5 Tips to Help You Make the Most Out of Scrap Metal

In 2019, 32% of the crude steel produced worldwide was from recycled metals. This shows that the demand for scrap metal is high and is expected to grow since environmentally conscious individuals and companies gravitate towards recycled products.

Scrap metal collection can help you earn some money. However, the amount that you can make depends on the tactics and strategies you apply. Hence, if you want to venture into the scrap collection business, you should learn ways to increase your earnings. Here are five tips to make more money from your scrap metal.

You need to sort and organize your metals according to types and quality. Some metals such as copper and aluminum have a higher value, but they could go unnoticed if you present them mixed with other recyclables.

For instance, if your scrap collection has more aluminum than copper, the pricing for the entire selection may be determined by aluminum rates. However, if you choose to give the copper separately, you will make more money.

Therefore, gather all your collected metals in your garage and sort them. Put each metal in a separate container and label it. If you are a beginner and don't know how to differentiate metals, seek help from an expert or use online guides.

You should protect your scrap metal during storage before you deliver them to the yard. Ferrous metals rust when they are exposed to water and oxygen for a prolonged period.

Rust can eat away metal, reducing its weight, and since yards primarily pay by weight, you will make less.

You can prevent rust by storing scrap metal in low-moisture rooms or using desiccant drying agents.

One of the reasons you might deliver a truck full of metal and still make less money is collecting only less-valuable metal. Metals fall into two primary groups: ferrous and non-ferrous.

Ferrous metals have iron in them, and examples include cast iron, carbon steel, and alloy steel. These metals have lower prices. Non-ferrous metals don't have iron, and they are more valuable. Examples are copper, zinc, lead, brass, and aluminum.  

You can differentiate these two using a magnet. Ferrous metals are magnetic, while non-ferrous ones are not. Hence, you might need to carry a magnet to your collection site so that you can focus on collecting more valuable metals. You will make a decent amount more money if you show up to a yard with a truck full of non-ferrous metals.

The pricing of scrap metals usually changes depending on demand and supply. Therefore, you need to research and stay updated on pricing. Please visit our website for current pricing.

Besides, knowing the existing market price and the trends can help you deliver scrap metal on a day when the price is high. If you are not in a hurry to sell, this is a great tip for you.

When you buy scrap at high prices during collection, you may not earn a substantial profit. Therefore, you should take advantage of free scrap. You can do this by collecting old metal products in your house.

Look for old or damaged gutters, fixtures, lawnmowers, metallic shelves, chairs, and tables, bicycles, paint cans, musical instruments, nails, and appliances with copper wires. You can find metal all over your home, so don’t overlook any trash. Your neighbors and local businesses might also allow you to collect at their premises. You just have to ask.

These simple tips can help you make more from scrap metal. At Big Daddy Scrap, we offer you a convenient way to recycle scrap and make some money. Visit our locations or contact us today for more information.