HOW TO REMOVE SCRAP METAL
Most of us end up collecting quite a bit of junk and scrap metal over time. Old lawn mowers that may or may not work, refrigerators that we haven’t gotten around to throwing away, or metal from remodeling/construction debris. Trashy’s Hauling and Junk Removal specializes in hauling away scrap metal seamlessly. However, you do have other options when it comes to removing scrap metal depending on how determined you are on saving money. We’ll cover 3 different ways that you can have scrap metal removed for free and also how you can actually make money with it.
Keep in mind that a few of these require that you have some kind of truck and/or trailer to transport the scrap metal. For certain situations you may save money by hiring a removal service to get rid of the metal for you. Especially if it’s a large job.
3 WAYS TO GET RID OF SCRAP METAL FOR FREE
#1
Post on Facebook and/or Craigslist saying that you have free scrap metal available for whoever is willing to come over and haul it away. There are a lot of people out there who go around and pick scrap metal up to sell to the local scrap yard. Also, if you have a broken washer, dryer, refrigerator, etc. They may fix it up and resell it on Facebook or Craigslist.
#2
Sell the scrap metal to your local scrap yard yourself. If you have a truck and/or trailer then you’ve already got the means to transport whatever scrap metal you have to the local scrap yard. You usually have to have quite a bit of metal to make this worth doing. Scrap yards usually pay around $.08 per lb which isn’t a lot. But the more you have, the more you can make. That works out to roughly $160 per ton (2,000lbs). Another thing to make note of when doing this is making sure that you’re not weighing your truck or trailer down more than what they’re rated for.
There are 2 types of scrap metal: Ferrous and Non Ferrous
Ferrous metals contain iron and will usually fetch a lower price at the scrap yard since they are heavier and more abundant. Examples of ferrous metals are: cast iron, iron, pig iron, carbon steel and titanium.
- Common uses for repurposed ferrous metals are building the structures for bridges, sky scrapers, car frames, and airplanes.
- Ferrous metals are heavy duty, durable, good conductors of electricity, and usually magnetic.
Non Ferrous metals do not contain iron and will usually fetch a higher price at the yard. Examples of non ferrous metals are: aluminum, copper, nickel, tin, lead, and zinc.
- Copper is one of the most valuable non ferrous metals in terms of selling for scrap. It can be found in many different places and appliances such as HVAC units, refrigerators, washers, dryers and window a/c units. Scrap yards will pay a higher premium for copper and other non ferrous metals if they are already separated out.
- Non ferrous metals are harder to come by and don’t weigh as much as ferrous metals. They also have many uses
#3
Resell bulky appliances as is or fix them up to get a higher price. A lot of scrap metal that ends up at the yard tends to be appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. Most people don’t realize how hot these items are on Facebook marketplace and Craigslist. You can either sell these appliances as is in a broken state or fix them up to get more $$. Usually even an old, out-dated refrigerator that still works will sell for anywhere between $100 and $200. These appliances are expensive when purchased brand new and a lot of people can’t afford to spend $1000 on a brand new refrigerator. They are valuable machines that aid in the completion of essential everyday tasks which is why learning how to fix them up and resell them can be a great skill to have!
PROPER DISPOSAL
Scrap metal really shouldn’t be taken to the landfill. Since metal doesn’t break down it’s not good for it to be thrown into the landfill where it can pollute the soil for many years to come. When you recycle scrap metal it can be repurposed for many different uses such as building bridges, roads, aircrafts and vehicles. We’ve already covered scrap yards and reselling, but another place that will accept metal is your local recycling center. Generally they will accept less bulky metal such as cans. Check with your local waste management company about bulky item pickup because some of them do offer that service and will sort the metal out themselves.
CONCLUSION
Having said all that, these methods can be time consuming. Maybe you have too much on your plate to think about taking the scrap metal to the scrap yard yourself or fixing up and reselling any appliances. Or maybe you don’t have a truck or trailer and don’t want to have to mess with renting one. Here at Trashy’s Hauling we make it easy to remove your junk or scrap metal. Just follow these steps:
- Click here to go to our estimate page.
- Either fill out the submission form, or call our number for immediate assistance.
- Schedule a pickup with us.
- Watch, as we remove your junk or scrap metal seamlessly while you sip a margarita or something!