Scrap metal recycling is big business. It requires a considerable amount of knowledge concerning various metals, where to find them, and which ones bring the most profit. Additionally, recycling metals tremendously helps the environment and counteracts the depletion of natural resources.
Below are seven helpful tips for business owners or residents who want to get involved in recycling scrap metal to do their part to preserve the environment, make a profit, or both:
Tip #1 Locating Scrap Metal to Sell or Recycle
Both individuals and businesses can recycle metals for scrap. Local businesses frequently collect unwanted objects from their clients or offices to recycle. For instance, carpenters, home contractors, and plumbers may come across old metal piping, used appliances, and other bits of metal that are ready for recycling. Individuals can also collect appliances to recycle, as well as old metal tools, bicycles, and even certain types of cookware that have outlived their usefulness. Most Houston recycling facilities except virtually all metal objects, provided they do not contain and are not coated with dangerous substances.
Tip #2 Storing
People and businesses must have a place to keep the scrap metal they collect. Storage areas of this type are beneficial, as they limit the number of trips one must make to the recycling facility. Unused warehouse spaces can be used by businesses for this purpose, while individuals can make use of attic or garage space in their homes or rent storage lockers.
To process the scrap metal more efficiently, a schedule should be created among those involved with the recycling project. For instance, a business may choose to collect metals three or four days a week, and then choose one specific day each week to visit the recycling center and drop off the metals.
Tip #3 Removing Valuable Pieces
In certain instances, the person collecting the metals must separate scrap materials from appliances or other objects to earn more money. For example, washing machines have various aluminum parts, stainless steel drums, copper wiring, and electric motors, all of which can be sold separately to various scrap yards, as opposed to leaving them at the scrap metal recycling plant. It is always wise to separate such materials so that the most profit can be made.
Tip #4 Investing in an Industrial Magnet
Perhaps one of the best tips concerning the recycling of scrap metals is investing in a large magnet. Most ferrous scrap contains steel or iron, which is recyclable, but does not fetch as high a price as nonferrous metals such as stainless steel, bronze, brass and aluminum.
Businesses and individuals should apply a magnet to the surface of the piece of metal to see if it sticks. If it does not, that means the metal is nonferrous and will be worth more to the local scrap yard. Metals that are worth less should still be recycled for the sake of the environment, and since the scrap yard will also offer a certain price for less valuable metals, this is a win-win situation.
Tip #5 Establish Good Relationships with Scrap Yards
It is also important to research local scrap yards. The search can be conducted online or the business owner or local GTA residents can get information from City Hall. Additionally, scrap yard specialties and prices differ substantially from one establishment to the next. Therefore, it is a good idea to obtain those details in advance, prior to showing up at their yard with a full load of scrap metal. When the choices have been narrowed down, the person or business can form a relationship with a specific scrap yard and become a regular client, which often makes the job much easier.
Tip #6 Safety
It is essential to understand that there are certain safety risks associated with collecting scrap metal. For example, metal objects frequently have jagged edges or sharp points. Items such as appliances may collect rust, which can enter cuts on a person’s skin, resulting in infection. Protective clothing, thick gloves, and eye goggles should be worn when such metals are being collected. After the task is complete, collectors should carefully wash their hands and arms with warm, soapy water and make sure that any chemical residue with which they have come in contact is removed.
Regardless of whether one is interested in scrap metal recycling for profit, to help the environment, or to accomplish both tasks, most people would agree that it is a worthwhile endeavor. Therefore, anyone interested in this type of work should contact us at Manville Recycling to learn more.