our roll-off dumpsters are ideal for electricians and contractors working larger construction jobs. Our containers allow you to collect scrap at your leisure and not have to worry about hauling it yourself. There is a 5,000-pound minimum for this service.

For smaller jobs, we offer mobile pickup. We’ll come and pick it up, and pay you, if you have at least 500 pounds of non-ferrous product.

Clients throughout New Jersey, as well as Delaware, southeast Pennsylvania, and parts of New York who are interested in learning more about our scrap services and the different types of scrap metal we buy, should contact us today at Sgt. Scrap.

Scroll to Top