taking the work out of recycling

Scrap Metal Recycling 101: What To Know

As a business owner, you should care about how your business affects the environment. An eco-conscious mindset is essential for ensuring legal and ethical compliance in business and is generally the right thing to do.

If you produce scrap metal as a byproduct of normal business operations, you can increase your cash flow by selling the scrap.

Here are a few essential things to know to make the most cash from your scrap metal and ensure the best environmental outcome.

Not All Scrap Metal Is The Same

A common misconception about scrap metal recycling is that all scrap metal is created equal and can be recycled together. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Different metal types have different recycling processes and requirements. Sorting and separating scrap metal according to type and grade allows a higher-quality recycling process that can put more cash in your purse. For example, some metals, like copper and aluminum have a high value that can only be prepared by selling them separately.

That said, the time, effort, and space required for separation may not be feasible for small businesses due to their smaller scrap metal volume. 

Contaminants and Unwanted Materials Affect the Quality of Your Scrap Metal

The primary goal of the scrap metal recycling process is to deliver recycled metal of the highest purity rate attainable. Contamination and unwanted materials don't help with this.

The selling process of your scrap metal will be faster and more profitable if you remove any contaminants before transporting it to the scrapyard. Contaminants are any foreign materials that mix with scrap metal and can include things like dirt, oil, and paint.

These contaminants can increase the cost of your scrap metal processing and significantly lower the value of your scrap, so it's best to remove them before transporting the scrap for recycling.

Additionally, strip off unwanted materials from your scrap metal before sending it to the recycling facility. For instance, old copper wires attract better prices when sold without their plastic coverings.

Scrap Metal Prices Aren't Set in Stone

The prices of scrap metal fluctuate regularly under normal market conditions. However, these prices can vary greatly from company to company depending on their operating costs and expected profit margins.

Before selling your scrap metal, contact local scrap services like G & M Metal, Inc to get multiple estimates on the price of your scrap metal. This way, you can know who offers the best prices for your scrap.