Are you looking for a way to earn some extra money? Going to a metal recycling center is an excellent way to make a few dollars while also promoting recycling culture.
If you have any appliances, pots, pipes, or other metal items in your garage that you don’t know what to do with, don’t throw them in the trash. If you’re searching for metal recycling centers near my location, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide on what to do.
Where Can I Find Metal Recycling Centers Near Me?
If you’re searching for a metal recycling center near me, the map below will help you find the closest locations to your current position.
Making Money at a Metal Recycling Center Near Me
When something is no longer useful to us, we often leave it forgotten somewhere in our homes or simply have a yard sale to make a little money from it. Many people have items with metal components that they don’t realize can be sold for others to create new products.
One of the most durable materials is metal, and it’s unfortunate that it’s often considered obsolete. Recycling is the best alternative to give scrap metal a second life, and by doing so, we are contributing to the environment.
Steel scrap requires less energy to be melted down compared to other raw materials, so its reuse also helps save space in garbage containers or landfills.
Specifically, scrap metal can be transformed into something else to avoid creating it from scratch with new raw materials. That is why metal recycling centers are so common nowadays. If you’re thinking of opening one, you’re sure to earn some extra money in no time.
Is There a Copper Buying Place Near Me?
If you’re looking for a place to sell copper near my location, the map below shows all the metal buying centers in your area.
What Metals Can I Bring to a Metal Recycling Center Near Me?
There are different types of scrap metals, including copper. Generally, copper sells for a higher price than other metals. Many types of copper cost around $3 to $4 per pound. It is commonly obtained from pipes, electrical cables, and more.
Additionally, some appliances like air conditioners or washing machines yield copper coils when they are disposed of. Similarly, old computers can be disassembled to obtain copper wire. Here are the other types of metals you can recycle:
Aluminum Recycling
Although not as valuable as copper, aluminum sells for around 55 cents per pound. Many appliances contain aluminum parts, as well as various kitchen utensils. Traditional beverage cans are also a popular item for aluminum recycling, although you need quite a few to reach 1 pound.
Brass Recycling
Brass is slightly more valuable than other scrap metals. Its price is around $1.81 per pound. Brass can be found in door knobs, lighting fixtures, air conditioning units, jewelry, and more. If you work at a shooting range, the bullet casings also contain brass.
Iron Recycling
Iron, or scrap iron, is one of the most common metals and is not as valuable as others. The price per pound also depends on the type of steel. Generally, prices range from 25 to 50 cents. Some appliances like dishwashers are built with steel, which can be sold as scrap metal. Similarly, pipes and old televisions are made of this material. You can use a magnet to identify steel from iron and separate them for selling.
In addition to the common types of scrap, there are other items that can also be sold at a metal recycling center near me, such as:
- Cars and car parts
- Ceiling fan motors
- Surge protectors
- Refrigerators and dryers
- Antique jewelry
- Structural steel
Steel Recycling
Steel is one of the most valuable metals, and you can make good money from selling it. It is a key element in electronics due to its conductivity and flexibility. Many cables, pots, pans, and pipes are made of steel. The price for recycling copper near me can range from $1.25 per pound.
Frequently Asked Questions about Metal Recycling
Where Can I Sell Metal Near Me?
In scrap yards or salvage warehouses, metal is bought by the pound. If you’re looking for recycling centers near me, you can use the mobile app “iScrap,” search on Google, or check websites where everything is sold, like Craigslist.
Another option is to contact a local copper and aluminum buying company near you. Once you find a place to sell metal, you should inquire whether they are willing to buy what you have to offer. Remember to check the prices to determine if they are fair for the current market or if they are trying to take advantage of your lack of experience.
Pro tip: If you have various types of metals, use a magnet to separate non-ferrous metals from ferrous metals. Once separated, group them by their respective categories. This way, you’ll know what you’re selling and can get the best prices.
If you have large scrap items like washing machines, air conditioners, or car parts, consider using a trailer to transport them. Having storage space will also be useful if you want to create your own scrap yard.
How Much Can I Get from Metal Recycling Near Me?
It depends on where you obtain the metal, the types of metals you want to sell, and the amount you can transport daily. If you fill a truck with a ton of steel, you could earn $4 per pound, which amounts to over $200.
Now, 50 pounds of copper pipes could earn you the same amount of money or slightly more. Keep in mind that you won’t make a daily income from selling scrap; it’s not something you should see as a full-time job. However, if you want to earn some extra dollars, it’s a good business opportunity.
Which Metal Recycling Pays the Most?
Copper is the most valuable scrap metal in the United States. Specifically, shiny copper wire No. 1 sells for $3.81 per pound. That’s why it’s the most sought-after metal.
Do I Need a License to Sell Scrap Metal?
In reality, you don’t need a license, but in some states, you may require a commercial license to sell scrap metal. Some states may ask for photo identification and fingerprints. This allows the government to have better control over the business and prevent illegal transactions.
Laws regarding the sale of scrap metal vary by location. For example, in California, junkyards, storage facilities, or recycling centers cannot release payment for non-ferrous metals until 3 days after the sale. If you’re thinking of starting to collect scrap to sell, research local legislation for more information.
