Truck unloading a dumpster

What Qualifies As Scrap Metal?

What Qualifies As Scrap Metal?

Recycling is noble cause, but definitely not a new one. The green movement has gained traction through the years by capturing the interest of those around the world eager to do their part. As you collect those plastic bottles, used clothing, and paper products, you may want to broaden your recycling horizons beyond that green bin. An important avenue towards helping our Earth is not one commonly taken, and that is scrap metal recycling.

So which metals are considered scrap metal? Most recycling facilities that accept scrap metal pay cash for copper, aluminum, brass, lead, and most ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron and are somewhat magnetic. A prime example of a ferrous metal is scrap metal from vehicles. Non-ferrous metals do not have iron and are less likely to corrode. Examples of non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, brass, lead, zinc, stainless steel, and electrical cables.

Members of the trade industry have been exploiting the cash for scrap metal option for years, so why not you? Before you throw out those metal scraps take stock of what you have. Spy any copper wiring in that pile? Copper fetches a bit more than you would expect. Are you a soda pop drinker? Aluminum cans don’t pay out as much as most metals, but it is extra cash on your back pocket. Replacing any light or bathroom fixtures? What about keys or handles? All brass objects that can be sold as scrap metal instead of tossed into the garbage.

Scrapping metal is an easy way to line your pockets while contributing to the green movement in a meaningful way.  When metal is being recycled, 95% less energy is consumed than making products from new metals. By being able to melt down and repurpose metals instead of having them end up in landfills brings us one step closer to a more sustainable future.