How to Properly Recycle Metal
Metal is one of the most common materials used today. It is utilized to make everything from aluminum foil to clothes hangers, to even bigger applications in construction. The one thing about metal is that it can all be recycled one way or another. There are multiple curbside recycling programs for certain metals, usually smaller kinds, and larger kinds of metals should be properly recycled at a local drop-off center. You can also rent a dumpster if you plan on a project that requires recycling metal. Below we tell you everything you need to know about properly recycling metal.
Scrap Metal Recycling
Most scrap yards nationwide will accept metals such as copper, steel, aluminum, brass, iron and all wires. There is a chance however that the scrap yard nearby may be accepting more types of metals than just that. In addition, you may be compensated with cash payouts for your scrap metals that you recycle. To find out any of this information, call your local scrap yard to find out which kinds of scrap metals they do accept.
Identify Your Type of Metal
The first thing you need to do before you consider recycling scrap metal is to identify the specific type of metal you have. A simple and cost efficient way to determine the type of metal you have is to use a magnet on your metal. A ferrous type of metal will stick to the magnet and a non-ferrous metal doesn’t stick to the magnet. Ferrous metals include steel and iron, and nonferrous metals include copper, aluminum, brass, steel or bronze. Nonferrous metals are more valuable to recycle and can be worth more money at scrap yards.
The Worth of Different Metals
Cash payouts that you will receive may differ from different local scrap yards but there is a general estimate for how much each type of metal is worth. If you call the scrap yard ahead of time, you will likely be able to find out exactly what they are offering to pay you to resell your scrap metals.
Quantity of Metals
It doesn’t matter the amount or quantity of scrap metal you have when you bring it to the scrap yard because they will accept any amount. But, the amount of metal that you bring to recycle will determine your payout because it is all dependent on the weight. They will still recycle your scrap metals if you only bring a little bit, but you will not receive much money for your contribution. If you want to make a lot of money for your scrap metal, you should save them up until you have a good amount of weight that you can bring to the scrap yard.
Odd Scrap Metal Recycling Requests
A common concern with scrap metal recycling has to do with older metal wire hangers and where or how people recycle them. The truth is that there is a possibility that your local dry cleaner will accept them for you and reuse them. It is also possible that your curbside recycling program will accept wire hangers. You should check your curbside recycling program because not all do offer the option of recycling hangers.
New Jersey Dumpster and Recycling Services
Whether you choose to use your local commercial dumpster rentals, trash compactors, or dumpsters to recycle your scrap metals, you should know how to properly dispose of it. At Cali Carting in Kearny, New Jersey, we can help you with all of your recycling needs. Our roll-off dumpster containers can help you recycle not only scrap metal but also a multitude of other recyclables. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you recycle your scrap metal properly.
