It would be nice if you had some extra money to help cover your living expenses or have fun with, right? Your reason may be different from the next person’s, but we could all use more money. You can make some fast cash by visiting a Detroit scrap yard. It is easy but most people have no idea how to get started. This guide will give you tips to walk you through the entire process so you can start collecting and selling scrap metal.

Learn about what you can scrap

Before you can make money at a scrap yard, you need to know what you can scrap. You should be familiar with ferrous and nonferrous metals. Ferrous metals contain ferrum, which is commonly known as iron. They can be easily combined with carbon and other elements for increasing strength.

Ferrous metals include:

• Cast iron
• Wrought iron
• Alloy steel
• Structural steel
• Carbon steel

Nonferrous metals do not contain ferrum, they include:

• Copper
• Aluminum
• Stainless Steel
• Lead
• Brass

Detroit scrap yards often collect E-waste, this refers to old electronic devices, such as computers, printers, tablets, computer towers, hard drives, and copy machines. Old electronics contain precious metals like gold and silver which can only be removed using special processes.

Finding scrap sources

Now that you know what can be returned, you need to collect metal or e-waste to exchange. Collecting scrap metal can be a one-time project at your home or business, or you can make it a regular activity if you find the right sources. If you are looking for scrap metal in your home, check your garage, attic, or storage room for unused metal furniture, electronics and appliances that can be traded for scrap. If you wish to turn scrap collecting into a regular activity, you can ask permission from property owners with buildings and demolition sites. Some homeowners find broken appliances, old bed frames, and other unwanted items to be a nuisance rather than valuable sources of money. Send out flyers or visit Craigslist to announce you are looking for scrap and search for people that are getting rid of it.

Find the right scrap yard

After collecting your scrap metal and electronics, you need to find the right scrap yard in Detroit. You should find out what they will accept. Some scrap yards will not accept your scrap for a variety of reasons. For example, some yards will not accept your metal if they have Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) or other refrigerants. Get the right Detroit scrap metal prices by calling around, visiting websites, and traveling to company locations so you can collect information to find out who is paying top dollar in Detroit.

Getting the right prices is probably the first and most obvious idea for finding the right scrap yard. However, there are a lot of other things you need to take into consideration. Learn about the reputation your chosen scrap yard has. Read customer reviews to learn about what Detroit scrap metal yards are reputable and trustworthy. This will help lower your risk of getting scammed. Also make sure your scrap yard facility is using state certified scales and has a professional, knowledgeable staff.

Getting paid!

The most rewarding part of scrap metal recycling. To make sure your items are not stolen, you will need to bring your driver’s license. Collecting and selling scrap metal to a local Detroit scrap yard is a great way to earn money.

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When you think of precious metals that carry the most value, the first thought that comes to most peoples’ minds are gold and silver. However, an unlikely metal that has increased in value over the course of the past couple of months has now exceeded the value of gold.

Palladium is silvery-white metal that is projected to fall short of demand for the eighth straight year according to an article published by Bloomberg. This has resulted in the increase of demand for the precious metal not only in Detroit, MI but the rest of the world. As palladium prices continue to increase, scrap metal recyclers are willing to buy palladium at top price.

Since it is one of the precious metals that scrap yards are in a demand for right now, take the time to learn more about this precious metal, where to find it and where to sell it safely in Detroit, MI.

Where is Palladium Found?

Mined mostly in South America and Russia, platinum and palladium are typically mined together, with palladium being mined mostly as a secondary metal alongside platinum and nickel. Along with an increase in value with other platinum group metals, which include palladium, scrappers are left asking where to find palladium scrap.

Palladium can be found in a wide range of manufactured items. Palladium resins are the chemicals used in some manufacturing processes and the palladium metal itself is used in the manufacturing of rods, wires and castings.

However, the more common places you will find palladium is in jewelry and catalysts.

• Jewelry: A lot of jewelry you might have that is considered white gold, are most likely made of an alloy of gold and palladium. Palladium jewelry is very common, and the metal can be found in bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Even some jewelry that you might consider platinum may actually be made of palladium because of the early U.S restrictions on the production of platinum.




