Whether you are cleaning out the home before a renovation or you just want to remove clutter, taking some scrap metal items to a recycling center is an excellent way to get rid of excess belongings. While some people assume scrapyards only take old cars and large appliances, there are many items around the house that are suitable. Below are some of the most popular items that people sell as scrap metal.

What Can You Take to a Scrapyard?

1. Cans and Containers

Most metal cans can be used as recycling material, as long as they are made of tin or steel. These metals are in high demand because mining the ore to get a usable product requires a lot of money and energy. Instead, it is much easier to reshape and reuse metal that has already been treated for commercial use. These containers can include everything from soda cans to aerosol containers and old coffee tins.

2. Copper Pipes and Tubes

If you are planning to update the plumbing, electrical, or HVAC system in the home, don't throw away the old components and pipes immediately. Many older homes use copper pipes and tubes for both the plumbing and electrical systems, and copper is one of the most valuable metals to recycle. This means you can often find a lot of money when renovating the kitchen and bathroom. If you're getting a new air conditioner or furnace, the old one may also use copper piping. Plus, these appliances are heavy and made of aluminum or steel, which are both recyclable.

3. Cookware

While many newer cooking items are made of ceramic or inexpensive metals, older pieces are often valuable. For example, if you have cast iron pots and pans or stainless steel versions, these are extremely heavy and can be worth a lot to a recycling center. Even some newer cooking items have value, especially copper versions. However, if the pieces have nonstick coatings, this interferes with the recycling process, so avoid taking them.

4. Old Sinks

One of the largest parts of remodeling a kitchen or bathroom involves replacing the sink. While many modern sinks are made of a composite material, even those from the early 2000s use stainless steel or cast iron. Some older models even use brass or brush nickel, which are also valuable. If you plan to take a sink to a scrapyard, remove any fixtures and plastic attachments from the basin to streamline the recycling process.

If you need a scrapyard to take your old household items to, visit Miamitown Auto Parts & Recycling in Cleves, OH. This recycling center serves residents throughout the Tri-State area. Whether you are disposing of a junk car, old tires, or appliances, they can help. They also offer rental containers for large removal jobs. Call (513) 353-1111 to speak with a team member, and visit the website for more information about their services.