Stacked up discarded cars, mounds of aluminum cans, miles of wound up wiring, and the constant roar of forklifts and cranes, these are all common sights and sounds of the scrap yard near me. But don’t be fooled by the humble settings, scrap yards play an important role in many industries when it comes to creating new metal from scrap rather than extracting it from ores. Plus, on an individual level, scrap yards can play an important role in putting more cash in your pocket. Here are a few things you may want to know before visiting a scrap metal recycling center near you.

Who Uses Scrap Metal Recycling?

More than likely your favorite neighborhood scrap metal recycler serves more than one industry. When it comes to the everyday individual or group of individuals, scrap yards act as a quick, easy way for fast cash in your pocket when you sell old cars, appliances, or other scrap metals. However, many scrap metal recyclers also work with commercial businesses, manufacturers, and industrial companies in a client-client relationship. What we mean by that is commercial businesses, manufacturers, and industrial companies may utilize a scrap yard to recycle their own leftover metals, while also coming to them to buy recycled, processed metals.

Check What They Will and Will Not Take.

Before you haul yourself and your multitude of potential scrap to the yard, double check what your scrap metal recycler will take. You may find out you cannot scrap that old tube TV as is, or those street signs/railroad stakes you picked up off the side of the road. Most scrap metal recyclers with websites will list what they accept.

Scrap Prices Fluctuate Regularly.

Scrap metal prices fluctuate on a daily basis, so scrap yards buy your scrap according to market prices. If you are wanting to know what the current going rate is for a particular type of metal, call your local scrap metal recycler.

Have All the Necessary Documents.

No matter what you’re scrapping, you will be asked to show your driver’s license and have your vehicle information, such as your license plate, taken down. If you are bringing in an old vehicle or an air conditioner evaporator coil or condenser, you will be asked for additional documentation, like the car title and any lien information or proof you are an authorized agent, representative, or employee**, respectively. This could also apply to other items, so if you are unsure what you need in order to sell your scrap contact your local scrap yard.

**TN laws require air conditioning components may only be sold by a licensed heating and air conditioning dealer or repairman or a registered and licensed “scrap metal dealer” with the state of Tennessee.

Prepping Your Scrap Items May Get You More Money.

Having the refrigerant from that old refrigerator properly drained by a licensed HVAC technician or taking the tires off that forgotten car could save you some money in the long run. Many scrap yards will provide similar services for you but for a fee that ultimately comes off your bottom line.

This also goes for sorting your metal scrap before you arrive. By being proactive and sorting your scrap into different metal categories before coming, you’ll save time at the yard and could get a better value out of your trip.

Not All Items are Available for Immediate Pay Out.

Some items may have payment restrictions related to them. For example, if you bring in copper, you will have to have a check mailed to you or may accept a 5 day voucher to be paid in person. Check with the scrap yard near you for other items that may have payment restrictions.

How Much Scrap Will Scrap Yards Take at One Time?

Most scrap yards have the equipment necessary to take entire truck and trailer loads of scrap at one time. So, if you can fit in the back of your vehicle or tie it down on that trailer of yours, bring it on in!

Frequent Supplier of Scrap Metals? There May Be an App.

If you think you’ll be scrapping regularly or you are a commercial/industrial business working with a scrap yard, check to see if your local scrap metal recycler has a customer portal or app. Scrap yards across the United States have started using portals such as Scrap Dragon to help frequent scrappers review their transactions in one place, saving phone calls or email conversations.

Scrap Yards Near Me in Knoxville, TN, Cookeville, TN, and Chattanooga, TN

Now that you have your scrap metal all together, sorted, and prepped for the yard, bring a photo ID and any other necessary documentation to collect your cash! With scrap yards in Rockwood, TN, and Crossville, TN, Roane Metals Group makes scrapping your metal easy. If you need additional information about what scrap metal we accept or current pricing, contact us online or by calling (865) 354-4282 in the Knoxville/Rockwood area or (931) 707-0907 for customers in the Greater Crossville area.