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Scrap Metal is defined as any type of metal which is discarded and can be used for reprocessing into something else. Most earth element metals can be melted down and reformed into new things – which means it retains some value, even if it’s not in the greatest condition or still serves their original intended purpose.
However, the main key thing to remember when you hear the word “scrap” is that it has VALUE.
We use the term Scrap as the term we use when something still has value, even if its original function is now useless.
A good analogy is to think of it like scrapbooking – people take little pieces of things that have a sentimental value to them, although they may not exactly have much use for modern-day times — and this then is transformed into a precious and priceless way of reprocessing their memories.
The day of a life of someone who sells aluminum scrap and other metals will find old metallic objects that no one wants or doesn’t serve a purpose as-is in its current condition.
Examples of this may be old appliances, old electrical wires, outdated plumbing and electronics fixtures, old computer hardware.
Once we have all of this material collected, we next take it to a local scrap yard or scrap dealer near our home. The best part of all of course is they pay you for the scrap metal you collect and bring to them!
To understand this concept best, now compare and contrast getting paid for that “old rusty junk” to having a bag of garbage.
When we think of trash or waste or garbage – we usually don’t see the value in something that can’t be used. Most of the time garbage has potential hazardous or unsanitary waste – think old rotting food, etc.
Generally, not only are you not getting paid for bringing these items to someone, you more often that not have to pay someone to take garbage away. Pretty big difference between making money and spending money!
All of these things are the key in understanding the difference between scrap and trash. You’ll find many of these items that you may think are completely useless actually do have quite a bit of value.
Metals are a precious limited non-renewable resource on earth, and many of them can be difficult or sometimes dangerous to obtain in raw form or manufacturer.
Advantages of Selling Precious Metals
There are a lot of great reasons to collect metal and sell it to local scrap metal buyers. Some of our favorite reasons are:
- You can earn money – there are recycling yards in almost every major city that will pay you for whatever metal you may bring them. Scrap metal recycling is a great way to earn extra cash, or for those who learn the tricks of the trade and out in the effort, even replace the need for a full time job!
- You can make your community better: Many people have a hard time getting rid of stuff they don’t want. You can help neighbors and others in the community who are unable to get rid of their own scrap metal, as well as reduce the number of items that are disposed of illegally or improperly.
- It’s good for the environment! According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency {also known as the EPA}, using scrap metal instead of raw metals reduces energy consumption by 75%, reduces the need for dangerous and often inhumane mining conditions by 90%, reduces air pollution by 86%, uses less water and reduces water pollution, and helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills. Pretty impressive for some rusty old junk!
These Examples of Things Might Surprise You!
We’ve made a list below as examples of scrap metal items – you might be surprised that these things can be actually sold! If you are considering selling these items however of course, we also always recommend checking the current scrap metal market price list for buyers and recyclers in your local region.
Some of the things you might not expect to have value:
- Car Batteries
- Wires & Plugs to Broken Appliances
- Computer semi-conductors and CPU chips
- Old patio chairs {be sure to separate the frame from the fabric to get the best possible price!}
- Automotive parts
- Old plumbing & HVAC fixtures
- Window and Door frames, if aluminum
- Non-working appliances
- Electronic gadgets
- Kitchen utensils, such as knives, spoons, and forks
- Stainless steel Cookware
- Die-Cast toys
Of course, it is crucial to always sort the different types of items you have before attempting to sell them as a recycler in order to get the best available pricing.
Be sure you also “clean” the items – be sure to remove any non-metal materials, including wood, plastic, and fabric. It might seem like an extra step or a small detail, but it makes quite the difference! See our tips for selling scrap metal!
We hope this has helped you understand what the definition of scrap metal is and how it is very much different than some old trash laying around – that rusty old junk is valuable stuff! Were we able to answer your questions? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!