Selling scrap metal gives you an easy way to make a little extra cash and clear out items you don’t need. It also has eco benefits, as the scrap can be recycled and kept in circulation, keeping it out of landfills and leaching chemicals into the environment. But if you’re new to this process, there are a few beginner’s mistakes that will eat into your earnings. Make the most of your scrap haul by avoiding these common pitfalls.

What Not to Do When Selling Scrap Metal

1. Grouping All Your Scrap Together

Are you looking to sell a variety of different metals? Sorting them into distinct groups will save the buyer time and potentially get you a higher price. To start, gather some bins and a marker to label them with categories like “steel,” “copper,” and “aluminum.” Then, use a scrap magnet to separate the nonferrous metals from the ferrous ones; ferrous metals, such as steel or iron, will stick to the magnet. You can then separate the scrap into smaller groups. For example, you can identify copper by its reddish or dark brown color, while aluminum is typically thin and silver or white.

2. Not Preparing Your Scrap

You’re leaving money on the table if you’re not taking a few simple steps to get your scrap ready for sale. If you’re junking a car, for example, any remaining fluid may result in a deduction from the final price, so drain the oils or antifreeze first. For wires, expose the valuable copper by removing the insulation with a stripping tool, and drain any Freon from appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners.

3. Not Researching Scrap Yards

You don’t want to have all your hard work sorting metals go to waste by visiting a scrap yard that won’t make you a decent offer. Before selling your haul, do some research on local places. Read online reviews, ask about their prices, and visit the facility in person. You may also want to call and ask about their environmental practices; a quality scrap yard will be able to explain their eco-conscious recycling practices.

For fair scrap metal prices and excellent customer service, visit Metalico Rochester in New York. This EPA-recognized Green Power Partner serves the Greater Rochester region with environmentally responsible metal recycling services for everything from computer and car parts to common household appliances, including air conditioners, dishwashers, and lawnmowers. And with their cash for scrap fundraising program, you can help fund nonprofits and charities by trading in your metal. Visit them online to learn more about what you can scrap, and call (585) 436-0713 to speak with a representative.