Recycling scrap metal benefits the environment, but there are guidelines to follow regarding the condition of materials you submit for recycling. Know what your local recycling center or scrap yard accepts, what they pay, if anything, and follow these tips for successful recycling.

Tips to Recycle Scrap Metal

1. Prepare the Materials

To prep scrap metal for recycling, remove copper wiring and nonmetals like plastic and rubber. The scrap doesn’t need to be clean, but it needs to be appropriately prepared to prevent rejection.

2. Do Your Research

Check out the scrap yards and recycling centers in your area so that you have a clear understanding of which types of scrap metal they take and any other requirements. Call ahead to verify that they will accept your scrap. Make sure to ask about any preparation guidelines, restrictions, and exclusions. 

3. Properly Load Your Truck

Take time to organize your load by type of material. Secure the load to prevent shifting, and check the driver’s visibility. Red-flag any scrap that hangs over the back of the truck. Use ratchet straps or a cargo net to tie down loads, rather than rope or twine, which are less secure during sudden starts, stops, and turns. Know how much weight your vehicle can haul and don’t overload it.

4. Wear Appropriate Clothing

You’ll be handling metal that is sharp and heavy. Wear steel-toed boots, if possible, or closed-toe shoes, gloves, long pants, and shirts with sleeves. Make sure helpers have dressed appropriately, too, and leave kids and pets at home.

Scrap metal recycling reduces waste and conserves natural resources. David Hirschberg Steel & Recycling Center, in Cincinnati, OH, has been recycling steel and other metals since 1913. They also sell new and used steel and industrial surplus. Visit their website to learn more about metal recycling, or call (513) 821-0514 to get answers to your recycling questions.