Common Scrap Metal Questions
Scrap metal is gaining popularity with the world’s increased efforts toward going green. Essentially recycling, scrapping has become both a hobby and a side job for all kinds of people. Has scrap metal caught your attention? The following questions are just a handful of common inquiries about the processes and metal itself.
What makes scrap metal ‘scrap?’
From a fundamental standpoint, scrap is nearly the opposite of waste. Where waste goes into the trash and then a landfill, scrap gets recreated into something new (and sometimes different!). Scrap metal is the various kinds of metals on old cars, appliances, electronics, and even jewelry. Since the metal from these items can be removed and reused, they are considered ‘scrap.’
Where can you find scrap metal?
Scrap metal is everywhere. Aluminum cans, copper wire, iron pipes, and gold chains are everyday items that you can sell for scrap. Consider scouring these locations for scrap metal:
- Home renovations
- Neighborhood free curbside items
- Social media sales pages
- Newspaper listings
- Classifieds
Remember, you can find scrap metal in many items. Consider scrapping (and separating the metals on) rusty cast iron skillets, clothes dryers, gas ranges, cars, faucets, wiring, pipes, and much more.
Which metals are valuable?
You can get money for all kinds of scrap metal. However, you can make good money from copper. You can also earn cash for aluminum, brass, iron, and stainless steel. If you need to make some fast cash, you can scrap items in your home quickly. Older, non-functioning electronics can be a great place to find scrap metal. Instead of sending it to the landfill, consider scrapping it!
What happens to scrap metal?
Scrap metal is separated into ferrous and non-ferrous metals and then combined with other metals to strengthen it. That mixture of metal is then sent to a manufacturer, where they make it into something new. Most often, cars that were scrapped are sent to car manufacturers. Other times, manufacturers use the former car to create something entirely different. Scrapping allows new life for old metal.
How much money can you make from scrap metal?
The cost of various metals is constantly changing. A few online sources keep readers up to date on the pricing, but those numbers can vary from place to place. While scrapping metal as a career is not a common or realistic goal for most people, you can usually get enough money from scrapping to aid your finances.
Typically, scrapping aluminum cans gets you around a penny per soda pop can. Scrapping a pound of copper can earn you a few dollars. Scouting out valuable metals and separating them can earn you more money. The more you scrap, the more you will learn about the process and how to make the best profit for your time. Scrap metal can benefit you and the planet – give it a try!
Contact Allied Recycling!
If you’re interested in recycling scrap metal in the Massachusetts area or have any questions about the recycling services we provide, don’t hesitate to contact Allied Recycling! Call our team today at (508) 668-8699 or fill out the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!