Scrapping metal is a process, and people who bring in metals to be recycled are often paid on the spot, reaping the rewards of their labor. The environment benefits from scrapping, while the ability to generate income is provided which in turn benefits the economy. Some scrappers even recycle metals as a full-time job! Regardless, there is a steady stream of revenue produced whenever recycling metals. Learn how to get the most out of your time and efforts below.
Know the Types of Metals That are Collected at Scrap Yards
Becoming an expert in any field requires research and studying. The scrapping industry is no different. One beneficial bit of knowledge to know is how to recognize different types of metals. Ferrous and nonferrous metals are the two classifications of metals.
Nonferrous metals have a higher resistance to rust and corrosion, and their main advantage over ferrous materials is their malleability. These metals are often found in roofing, outdoor signs, gutters, and liquid pipes. They are also non-magnetic, and therefore can be used in wiring and electronic applications. Nonferrous metals typically include copper, aluminum, lead, magnesium, brass, and alloys.
The second type of metal are the ferrous metals which are found in construction of buildings, shipping containers, automobiles, commercial and domestic tools, railroad tracks, and industrial piping. They are known for their tensile strength and durability and include wrought iron, cast iron, carbon steel, and alloy steel. Ferrous metals are mostly magnetic, and therefore useful for electronic appliances.
Market Price for Scrap Metals and Local Scrap Yards
A second part to getting assistance with metal processing is to establish relationships with local scrap yards and personnel. This can be advantageous and make it easier to understand how the market prices work, metals are processed, and what metals are taken at which scrap yards. To start with, a simple call to a scrap yard can help with assessing current market value of the metal you are wanting to bring to be recycled. Other useful tools include websites such as the American Metals Market, as well as the iScrapApp. The app offers locations of scrap yards across the United States and Canada as well as recycling help, frequent pricing trends, and best practices for scrapping. Local scrap yards are a wealth of information on the fluctuation of the market, the prices of current metals, and metal type identification.
As you continue to consider the pricing and process for bringing in metals, know that due to recent decades of metals being stolen, regulations have become tighter for those bringing metal to a yard. When collecting metals to bring in for recycling ensure that the methods for gathering the materials are legitimate. There are often specific scrap collection regulations that vary by state and jurisdiction. If you live in Tennessee, a comprehensive list of expectations can be found here. Most scrap metal dealers follow the ScrapTheftAlert program to protect their yards from gathering materials obtained illegally. Where such programs are in place, special licensing may be required, or simply a registered driver’s license may be all that is needed. Each scrap dealer can provide more insight into these regulations.
Scrap Metals Dealer, Roane Metals in East Tennessee
Our work fosters a sense of great pride for us. We take ethically found scrap metals, and recycle and reuse them. This promotes the economy, as the scrapper can walk out with money in pocket on day of metal delivery. Our recycling efforts have helped to keep junk out of landfills, helping our future generations. Stop by our locations in Crossville or Rockwood, TN, which are moments from anywhere in East Tennessee. To find our addresses, visit our website or reach out via phone at 865-354-4282.