How to Get Rid of Scrap Metal? Here Are the Best Options

Are you looking to dispose of excess scrap metal? We’ve got you covered! Scrap metal refers to any waste metal or metallic stuff that has lost its usefulness after post-consumer or post-industrial use. Getting rid of metal scrap is crucial to declutter your space and secure your worksite while earning some extra cash. However, it’s a daunting task, especially if there is a lack of correct information about its disposal methods.

Be it old cans, appliances, equipment, broken tools, leftover material, or anything else, scrap metal is recyclable and reusable. Rather than throwing it in the landfill directly, there are some other ways also to get rid of it. From selling it to a scrap yard to tossing it in a dumpster for recycling, many environmentally friendly methods exist to dispose of it responsibly.

In this blog, we will discuss all the possible methods to get rid of scrap metal using eco-friendly practices and how you can rent a dumpster to help handle the job.

First ,Identify and Categorize Your Scrap Metal

Scrap metal is divided into two categories: ferrous and nonferrous, and it is vital to appropriately identify and categorize them.

Ferrous Metals: They contain iron and are magnetic. They are known for their strength and durability. Ferrous metals include steel, light iron, wrought iron, sheet iron, alloy steel, and cast iron. They are less valuable than nonferrous metals but still recyclable and reusable. To maximize their value, make sure to remove any nonmetal parts from the metals, such as rubber, wood, plastic, glass, etc.

Nonferrous Metals: Since nonferrous metals don’t contain iron, they are not magnetic and typically rust and corrosion resistant. Nonferrous metals include copper, zinc, aluminum, stainless steel, bronze, lead, brass, etc. They are more valuable than ferrous metals because they can be used in so many different applications.

Non-Recyclable: Besides ferrous and non-ferrous metals, make sure to separate non-recyclable metals, as they must be disposed of differently. Non-recyclable metals include motor oil cans, radioactive metals, paint cans with paint traces, pots and pans, mercury-containing metals, propane gas tanks, etc.

Donate it to Social Organizations

Scrap metal, if in good form can be donated to support a cause or mission along with getting rid of it. Consider the condition, size, type, and quantity, and donate it to a charitable organization like NGOs, old age homes, orphanages, community projects, etc. Aluminum, copper, brass, and stainless steel are best for donations and charity. They can be used for various charitable and practical applications and purposes. Make sure to assess the condition of the metal and ensure that it’s clean, in good form, and free of hazardous and nonmetal parts. If there is any stain or mark, consider cleaning it first before donating to make it repurposed.

Recycle Your Scrap Metal

Recycling is an environmentally friendly way to get rid of large quantities of metal while earning extra money. Recyclers recycle large quantities of scrap metal and make them useful again as raw materials for industrial purposes. Recycling options include:

Local recycling centers: Local recycling centers/transfer stations accept a range of scrap metal and recycle it for different uses. They sort, process, and recycle it free of charge; however, you may not earn money until the waste is in a large quantity. Some recycling centers also offer pickup services for large items.
Metal recycling facilities: They are private recycling centers that handle a variety of recyclable materials, including metals. Just like local recycling centers, they sort, process, and recycle metal for further usage. They even pay for scrap metal based on the current market rates, making it a good chance to earn extra cash.
Community programs: Municipality and environmental groups host recycling events and drives from time to time where you can drop off your scrap metal easily. This is one of the simplest ways to get rid of scrap metal.
Curbside collection: Some municipalities even offer curbside recycling collection services for scrap metal like aluminum cans, tin, etc. Check your city’s curbside collection programs and which metals they accept to use this method.

Participate in a Take-Back System

A take-back system is an effective and responsible electronic waste collection method implemented by tech companies and organizations. In this, the manufacturer takes back specific types of metals or electronic waste that are at the end of their lives. To do that, check with your local recycling centers and retailers and see if they offer such programs. If yes, understand the guidelines about what kind of metals are accepted, in which condition/form they should be, and how you can return them. After that, clean the accepted scrap metal and drop it off at the designated location. Its main goal is to minimize e-waste.

Find a Scrap Yard

The sorted metal, including ferrous and nonferrous, can be repurposed or sold at a good price. A scrap yard is a kind of business that purchases various types of scrap metal and offers payment based on the type and quantity. They pay per kilogram as per the type – ferrous and nonferrous. They purchase metals in small quantities and sell them to metal refineries in bulk. If you have a lot of scrap metal, you can take advantage of this approach. For smaller quantities, bringing your scrap metal directly to the scrap yard is the best option, as you can receive immediate payment. However, if you have a larger amount, recycling is the more effective solution.

