Tips for Scrap Metal Collection

If you are not careful during collection, you can make a few costly mistakes, especially if you are new to scrap collection. Therefore, you need to arm yourself with the right tips to make the most out of your scrap venture. Here are tips for scrap metal collection.

You might have to collect scrap metal in potentially dangerous places, from your home to junkyards and demolition sites. Therefore, you need to protect yourself to avoid injuries, lead poisoning, respiratory issues, or other health challenges. This is because some metal boxes and cans contain hazardous contents.

For safety purposes, wear protective clothing during scrap collection in risky places. Proper safety gear should include a mask, gloves, safety shoes, a reflective vest, and a first aid kit to help you in the case of cuts, injuries, or sprains.

Also, inspect the metal and find out if it is too heavy or sharp. If you try to lift a heavy metal unknowingly, you might sustain back injuries. For this reason, you should also carry tools to help you collect such metals. Carry a hammer, wire cutters, pliers, and any other tool that can help you while in the field.

Moreover, make sure your truck can carry your scrap metal safely. Most collectors tend to overlook safety precautions during collection and transportation, but you shouldn't make this mistake.

You might be surprised by the amount of scrap metal you can collect from your neighborhood. You don't necessarily have to go to the junkyards or construction sites. You can ask your neighbors to give you metallic items that they want to discard.

Metals have different qualities, and hence you need to know how to differentiate them during collection. The two major categories of metals are ferrous and non-ferrous types. Ferrous types contain iron, and they cost less than the other group. Examples are steel, steel alloys, and stainless steel.

Non-ferrous metals, on the other hand, don't contain iron. They include copper, lead, tungsten, zinc, tin, titanium, and aluminum. They fetch more on the market, and thus you should gravitate more toward them. A magnet is the best tool to differentiate these two types.

Ferrous metals are magnetic, while non-ferrous metals won't stick to the magnet. This knowledge ensures you don't present a truck full of metals to a recycling company only to make less money because you collected less valuable ones.

Regardless of whether the metal is ferrous or non-ferrous, the grading system determines their worth. The grading is also done on individual metals. For instance, copper has different grades, which differ based on their levels of impurities.

Metal pieces that are pure and easy to recycle have a high value. Metal grading skills are essential for anyone who takes part in scrap metal collection.

This tip is not directly linked to the scrap metal collection, but it can significantly help you when you are out in the field. Visit your recycling company and ask the employees questions, such as about the most valuable parts in old household items, the different grades of metals, how to identify valuable metal, and market prices.

The recycling professionals will even help you understand materials that are in high demand in the metal recycling industry. However, you have to create a rapport with them. When you deliver metals, greet the workers and converse with them. This way, they will feel free to share with you critical tips that will increase your earnings.

Scrap metal collection can help you make money. With these tips, you have what it takes to collect quality scrap metals.

Big Daddy Scrap buys scrap metals from anyone who needs to recycle scrap. We offer fast and reliable services to residents in Chicago land area. Contact us today for more information, or visit our locations in Chicago Heights and Kankakee.