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Common Uses For Recycled Metal

Most of us practice recycling because we know we should for the sake of the environment. We often turn to metal recycling because it can put some extra cash in our pockets, and help us do away with our junk cars or appliances. What we don’t always know, however, is what becomes of our recycled materials once we have sent them off. Scrap metal materials can go on to make an endless amount of new items that we use every day.

Food Packaging

Food packaging is commonly made from recycled aluminum and steel. Most canned goods today are at least partially made from recycled metal, and many are created 100% from recycled metals. The turnaround rate for this type of metal reuse is very fast, creating a streamlined and efficient production process. Using recycled metals also requires less machine processing, cutting back on energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.

Construction

Scrap metal has a variety of industrial & construction uses. Recycled metals are used to build bridges and buildings. They can also be used for gutters & other roofing materials, as well as for window construction. On top of steel being used for many buildings’ main structures, this will typically be coated in a recycled tin to prevent corrosion.

Transportation

Scrap metal is used in the production of all sorts of transportation means. This cuts down on costs and on emissions in the process of building a new vehicle.  The following can be created using scrap metal materials:

  • Aircrafts
  • Train cars
  • Railroads
  • Automobiles
  • Ships

Scrap metal has so many reusable purposes, and reusing materials instead of producing new metals cuts back on production costs & energy use. Just because you recycle a metal in the form of a vehicle, does not mean it will be remade into a vehicle – The possibilities are endless for where your metal might end up! Recycling scrap metal is an economically and environmentally beneficial practice. To get cash for your scrap metal in the Massachusetts area, contact us at Allied Recycling Center today. 

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Frequently Asked Questions: Metal Recycling

Recycling scrap metal is a great way to make some extra money and help the environment. If you’ve been avoiding trading in your scrap metal because you don’t feel knowledgable on the process, we are here to help!

What types of metals are there?

Ferrous metals

Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic. They are the stronger type of metal and are often used in the construction of bridges & buildings, and for fences, chains, & nails. This type of metal contains high levels of carbon, making it susceptible to rust. Some examples of ferrous metals include cast iron, wrought iron, and carbon steel.

Non-ferrous  metals

Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron and are not magnetic. This type of metal is not as strong as those with iron but instead is more flexible. The flexibility of non-ferrous metals makes them frequently used materials for gutters, food storage, and jewelry. Non-ferrous metals are also not likely to rust. Some examples of non-ferrous metals include stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and tin.

What types of metals can be recycled?

Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals can and should be recycled. This means you can recycle almost any type of metal, from soda cans to building structures. Some other examples of everyday items that can be recycled include appliances, cars or anything with a motor, and construction equipment. You can even recycle gold & silver in exchange for cash!

What do I need to bring with me?

In order to recycle metal, you must be 18 or older and bring a valid form of ID with you.

Why should I recycle metals?

Recycling metals is crucial to protecting the environment and cutting back on waste. The process of creating new metal uses huge amounts of energy & resources. Metals can almost always be reused to create new products, instead of making new metal to do so. Making items out of recycled metal produces substantially less greenhouse gas emissions than those with newly manufactured material. It also saves natural resources such as iron and limestone.

Do I get anything in return?

Recycling metal with Allied Recycling will put some extra cash in your pocket. We will pay you on the spot for junk cars, or for scrap materials including aluminum, copper, and stainless steel. Your payout depends on the type of metal you are recycling and the weight.

If you are around the Boston, MA area and looking to recycle scrap metal for cash, contact Allied Recycling today! 

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How Are Cars Recycled?

No matter how well we take care of our vehicles, they all eventually reach their shelf life. The question at that point is, what do you do with your undrivable car? Did you know that the majority of car parts can be recycled?

Oil & Fluids

If motor oil or other pollutants are improperly disposed of, they will sink into the ground and contaminate the local water supply & food chain. This affects public health, as well as the ecosystem. Along with motor oil, cars have brake fluid, steering fluid, gasoline, and other potentially hazardous materials that require responsible disposal methods. When you trade in your junk car to a scrap metal yard, this ensures that the motor oil & other fluids will be disposed of properly. 