• Catalysts: The most popular palladium catalyst is catalytic converters which are found in almost all automobiles. It acts to control any harmful emissions that are released from the vehicle. Scrap recyclers can salvage up to 90% of the palladium found in catalytic converters, making them the most common recycled catalyst. Other catalysts that contain the metal include industrial catalysts, other automotive catalysts and petroleum refining catalysts. These often are harder to recycle.

So, in Detroit, MI, your best bet to finding scrap palladium is in a junk car or old scrap jewelry, making the metal very rare to a residential recycler.

Where to Sell Palladium in Detroit, MI

Since recycling is expected to contribute a large portion of the total supply of palladium, many scrap yards in not only Detroit, but around the country are paying a high price for any scrap that contains the precious metal.

Scrap yards are the most common places in Detroit and the metro Detroit area you can go to receive top dollar for any scrap palladium you may have. Make sure to do research on the scrap yard you plan on selling your metal to, however. With a rise in crime and the theft of catalytic converters which contain the metal, scrap yards are focusing only on legal recycling practices.

For the best return value, and safest transactions when recycling palladium, take your scrap to a scrap yard that abides by all Michigan Scrap Laws. Make sure the scrap yard has the proper licensing and a safe atmosphere for residential scrap recycling. Not only, will you be safe selling your scrap palladium at one of these locations, but you will also receive the best cash value for your metal because they are professionals that know the actual worth of what you are scraping.

For more help finding the best local scrap yard near you , take the time to learn what other key factors you should look out for when choosing a scrap yard in Detroit, MI or the surrounding metro Detroit area.

The post Junkyard Palladium: A Breakdown of Palladium Metal Recycling in Detroit, MI appeared first on GT Scrap Recycling.

As new consumer electronics are released daily, we find ourselves constantly upgrading our old devices. But what do you do with all your old electronics? Instead of throwing them away, learn how to make money scrapping computers, cell phones, tablets, computer towers and other electronic products.

Electronic Recycling Detroit, MI

In a quick overview, electronic recycling is the ideal method for disposing of your old electronics. Professional electronic scrap buyers can harvest precious metals found inside your devices and recycle them for future use.

In Metro Detroit, electronic recycling is beneficial to the local community and environment. Because of electronic recycling centers, less e-waste is accumulated in landfills, minimizing the harm done to our environment. Plus, as an added bonus, Metro Detroit electronic scrap yards will pay top dollar for all your electronic waste.

How to Make Money Recycling Electronics

The metals found in your electronic devices are valuable, and electronic buyers can take them off your hand in return for cash. Collecting your old electronics is a great way to make some extra money while at the same time helping the environment.

It is worth noting, before turning your electronics in for money, wipe them clean of any personal information stored within. This can include your gaming console, broken iPhones, broken tablet or broken laptop. Just because the device is broken doesn’t mean that the information can’t be removed.

Where to Sell Electronic Scrap in Metro Detroit

Today, you have a variety of options for selling your electronic scrap. Retailers and websites like Gazelle.com have trade-in programs that allow you to turn old electronics in and receive cash in return. Some public places now even have kiosks that will take your old electronic devices on the spot.

However, these recycling options don’t offer you the highest return value. If you want to sell electronic scrap, your best option is to go to a local electronic scrap recycling center. Smart electronic buyers know the true worth of your devices and will offer you a higher competitive price.

Electronic scrap metal yards are also your best option if you have older or large electronics. Common options for recycling electronics typically don’t include models over five years old or that are in poor condition. At scrap recycling centers, age and size don’t matter. These facilities will buy e-scrap regardless of the condition or age of the device. Just because the device is old or beat up doesn’t mean the metal inside isn’t valuable.

Finding the Best Electronic Scrap Yards Near Me

So, how do you find the best electronic scrap yard that will give you the most cash for your computer scrap and other electronic devices? Well, it’s quite simple:

• Locating Electronic Recycling Centers: Use online tools (like Google) or Metro Detroit directory websites to find local electronic scrap yards in your area. The iScrap App is also a popular mobile app that can give you directions to nearby electronic recycling centers.
• Electronic Scrap Yard Reputation: Take some time to look into the electronic scrap yards you’re considering. Looking at reviews or testimonials from other customers will give you an idea of what location will give you the best experience. A positive reputation is a good sign that the location you are considering is professional and will pay top dollar for your e-waste.
• Electronic Scrap Prices: Electronic scrap yards can set their own price for e-waste. The best option before choosing an electronic scrap yard is to do your own research on current national price averages for the metals found inside your electronics. That way you can make your decision based on the price the scrap yard is offering.

