Whether you’ve just finished the demolition phase of your home remodeling project or have been collecting soda cans for months, you may have thought of visiting a scrap metal recycling center. However, if you’ve yet to visit one of these facilities, there are a few pointers you should know in advance. To ensure you get the best price for your possessions, take advantage of the following do’s and don’ts. 

Do: 

Research the pricing.

Scrap metal prices can vary based on a variety of factors. For example, if a recycling plant has too much of a certain metal, or if many customers are looking to buy another, the recycling prices will reflect this supply and demand. By finding out how much your local metal recycling plants are willing to pay, you can make the best decision about which yard to visit.

Separate your scrap.

Each type of metal is worth a different amount—for example, copper is much pricier than aluminum. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to sort your scrap before bringing it to a metal recycling facility. If you have an assortment of metals in the same bin, you might only receive the rate for the least expensive type of metal you brought, or you could receive an extra charge for sorting.

Don’t:

Misidentify what you have.

It’s crucial to do your research on how to identify different types of metal before sorting and taking your scrap to the recycling center. Otherwise, you might not get the payout you’re expecting. While some metals are easy to spot—for instance, soda cans are almost always aluminum—others require a closer look, such as using a magnet to separate #400 Stainless Steel from other steel varieties that aren’t magnetic.

Bring dirty scrap.

To clean scrap metal is to remove any nonmetal materials from the piece, such as screws, rubber, or wires. If you remove steel attachments from a copper piece, keep both—just make sure they’re set aside in different bins. Otherwise, you could be missing out on the full value of your metal objects.

If you’re looking for a reliable metal recycling center, consider Holmes Iron & Metal of East Spencer, NC. With over 40 years of experience, you can trust their team to offer expert guidance on your scrap metal concerns. Whether you’re trying to get rid of large appliances or make extra cash from spare aluminum parts, you can expect a fair payout for your contribution. To learn more about their services, visit the website, or call (704) 633-6119 today.