Car Battery

Automotive batteries are one of the most frequently recycled car parts. Even batteries that are old & have reached their shelf life can be remade into new ones. This saves the environment, instead of putting the battery acid & lead into our earth.

Tires

Tires are not biodegradable, yet they are mass-produced and constantly replaced after they reach their mileage limit on vehicles. Luckily the rubber from tires can now be recycled using a variety of methods when you choose to dispose of them responsibly. Donating or recycling tires allows for less production of rubber & less damaging waste.

Scrap Metal

Scrap metal is one of the most significant ways that recycling your vehicle will make a difference, and make you money. Cars are made of metal, from the numerous parts under the hood to the doors and hoods themselves. Aluminum & steel are some of the most valuable items to trade with a scrap yard, and they are also the most quickly recycled. This puts extra cash in your pocket and allows for less energy use in the production of new metals.

Sell Your Junk Car

Over 90% of the parts in a vehicle can be recycled. Trading in your junk vehicle will help the environment and you can receive cash for your trade-in. To talk about an on-site junk car removal in the Boston area, contact Allied Recycling & Scrap Center at 508-668-8699.

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What’s The Difference Between Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals?

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals have complex differences in their chemical makeup. Some differences include the metals iron content, oxidation levels, magnetism, and strength. Along with their technical explanations, these differences can also be described in easier to understand daily terms for those of us who are not chemists. 

Iron Content

Ferrous metals all contain iron but can also contain other elements, while non-ferrous metals do not contain iron. Non-ferrous metals were used before many ferrous metals were even in production. An easy way to remember the iron distinction is that the abbreviation for Iron in the periodic table of elements is Fe, because the Latin word for iron is ferrum!

Corrosion/Oxidation

Corrosion is also referred to as oxidation, but the process is more commonly known as rust. Ferrous metals are likely to rust because of their higher carbon content, while non-ferrous metals better resist oxidation.  Non-ferrous or non-rusting metals are more likely to be used in jewelry and food-related products where avoiding rust is important. Ferrous metals can be used more industrially.

Magnetism

Ferrous metals are magnetic, making them highly useful for electrical or motor purposes. Non-ferrous metals are not magnetic and are more commonly used for wiring systems. The differences in magnetism between the two metals has to do with the polarity of electrons within iron atoms, and this distinction makes them easier to tell apart.

Strength

Strength is a major difference between the two types of metals and is a factor in why they are used for different purposes. Ferrous metals are known for their strength and are often used for industrial or architectural purposes such as bridgebuilding and skyscraper construction. In contrast, non-ferrous metals tend to be weaker or more flexible. These are more likely to be used for gutters, roofing, and signs.

Examples

Examples of Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals are commonly used industrially in buildings and architecture. Some everyday examples of ferrous  metals are:

  • Stainless steel – Used for appliances, food production, food storage, & houseware.
  • Carbon steel – Used in bridge & building construction.
  • Cast iron – Used for utility hole covers & cooking materials.
  • Wrought iron – Used for fences, gates, nails, & chains.

Examples of Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals include those that conduct heat and electricity, and that are not as strong as ferrous metals. Examples of non-ferrous metals include:

  • Aluminum – Used in aircraft construction & food storage.
  • Copper – Used for electrical wires & some roofing materials.
  • Tin – Often used to coat steel to prevent erosion.
  • Silver – Used for jewelry & cutlery.
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Why Hire a Demolition Professional

Whether you work in contracting or you are beginning a do-it-yourself home improvement project, there might come a time when demolition work is necessary in the job. In a true demolition project, a professional team is necessary for many reasons involving both safety and convenience. When and why should you hire a demolition professional? We’ve outlined the specifics for you.

Breaking Down Walls, Foundations, & Entire Structures

Demolition is when you do not care to preserve the foundation or any part of the existing space. This means breaking down walls, flooring, and foundation of a home or commercial building. This type of project is simple for a demolition team, but complicated for those who aren’t familiar with the science. This is true especially when knocking down structures on second or third floors but trying to preserver the lower levels.

Securing Permits

Demolition professionals are familiar with the process of securing the proper permits for demolition related projects, and can navigate to them with ease. Homeowners may not be familiar with zoning laws and other guidelines and necessities that go along with their project plan, and this could cause serious problems along the way that will slow or even stop their plans.

