What is Metal Recycling and How is it Done?
Recycling is the process of changing materials into a new product. You may have known that paper and plastic can be recycled, but how does this work with metal? Used metal objects and metal scrap can be melted down and reformed into new products. Metal recycling helps reduce waste and energy consumption, while also curtailing the excavation of metals.
Recycling is fantastic for the environment, but did you know that it can also be good for your pocket? Most municipalities will pick up your recycling, but the only metal you can recycle is aluminum cans. In addition to recycling cans, you can also sell the majority of your metal scrap to a recycling facility. It’s a win-win: you are getting paid the help the Earth. Lets look at how you can start recycling metal.
Houston Metal Recycling: 4 Easy Steps
- Research Prices: First thing is first, you want to call a few recycling centers to see what they will pay for certain metals. Certain metals are more valuable than others; copper, for example, is surprisingly valuable. This also allows you to see what types of metal they accept. Moreover, if you do not have a way to transport your scrap, you should look for a recycling center with a free pick-up service.
- Find and Sort your Scrap: The most common metals for recycling are copper, aluminium, brass, steel, stainless steel, carbide, lead, iron, nickel alloys, and computer wires. If you do not have easy access to scrap metal, you may want to contact certain businesses that need to dispose of their scrap metal. Good businesses to try are construction, demolition, electrician, and plumbing companies. Oftentimes, they will be happy to give you their scrap because this takes it off their hands. Before you take the scrap to the recycling facility, you will want to sort your scrap into groups of similar metals. Not only will the recycling facility appreciate it, but you will also get a better idea of how much scrap you will be selling.
- Delivering the Scrap Metal: Its time to load all your scrap up and take it over to the facility. If the metal scrap is heavy, make sure to have someone help you load it into the vehicle. Some buyers will charge you for pick-up services, while others will offer it for free.
- Get Weighed and Get Paid: The amount you get for your scrap depends on the market price of the specific metal and the amount that you brought it. The recyclers will weigh out your scrap and pay your accordingly. Make sure to go to a place that pays you cash! Do not take the risk of getting ripped off with a bounced check.
Follow these easy steps and you will be making money and saving the planet in no time! To learn more about metal recycling, call Gulf Coast Scrap Metal at 713-868-4111.