If you have scrap metal on your property from construction projects or old vehicles and appliances, recycling it can bring in a significant amount of money. Many metal recycling facilities offer cash on the spot for loads of metal. Organizing your scrap will get you better prices, as recycling facilities pay more for loads that are easier for them to process. Below, find the basics of sorting your materials.

3 Organizing Tips for the Best Scrap Metal Prices

1. Use Containers

Sturdy metal or plastic tubs are the best choices for holding scrap metal and can be reused for multiple loads. Have several bins to sort your scrap into, and make sure they'll all fit into your car when it's time to transport everything. Also, weigh each bin and write that information down. Most facilities pay by weight, and while they will usually measure the empty container afterward to subtract the weight from the scrap, it helps if you have a baseline so you can check their math.

2. Separate Big Ticket Items

First, look through your pile for electronics and circuit boards. While some of these are common and not valuable, others can be worth much more than you'd get for their weight mixed in with general scrap. Next, use a magnet to separate ferrous metals, or metals containing iron. Steel is a scrap metal which tends to fetch a good price. Look for red copper and lightweight, silver-colored aluminum. These materials are the most valuable bulk metals to recycle.

3. Clean Your Scraps

Your recycling facility will usually pay more for items that have been cleaned of dirt and other contaminants. Sort out clean items into a separate pile. If you have the time, you can clean your scrap metal yourself. Stripping the insulation from copper wires can also bring up the value, but is time-consuming. As a rule of thumb, only spend the time stripping wire that is thicker than your pinkie finger.

For competitive prices on your scrap metal, visit Metalico Rochester in New York. They have provided Monroe County with years of reliable service and are named by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Green Power Partner. The professionals strive to deliver access and quick payment to those who bring recycling materials to their facility. To ask about their policies and prices, call (585) 436-0713 or reach out online.