Using the Proper Machinery

Larger scale demolition and even most smaller projects cannot be done by hand. Machinery such as excavators, cranes, and bulldozers will get the job done most efficiently. Wrecking balls are often necessary when taking down masonry such as bricks or stone, but allow for less control of the machine and therefore need a professional for the safety of workers and their surroundings. Although renting of these machines may be a possibility near you, a lack of experience with can lead to dangerous working conditions that can not only harm the structure but also the people involved. You also might not have access to the most modern machinery that will get the job done most efficiently.

Removing Debris

One of the most convenient aspects of hiring professionals is that many can also remove the debris from a demolition project. If you choose to do this project yourself, you will have to deal with the aspect of renting a dumpster or figuring out how you will otherwise deal with debris removal. This can be especially tricky if there are metals or hazardous materials involved.

Allied Recycling Center is fully equipped with the latest technology in demolition and we have a qualified & experienced team of professionals. If you are in need of a professional demolition team in the Boston area, please contact us today at (508) 668-8699 or info@arcscrap.com.

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Most Common Recycling Questions, Answered

A green grass question mark hovering over soil

Recycling seems like a no-brainer when you think of the environmental impact of trash. Still, a lot of people don’t make it a habit to recycle. It can appear to be a complicated process if you factor in different types of waste and where to dispose of them. Not everyone knows which bin is for which waste, or even where to find the location of specific recycling programs. These uncertainties can lead to important recycling questions that need to be answered. Here are six of the most common recycling questions and their answers

What is Recycling?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines recycling as the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. Recycling provides economic and environmental benefits and also benefits the community by creating green jobs, earning potential and reducing pollution.

Does Recycling Help or Hurt?

When you think of the environmental impact of recycling, it is far more helpful to recycle waste, from plastic to metal, than it is to dump them in mounting landfills that release toxic chemicals and gasses into the ground and drinking water source. A safe landfill is a myth. Manufacturing products from recyclables use less energy for processing to create usable materials/products. Recycled glass is re-melted to make new glass products, saving roughly 10-15% in energy, while recycled aluminium metal can be cleaned and re-melted into new aluminium products, saving 94% of the energy that is typically required to produce the aluminium from ore that requires extensive processing involving heat and electricity.

 Why is it Important to Only Recycled Items in the Recycling Bin?

To prevent contamination of the recycling stream, it is paramount that items that are nonrecyclable be kept out of the recycling bin. At recycling centers, the nonrecyclable items can result in costly equipment damage, and the facility also loses more money to sort and send these items to landfills. There is multi-stream recycling that requires different types of materials to be collected in separate bins, and single-stream recycling (SSR) that accept different types of materials in the same bin. This is something to keep in mind. 

Are Plastic Bags Recyclable?

This is often a confusing issue for some individuals. The quick answer is yes; however, plastic bags are not accepted by most curbside or single-stream recycling programs in general. Not all local recycling providers accept a particular “recyclable” item. Whenever you need clarification on what’s acceptable, check the label on the recycle bins. 

What are Some of the Items That Should Never Place in The Recycling Bin(s)?

Some of the items that you should never place in your recycle bin(s) according to Recycle Across America include: garden hoses, dishware, paper tissue, clothing, wood, tubes, batteries, wires, electronics, prescription bottles, food or food-soiled paper or needles, among others.

What are the Most Common Recyclable Items That Can be Placed into Curbside Recycling Bin?

Consider the following common recyclable items suitable for curbside recycling bin according to the EPA: Jugs, glass bottles, plastic bottles and caps, food boxes, paper, food cans, mail, beverage cans, jars (glass and plastic).

If you are unsure about what to do with your recyclable items, Allied Recycling Center can accommodate your recycling needs with a wide range of capabilities that can help you make the environment a better place. If you still have more questions about recycling, you can contact us online, call us at  (508) 668-8699 or come and see us at our recycling center in Walpole, MA. 

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How Can I Get the Most Money from My Junk Car?

A pile of money cash of different amounts

There is some value in your junk car and you should try and get the most out of it before letting it go completely. Finding the right place to sell your junk car requires some preparation. There is always someone looking to give you less for your junk car when it’s worth more. It’s up to you to decide the type of seller that you want to be and who much you are willing to accept for your junk car. Check out these tips on how you can get the most money from your junk car.

