Scrap yards take in a wide variety of metal items every day. The process by which these salvaged items are sorted and distributed can be a bit confusing for scrappers, especially for newbies. When it comes to scrapping steel, however, most people want to know: What items will be accepted? Why do they need to be weighed? How much money will I get for the scraps?

Taking Salvaged Steel to the Scrap Yard

What Metals Will a Scrap Yard Take?

Virtually all metals are recyclable and bear some value in a scrap yard. Salvaged metal that is accepted by a scrap yard needs to be graded, weighed, and priced. Metals are typically separated into two groups—ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Steel is graded as a ferrous metal, meaning that it contains iron. Like all the other metals that enter the scrap yard, it needs to be weighed to be priced.

Why Do Scrap Yards Weigh Steel?

As mentioned before, the primary reason for weighing steel is to set its price. However, due to its low market value, steel it usually bought and shipped in bulk. More valuable non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and titanium can be bought and sold by the pound, but most scrap yards prefer to deal steel and iron by the ton as doing so is more cost-effective.

Besides pricing, scrap yards weigh steel to determine the cost to ship it. Iron and steel are heavier than most other metals and cost more to transport. Therefore, scrap yards have to carefully factor the price of each stage of the transportation process—from scrap yard to the container, to the truck, until it's loaded onto a ship. A scrap yard could potentially lose money if these costs are not properly calculated.

How Much Money Does Steel Go for at the Scrap Yard?

Like any commodity, the market price can vary depending on supply and demand. Generally, mixed steel goes for about $1-$2 per pound. However, stainless steel and other non-ferrous metals will fetch a higher price. Before you decide to salvage steel items for profit, find out what the going rate is in your area.

If you have a junk car or scrap metal that you want to get rid of, bring it into T&S Automotive located in Thomasville, NC, and get cash in exchange. Call the scrap yard at (336) 882-7989 for pricing details, or visit their website to learn more.