Make money and help the environment in a few easy steps!
Resource Metal Recycling’s ownership and employees have been recycling material for decades! But if you are new to metal recycling, here is a quick overview of the process. By recycling old metal-containing material, you can help the environment and make a little money.
Did you know that U.S. scrap metal recycling saves enough electricity to power 18 million households for a year! Here’s how you can play a part.
A simple magnet is a great tool to separate ferrous from non-ferrous metals. If the magnet sticks, you have a ferrous metal like steel and iron. If the magnet doesn’t stick, you have a non-ferrous metal such as copper and aluminum. Non-ferrous materials are usually worth more than ferrous material so don’t forget your magnet.
Next, you want to sort your material. While steel isn’t valued as much as the non-ferrous materials, it’s found in just about anything – from garage shelves to refrigerators. Iron is also magnetic and includes items like old bathtubs and boilers. Copper is one of the more valuable metals to recycle. It has a reddish color when in good condition and a dark brown look when worn. Old plumbing pipes, cooking pans, and wire may contain copper. Aluminum looks like steel but won’t stick to magnets. Window frames, bicycles, and fencing may contain aluminum. Stainless steel contains mostly iron but it is still considered nonferrous because it contains at least 8% nickel. Appliances and kitchen items contain stainless steel. It is not magnetic. Brass is a combination of zinc and copper, often found in valves, keys, hardware and faucets. This heavy metal has a yellowish color (with a touch of red), but takes on a greenish appearance when left outside. Bronze contains copper, tin, manganese, zinc, aluminum, and nickel. Distinguishing it from brass or copper can be difficult.
Once you sort your scrap metal, call or visit your local Resource Metal Recycling location to see how much it’s all worth. Remember, prices change daily based on market trends. Lastly, when “scrapping,” remember that safety comes first. Whether in your home, transporting or at our locations, please keep safety top of mind.
We will offer more scrap tips in future blogs!