In Metro Detroit, there are thousands of people reaping the benefits of scrap metal recycling. Besides the positive impact it has on our environment, recycling scrap metal can put extra cash in your pocket. Scrap metal yards have customers come in with scrap metal on a daily basis. The people who do this are taking full advantage of the scrap metal industry and you can too.

So, if you want to begin scrapping, or are new to the industry, the first few questions you may be asking are:

• What are the scrap metal prices near me in Metro Detroit?
• What determines the scrap metals value?
• How much can I make selling scrap metal for cash?

Unfortunately, scrap metal prices fluctuate each day. Since metals are commodities they change regularly. However, trends show that scrap metal prices are determined by the type of metal and their use within the world. We have gathered the information you need to know about what determines the scrap metal prices for each type of metal. Use this guide to help with your hunt for identifying and understanding what metals are the most valuable and can get you the highest cash value.

Price of Scrap Metal Today in Metro Detroit

Scrap metal prices change based on the market’s condition. For example, when the Metro Detroit area has an increase in residential or commercial building projects, there could be a higher demand for copper since it can be used for multiple building purposes. This would result in an increase for scrap copper prices, meaning more money in your pocket.

The scrap metal prices are all based off the demand for a certain metal. Below are some of the most common metals and what determines their scrap metal prices:

• Copper: Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals you can come across. It is found in most electronic products we use daily. The metal is valuable because of its resistance to corrosion and ability to be molded and applied for many purposes. Copper is highest in scrap metal prices and should be added to your list of materials to look out for when scrapping. Copper pipes, copper tubing and electrical wiring are all materials you can bring in to your local scrap yard.
• Silver: The demand for silver is always high. Since it is resistant to rust and can endure extreme temperatures, scrap metal yards will happily pay top dollar for any scrap silver you bring in. Be on the lookout for any jewelry that might contain silver as well as old silverware. Take your silver to a scrap yard instead of a jeweler. Scrap yards will pay higher prices.
• Brass: Be on the hunt for brass when scrapping. Scrap metal prices for brass have seen a rise over the last couple of years. Luckily, you can find brass everywhere. Common objects like door knobs and musical instruments all contain brass. It is easily identifiable because of its resemblance to gold when polished or cleaned. Your local scrap yard would be happy to pay you for any brass scrap you stumble across.
• Aluminum: When you think of aluminum the first thing that comes to mind are pop cans. So, why is aluminum on the list for highest scrap metal prices when you only receive 10 cents for returnables? Well aluminum is still the most recycled metal to this this day, but the demand has yet to decrease. Aluminum has always had a higher return value at scrap metal yards. They will be glad to take more than just soda cans as well. You can find aluminum in old bike frames and even old electronic devices.
• Stainless Steel: Another metal that seems to be to abundant to have a high scrap metal price is stainless steel. However, stainless steel is in demand because it contains other precious metals including chrome, nickel and iron. It is also worth noting stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and is known for its shiny appearance. You can grab stainless steel scrap off many objects including old appliances and automotive parts.
• Gold: To no surprise, gold makes the list for having one of the highest scrap metal prices. Simply because of its scarcity and chemical makeup. Gold has always been highly sought after and the demand has no sign of ever decreasing. When you do stumble upon old gold, you can expect a high return from any local scrap yard in Detroit.

Finding the Best Scrap Metal Prices Near Me

Now that you know the basics about scrap metal prices and the value of scrap metal, you can be confident knowing what your haul is worth. Choose a local Metro Detroit scrap yard that knows the true value of the metal you are bringing in. The scrap yard that will offer the best prices for your scrap will be the ones who are experts on the current market value. They will pay you the reasonable competitive price for your scrap metal based on the current demand.

Know the quantity of scrap. Scrap yards set scrap metal prices per pound. Knowing the value of the metal you have, along with quantity will help you choose the best scrap yard to take your findings to.

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best scrap metal prices there is no definitive answer. With fluctuating prices and the demand for certain metals changing each day, you can never pinpoint the exact amount your scrap metal will be worth. However, go to a local Metro Detroit scrap yard and get the current price for each metal. They will be the ones to give you top dollar and have the highest price.

The post Everything You Need To Know About Detroit Scrap Metal Prices appeared first on GT Scrap Recycling.

So you are interested in selling scrap metal? It is a great way to make some extra pocket cash. After spending your day collecting and sorting your’e left with giant piles of metal and one question. How much is this all worth? It would be a shame to do all the work for little return. Luckily, we have compiled a list of average scrap metal prices in the Metro Detroit area. The prices listed can help give you an estimate on how much all your scrap metal is worth.