Sell to Local Scrap Metal Buyers

Local scrap metal buyers include scrap yards, dedicated individual buyers, metal recycling facilities, constructors, repair ships, etc. Search online or in local directors, check with local community boards, or try scrap metal buying apps to find buyers. Connect with them and ask how much they are willing to pay for the particular quantity and type. However, make sure to research the current market price of different types of scrap metal and negotiate for the best price to earn the maximum amount.

Rent a Dumpster to Remove Scrap Metal

The easiest and most convenient way to dispose of scrap metal waste is renting a dumpster. Dumpster rental companies offer different types and sizes of dumpsters based on your project scope, needs, and requirements. You can even get separate single-stream bins to segregate the waste into ferrous, nonferrous, and nonrecyclable ones to ensure better recycling and disposal.

To choose the right dumpster size, estimate the volume of metal waste your project has generated. Based on that, select a dumpster from 10, 15, 20 or 30 cubic yards. After that, conform with the rental company if they accept scrap metal in the dumpsters, as there can be some specific guidelines or restrictions. The dumpster rental company will send the scrap to the recycling company, and if it has significant value, they even offer a rebate.

Repurpose It

If your scrap metal is in good quantity, repurposing it is a creative way to make it useful for yourself or others. Here is how you can repurpose scrap metal:

• Home Decor and Furniture: Scrap metal can be used for metal art by creating wall art, sculptures, ornaments, etc. They can also be used as furniture accents like legs for tables, handles, cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, shelving units, etc.
• Garden Projects: Metal scrap can be used for various garden projects, from garden statues, and bird feeders to garden fences and arbors.
• Upcycled Items: If you have creative talent, nothing is better than repurposing it for making upcycled items. You can transform scrap metal into chairs, tables, candle holders, clocks, photo frames, tool holders, lighting fixtures, chandeliers, coat racks, decorative metal pieces, and more.
• Offer to Hobbyists or Artists: If you yourself don’t want to repurpose it, consider offering it to artists, as they can use scrap metal for their projects. They boast artistic and creative talent, which allows them to use even scrap metal for some amazing art.
• Local Contractors or Repair Shops: Businesses like repair shops, construction companies, factories, etc., use metal in their operations. Such companies may accept scrap metal for new purposes, like small-scale projects or repairs.

Why Choose S&A Container Service to Dispose of Metal Scrap?

S&A Container Service is one of the top choices for renting a dumpster to collect scrap metal and dispose of it in an eco-friendly manner. We offer high-quality dumpster rental services tailored to suit your needs and requirements.

S&A Container Service offers a variety of container sizes for roll off or commercial purposes, including 15-yard and 20-yard variants, to accommodate different amounts of metal scrap. Our competitive prices ensure that you receive great value at affordable costs. We offer on-time pickup and drop-off services to save you time and effort. So, whether you are a big company or a household, choosing S&A Container Service is the reliable choice for sustainable waste disposal.

The Final Word on Scrap Metal Disposal

Scrap metal is hazardous if left on the job site; thus, it must be disposed of responsibly. There are different ways to get rid of scrap metal, including recycling, selling, donating, repurposing, etc. From take-back systems and recycling centers to scrap yards and local buyers, we have discussed almost all the possible ways to get rid of scrap metal. Besides that, one simplest method is renting a dumpster that can accommodate all the scrap metal and take it to the recycling center. This saves you a lot of time, effort, and money that would go into manual take-off to any place.

Frequently Asked Questions about Scrap Metal Disposal

1. What is the best disposal method if I have a manufacturing company that generates tons of metal waste? In such a scenario, invest in a scrap metal baler machine that can cut, crush, or compress scrap metals into manageable piles. After that, you can choose any method, like a scrap yard, dumpster rental, recycling center, etc., to dispose of it.
2. Are there any legal or environmental considerations while disposing of scrap metal? Every state has different local regulations related to scrap metal disposal and recycling. Make sure to check the specific laws of your area and the permits required to dispose of scrap metal.
3. Which scrap metal types are most valuable for selling? Nonferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, zinc, brass, nickel, lead, and others are expensive due to their multiple uses, high demand and scarcity. If taken at the right location, such scrap metals can offer you a good amount of money.
4. Why should we recycle scrap metal? Scrap metal cannot be broken down naturally, which means it can harm the environment if thrown directly into the landfill. Therefore, recycling is the best way to reuse it as raw material again in a variety of products and industries.