Familiarize Yourself with the Lemon Laws

Every state has some form of Lemon Law, and it’s essential that you know about the one in the state you reside. According to HG.org, Lemon Laws are state and federal laws that provide a remedy to buyers who purchase cars or defective vehicles that fail to meet standards of quality and performance. In other words, Lemon Law governs the condition that a vehicle should be in for sale in order to protect a buyer from making a deal on a vehicle that is thought to be in better shape than it actually is. To avoid any legal trouble, it’s important to make the buyer aware of any serious safety hazard before finalizing a purchase. You may end up losing more than you gain if you fail to do so.

Know the Value of Your Car

Figuring out the true value of your junk car can help you when negotiating with a buyer. Appraisers tend to estimate the value of your vehicle using common factors, such as the location of the vehicle, year, make and model, condition of the vehicle and the current price of scrap metal. The diminished value of the car will play a role in determining how much you receive for it, but individual components can also help you get more cash, depending on the type of car you are selling. There are plenty of online tools, like cashautosalvage.com that can give you an idea of the value of your junk car.

Avoid Getting Scammed

A scammer is always waiting for someone who is especially desperate to get rid of their junk car. Some signs to look out for include a buyer wanting to make a blind sale or purchase the car without seeing it upfront. The end result is often the seller getting stuck with a bad check that cannot be cashed. Another scam is a buyer offering the option of establishing a payment plan. This is a big no-no unless it’s a trusted friend or family member.

Sign a Contract

Even though it’s a junk car, it’s crucial to have a contract in place because it’s a smart way of doing business. A signed contract offers certain protections for both parties involved in the transaction and serves as proof of sale. A solid contract should have a detailed description of the condition of the car, terms of the sale and information that provides protection from any future liability.

You should get the best value for your junk car so be smart when selling. Allied Recycling Center can provide you with upfront pricing information for junking your car, confident buying experience and best of all, a sale that you’ll be happy with. For a free quote or with any questions, you can either contact us online or call us at (508) 668-8699. 

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5 Signs It’s Time to Junk Your Car

A red junk car being recycled

The process of junking your car can be a simple one, but what comes before that is the hard part. Deciding on whether you would like to junk your car is the real difficult part, as a car can be worth a lot of money. Due to the price tag attached, you may want to sell your car, keep your car (even if it often needs repairs) or junk your car for cash. While selling your car receives the same output as junking it, there are no additional steps involved in junking your car, whereas if you decide to sell, you must essentially market your car and wait for someone to bite. Here are some of the reasons to determine if it is time to junk your car.

  1. Maintenance Costs: You may not notice how much these costs add up over the course of the year, but it can be a large number. To determine a cost comparison, add up all the repair work that your car has needed and divide to figure out the monthly cost of the vehicle. This can be used as a price point of what you will continue to have to spend. You can do a cost comparison between this and the cash you will get for junking your car to decide.
  2. Current Value: If the current value of your car is very low, sometimes it is better to junk your car and receive a lump sum amount of cash in return, as you could get a better car, or just take the money to put towards something else.
  3. Your Car History: looking back at the history of your car and its general health can really help to push towards a decision. Including past repairs, you may determine that it is not worth it to keep the car.
  4. Your Life: Looking at your life can really make all the difference. If you need a car, and will be driving it often, it can be easier to use the junk money for a new vehicle. Similarly, you may determine that you don’t need a car for everyday life anymore.
  5. Safety: This is a very large factor as if your car does not have proper safety mechanisms, such as seat belts or air bags, it is not worth it to keep, as it could be a danger to you and your family.

While there are lots of reasons to keep a car, sometimes this is not necessary, or the best option. To learn more about junking your car at our recycling center in Walpole, MA, contact us today, or call us directly at 508-668-8699 for more information.

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Ways to Make More Money On Your Scrap Metal

Scrap metal to be recycled for cash

Scrap metal can be found in several items, from appliances to electronics. Before throwing out, dumping or recycling certain items, consider that there might be some more value in them. Scrap metal can provide you with a few extra dollars. Not all scrap metals are created equal or garner the same amount of money when selling. Some scrap metals are more valuable than others. If you’re interested in making a good chunk of change from selling your scrap metal, here are a few tips that you could find useful in the process.