The Price of Scrap Metal

Before driving on down to your local scrap yard there are few things you should consider. If you haven’t already we recommend reading our blog “How to Find, Sort and Sell Scrap Metal for Cash”. This blog will educate you on identifying the types of metal you have, as well as how to properly sort your items. We want to help you get the best cash value for your scrap metal. Knowing the basic characteristics and types of metal you have, will give you a better idea of the possible scrap metal return. There are plenty of scrap tips you can use that can up your metal’s cash value.

Scrap yard prices range all over the area. Scrap yards typically determine the value of your scrap by their weight per pound. Non-ferrous metals have a higher return value than ferrous metals. To ensure the best return value for your scrap, we recommend sorting and organizing your scrap into separate piles based on their metal type. If you go to your local scrap yard with mixed metals, you could be losing out on extra cash.

Average Scrap Metal Prices in Metro Detroit

The amount of money a person can make scrapping can range from a few extra bucks, to a few thousand dollars. It all depends on how often you scrap, as well as possible connections you may have with local building or construction companies. Obviously the more dedicated you are and the time you put in will determine the amount of money you make from scrapping at the end of the day.

It is important to remember that scrap metal prices vary day to day. Scrap yards adjust their prices based on their current market prices. The market price is constantly changing based on the supply and demand of a certain metal. Metals are a commodity and change regularly. Depending on the time of year and other factors, can influence your potential return value. For example, the price of copper can fluctuate based upon a local increase in the building of homes and businesses. The more copper that is needed to build structures, the more companies are willing to pay. This can be applied to other types of metals as well.

Scrap Metal Worth Per Pound

Now after you have sorted your metals into proper piles based on the metal type and characteristics, you can estimate the potential return you will have at your local scrap yard. Remember local scrap prices can vary at each scrap yard so it is best that you do some investigating to find the best scrap yard. We have provided you with some reliable resources that can allow you to check current scrap metal prices. These prices are subject to change based on the current market as well as your local scrap yard prices.

Scrap Register

Scrap Register is focuses on global scrap trading. You can use this site as a reference for estimating what your potential cash value may be for your scrap metal and other materials. The site is broken down into metal categories and gives you the current price the metal is going for in each region in the United States. This site also includes electronic scrap prices. With a subscription you can constantly see the live updates for current scrap prices.

Verichek Technical Services, Inc.

Verichek specializes in metal identification. They offer a scrap metal recycling guide that is perfect for new scrappers. They have a list of the average price’s different types of metal sell for. Of course, prices are subject to change but if you want a quick simple reference for estimating your scrap’s cash value, this is a good website to use as a resource. Their beginner’s guide also highlights key information and the benefits scrap recycling has on our economy and environment.

Hopefully, this information is of use to you. Knowing the current prices of scrap metal can give you an idea of the possible cash value all your scrap metal offers. Keep in mind each of the metals listed can vary in type condition. To ensure maximum cash value make sure you properly sort your scrap to the best of your abilities. The more educated you are on metal and scrapping methods the more likely you are to walk away with more cash. Do your research and find out what the what local scrap yards in Metro Detroit offer and compare them to these prices.

The post How Much Your Scrap Metal is Worth in Metro Detroit appeared first on GT Scrap Recycling.

So, you’re wondering what exactly is e-waste? E-waste (electronic waste) refers to any electronic product nearing the end of its “useful life.” E-waste refers to products like your BlackBerry phone that’s been sitting in your junk drawer for 6 years while you use your new iPhone. The term refers to any old electronics such as, hard drives, tablets, computers, copy machines, etc.

These used electronics can be salvaged and recycled for other purposes. There is value in these old electronics. Many of the cell phones and other electronics we throw away contain precious metals like silver and gold. Unless you’re an expert on the proper way of recycling electronics, you probably won’t be able to obtain the materials. However, local Metro Detroit scrap yards are more than willing to pay you top dollar for old electronics, so they can recycle and dispose them safely.

E-Waste and the Environment

When you turn in your old electronics you’re not just benefitting yourself. E-waste has a negative effect on our environment. If professionals don’t dispose of these products properly the toxic material can effect our air, water and land.

Most electronics contain toxic metals. If harvested or burned improperly, the electronics can release toxins into the air causing harm to our atmosphere.

Now most cases people don’t even bother to take their e-waste to scrap yards. Not only are these people missing out on earning cold hard cash, but the result will be electronics ending up in our landfills. Even though landfills are for trash and items we no longer use, the electronics we dispose of can lead to issues in our soil and water.

