Scrap metal can not only bring in income but also help the environment by returning old goods for recycling. A few simple tips can increase the amount of money you make from selling scrap metal. It’s not only the metal it is that determines its value, but also its quality and condition. The prices of scrap metal can fluctuate frequently, and sometimes change from day to day. It is important to separate, sort, and sell scrap metal when it is most profitable.
Calling scrap yards is the best way to find out how much they are paying for a specific metal. Scrap yards will usually give you their current rates. You can often see patterns in the market by contacting scrap yards often. It is a good idea to contact multiple scrap yards before selling scrap metal. Even though they may be located in close proximity, it is not unusual to see wide variations in the prices paid by scrap yards.
Metal is classified by its condition. While aluminum can fetch a fair price, the same aluminum that has been painted or embedded with screws will make it earn significantly less. It is a good idea to sort the metal before you take it in. A scrap yard will only pay the amount that the load contains of the lowest-quality metal. The scrap yard will count the whole load as having both clean and painted aluminum. The scrap yard will count the entire load as galvanized if it contains a mixture of stainless steel and galvanized steel.
While some scrap yards accept only certain metals, others will take all types. It is best to know in advance which scrapyards accept which types of scrap metal, and which ones will accept combination loads. It is also a good idea to ask if there are minimum weights they will accept or if they only take small amounts. Sometimes scrap metal sales require a trade-off. Although it may take longer to remove screws or scrape off paint, the final payoff could be greater.