Separate the Scrap Metal

Don’t be too hasty to get rid of your scrap metals without first separating them. Don’t dump your copper, brass, aluminium and iron all in one bin to be sold. The downside of doing that is you run the risk of only getting paid for the aluminium and not for any of the other metals. This is a sure way to lose money. Take the time to sort your metals, either using boxes, bags or bins. Even if you are unsure of the type of metals that you have, don’t get sloppy. Use online resources to locate a guide showing photos and descriptions of common scrap metals, or at least sort according to what looks similar. Label your containers before leaving, which will help you save time unloading and weighing at the scrap yard.

Use a Magnet

Non-ferrous metals, like copper, aluminium and brass are more valuable and will earn you more cash than ferrous metals like steel and cast iron. Using a magnet is one of the simplest and easiest ways to separate different metals and alloys based on the elements contained within them. A magnet will stick to metals containing iron, while other metals lacking iron will not. Being able to use a magnet to identify your metals by type will save you time and earn you more money.

Negotiate

It is typically possible to negotiate scrap metal price with a scrap yard owner or manager. You may find that you have more negotiating power based on the quantity and quality of your scrap metal. Most scrap yards are generally more interested in the number of metals that you are selling, and it’s advantageous to sell in bulk since you can make more money that way. It’s good to build a relationship with a scrap yard owner and establish yourself as a valued customer.

You don’t have to sell yourself short when trying to get some cash for your scrap metal. Separating your metals before heading to the scrap yard. A magnet is a good tool to use to identify your ferrous metals from your non-ferrous metals. Never forget the power of negotiating. Consider all these things when selling your scrap metals and you could make more money than you expected. For your scrap metal needs, Allied Recycling Center can help you to get your money’s worth by offering the best return on your scrap metals. If you have questions on scrap metal, feel free to call us at  (508) 668-8699 or contact us on our website.

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Everything You Need to Know About Ferrous Metals

A stack of ferrous metals ready to be recycled

Metal plays an important role in many aspects of our daily life. From the pop can holding your drink to the steel beams supporting a building, metal is all around us. However, some metal is different from the rest. Ferrous metals are a type of metal that hold unique features and abilities that non-ferrous metals lack. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly those differences are and why they matter.

What Are Ferrous Metals?

Ferrous metals include all iron-based metals. Steel and cast iron are the most common examples of ferrous metals we see each day. These metals are known for the strength and versatility that makes them ideal for use in automobiles, buildings, tools, appliances, and much more. The use of these metals in appliances is largely due to the fact that ferrous metals are typically magnetic. The magnetic ability of the metal is perfect for engines and other moving parts in an appliance. Ferrous metals other than cast iron and steel are prone to rusting if they experience moisture or other harsh conditions.

Scrapping Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals make up the majority of the metal recycled and scrapped each year. In fact, over 40% of the steel industry depends on the use of recycled ferrous materials. Recycled materials offer the benefits of both a quicker production time and less of an environmental impact. With the use of recycled materials, enough energy has been saves to power nearly 18 million residences. Because most ferrous metals are magnetic, the recycling process is easy. Magnetic machines can be used to sort through and lift out usable materials. Some of the most commonly recycled ferrous metal sourced include:

  • Pop cans
  • Appliances
  • Machinery

You can likely recycle items in your home that contain ferrous materials you’d never consider! Think about water tanks, washing machines, and even old-style cast-iron bathtubs. Once you’ve gathered up the items containing ferrous metals in your home, continued recycling is the next step. Consider making a set location responsible for holding pop cans and other recyclable metal materials.

Contact our team at Allied Recycling Center to learn more about recycling ferrous metals. We serve all of the greater Boston area from the south shore to Western Massachuttes. We’re ready to answer any questions you may have about what can and cannot be recycled and walk you through the process! If you’re still seeking the final push to recycle your ferrous metals, take a second to remember that you will likely be compensated for your scrapped items! You can call us at  (508) 668-8699 or contact us online via our website.