Metro Detroit has plenty of landfills that are filling up quickly. They are already contaminated with a lot of electronics. What most people don’t know is that over time the toxic materials from our electronics can seep into our groundwater. Groundwater eventually runs to larger bodies of water. The toxic material can cause harm to plant and water life.

Even out of the Metro Detroit area people should be recycling their e-waste. Looking at third-world countries, if there is a surplus of used electronics filling landfills the toxins will do the same thing. This can result in contaminated water and effecting everyone who still gets water from a natural spring. The effects of e-waste can be detrimental to our environment and should be recycled properly.

Recycling E Waste

There a plenty benefits of e waste recycling that not only benefit you, but our environment and economy. From an environmental stand point recycling the electronic waste preserves our natural resources. The material found in many of our old electronics can be recycled. Metals found in e-waste are 40%-50% more precious and richer than the metals mined.

If we focused our attention on recycling as opposed to mining raw materials, we would see a decrease in air pollution and a decrease in water contamination. The reduction of harmful emissions from greenhouse gases will result in a pollution free environment.

Apart from the environment, e-waste recycling will continue to create jobs in the Metro Detroit area. The more importance we put on the proper disposal of old electronics, the greater the demand will be for professional recyclers. This in turn will create a larger market for recycled material.

Scrap yards in Metro Detroit know the importance of recycling e-waste. The advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages of e-waste. There are plenty of professional companies available that will properly dispose and recycle your old electronics. Most of them will also give you cash in return for your products. Before you throw away any old electronics, think first about recycling your e-waste. Not only will you be helping the environment and economy, you will also be earning cash for products you will never use again.

Metro Detroit recyclers are proud to know they are helping our economy and environment by offering e-waste recycling. Scrap yards will happily take your old electronics in exchange for cash! Metro Detroit has many professionals who have the expertise to properly recycle and dispose of all electronics.

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If you’re not sure how to sort your metals, start with ferrous and non-ferrous metals. We will define them in more detail below but know that the biggest difference is whether the metal contains iron. If you aren’t sure what is a ferrous metal and what isn’t, then invest in a high-powered scrap magnet. Don’t try to go cheap with a refrigerator magnet. It’s just not powerful enough, and keychain scrap magnets can be found in most hardware stores and online. All staff at any scrap yard should be equipped with keychain magnets. Your non-ferrous scrap metal will be sorted, weighed and tested when you bring them to the yard to sell.

How to Sort and Sell Scrap Metal

Sorting and selling the valuable scrap metal from your home and business is a great way to get rid of unused appliances or old cars, and the most valuable metals can come from unexpected places. Now, first things first: it’s best to set out a sorting method before you start. Cardboard boxes are effective and cheap, but if you use plastic tubs, you’ll easily be able to transport them to the scrap yard.

Make sure to label them clearly by metal type. If you are gathering scrap metal from home, and not a demolition site, it might take a while to gather a large amount of scrap metal. Be patient. Once you to gather enough metal to make a profitable trip to the yard, the return will be worth the time spent storing the scrap metal.

Types of Metal – Ferrous vs Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals are metals with no iron in them. These tend to fetch the highest prices at the scrap yard. These metals include aluminum, lead, tin, zinc and nickel. Since non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, you can test them by using a magnet. If it does not stick to the metal, you have a non-ferrous metal. Separate these from your ferrous metals. It is also helpful to separate your non-ferrous metals by metal type, because they all fetch different prices when you sell scrap metal.

The two most common non-ferrous metals are copper and brass. Copper fetches some of the higher prices at the yard, so look out for wiring in stereos, old dryers or other large electric appliances. Strip your wires first to get the highest price. Some yards will tell you that you do not have to strip your wiring, but you will often be paid a lower price if you don’t.

Brass is another highly valuable metal, and it’s found most often in pipe fittings and high-quality plumbing fixtures. However, watch out for red brass. Even though it contains a small amount of copper alloy, it’s still processed as brass. You might also be surprised to learn that old car radiators were made of brass. You can scrap bullet casings and any other brass fixtures you find, including brass interior décor.

Ferrous metals can be found in just about anything that is made of metal, making them the most common, and least valuable, scrap metal, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth the effort. Metal is heavy, and it adds up quickly. Find steel in metal appliances including washers & dryers, as well as many old nuts, bolts, washers and more. Just use your magnet to test them. If you have a large appliance, bicycles (unless it has an aluminum frame) or an old car, you can scrap these as ferrous metals. Metal prices are paid out by the pound. When you have all the scrap you can store, take it all down to your local scrap yard! Use your large pick-up truck or enlist the help of a strong friend who might also help you unload your metals at the yard.

The post How to Find, Sort and Sell Scrap Metal for Cash appeared first on GT Scrap Recycling.