Do you often find yourself with more scrap metal than you know what to do with? Are you wondering how to dispose of scrap metal in a timely and efficient manner? Knowing your options for how and where to get rid of scrap metal allows you to formulate a strategy that suits you and/or your company.
While anyone can find themselves with an excess amount of scrap metal, it’s more common among these groups:
- Contractors
- Manufacturing and industrial companies
- Utility service providers
For example, if you’re a general contractor, some projects may leave you with an excess amount of scrap metal. Rather than give in to temptation and dump it in the landfill, there are options that are much more efficient, environmentally friendly and even profitable.
No matter how often you find yourself with scrap metal, you should have a plan for exactly what you’ll do with it. Here are three of your best options:
- Recycle It at a Local Scrap Yard
The best way to dispose of scrap metal is to recycle it. Not only can this put some money back in your pocket, but it’s also the most environmentally friendly option.
Find a local facility in your area that collects scrap metal for recycling. Here’s how this process works:
- Prepare your metal by category. When possible, separate your metals by aluminum, brass, copper, electronics, iron/tin and stainless steel. A miscellaneous category is also helpful for spare items.
- Plan your drop-off. Once you load your metal, schedule a drop-off at your local scrap yard. Let them know that you’re coming—such as by scheduling an appointment—to minimize the amount of time that you’re there.
- Let the professionals take over. At this point, the professionals at the facility will unload your scrap metal, weigh it and provide you a price quote.
As long as you’re happy with the quote, you can exchange your scrap metal for cash.
- Recycle It Via a Pickup Service
The end result of having a scrap yard pick up your metal is the same as personally transporting your scrap to a local facility. The only difference is that you don’t have to make the drive yourself. Instead, you can schedule a pickup at the location that’s most convenient for you.
The benefits of recycling via a pickup service include:
- Greater convenience, as you don’t have to transport the scrap metal
- No concerns about whether you’re able to transport all of your metal in one trip
- Save time and money on traveling back and forth from the facility
- Still receive cash in exchange for your metal
The only downside of this option is that you won’t receive payment on the spot, as the recycling company will need to weigh it before providing a price quote.
- Trash It
As a homeowner, contractor or business owner, you may have the ability to place scrap metal on your curb for the trash collector. However, before you do this, answer the following questions:
- Does your local trash collector allow you to dispose of scrap metal in this manner?
- Do you have a recycling collector in your area? (This is the better option.)
- How much scrap metal is too much scrap metal for the collector to handle?
The biggest drawback of trashing scrap metal—even if you’re permitted to do so—is that it won’t be recycled and reused. Instead, it will make its way to a landfill, where it can take hundreds of years to break down or decompose. Also, when you trash scrap metal, you don’t receive any money in return.
If you’re wondering where to dispose of scrap metal, contact us to schedule a free consultation. We can provide information on details such as volume projections, handling procedures, sorting and pickup scheduling.