Electronic Scrap Prices in Detroit

Even though there are plenty of locations that buy e-scrap, you should know how much your electronic devices are worth. Check the average value for the metal that is found in your devices. Below is an e-scrap recycling price list, so you can get an idea for what to expect when turning in any electronics.

Electronic scrap prices are the determining factor for finding the best electronic recycling center near you. Below are common types of electronic scrap and their typical worth:

• Clean Green Motherboards: Contain more gold then non-green motherboards, making them more valuable.
• Non-Green Motherboards: Less then half the worth of a clean green motherboard but still have a higher return value than most other e-scrap.
• Memory Chips: Contains gold, silver, copper, aluminum and tin. Memory chips have the highest return value above all other electronic waste.
• Laptops: Contains a variety of different metals. The value will be based on the total amount of precious metals. Return value will vary.
• Hard drives: Contains cobalt, aluminum, platinum, palladium and aluminum. Since they are typically part of the computer, you will receive a smaller return than that of a laptop or computer.
• Servers: You will receive the least amount for servers because of their lack in valuable precious metals like gold and silver.

The electronic waste price list changes daily. Once you find the right scrap yard, the best practice to ensure you get the most value for your electronic waste is to continuously check the national average prices. This will help you determine when the best time is to sell your electronic devices.

The post How to Find the Best Electronic Scrap Yards Near Me in Metro Detroit appeared first on GT Scrap Recycling.

Breaking News: No New Scrap Yards In Detroit, Michigan For One Year

Detroit Mayor, Mike Duggan, has issued an executive order to establish a moratorium on auto and salvage yards throughout the Detroit, MI communities.

If you’re unfamiliar with what the term moratorium means, it is a temporary ban on any sort of activity. Mayor Duggan’s moratorium will temporarily prevent any new auto and salvage yards from opening in Detroit’s neighborhoods. It also temporarily prohibits the expansion of any current auto and salvage yards in the area.

The purpose of the mayor’s executive order is the growing concern within communities of the rapid growth that is occurring in auto and salvage yards within their neighborhoods.

There is a concern with the whether or not the majority of these businesses operate within compliance. Scrap yards can have a negative connotation associated with them. Some believe they attract car thieves and criminals to their neighborhoods since scrap yards will give you cash on the spot for any unwanted metal.

Auto and salvage yards are not the only businesses that will be affected by the moratorium. It also includes used tire storage and sales, used auto sales, junk dealers, auto dismantling and wrecking and major and minor auto repair.

Mayor Duggan’s Ban On Scrap Yards In Detroit

The City of Detroit’s concern comes from the idea that the majority of these businesses are operating without a permit, certificate of compliance or a business license. That is why this moratorium was issued to provide time to crack down on regulating scrap yards and other similar businesses.

During this period, the city will update zoning and ordinances related to auto facilities which include scrap yards in Detroit. Neighborhood Departments and Planning Commissions will be getting together to revise and alter the current framework as well as recommend suggestions to the City Council about changes they find necessary.

Some topics they plan on incorporating into their provision is limiting overconcentration, increasing zoning standards, decreasing crime and closing down illegal businesses within the Detroit community.

What The New Ban Means For Scrap Metal Buyers

The moratorium will not go into effect until April 1, 2019, and will last for one year. That means all local Detroit business owners that operate any businesses affected by the moratorium have 90 days to come into compliance with current standards.

As a scrap metal business, it is best that you check to be certain that you are within the parameters for compliance and meet the city’s standards. The city has said that if you are operating a legal business but fall out of compliance, they will work with local scrap metal buyers to establish a timeline for them to get their business into compliance.

If you are trying to sell scrap metal in Detroit, you may be seeing a decrease in scrap yard choices near you over the next year and a half. The price of steel is expected to drop sometime this month. However, there are plenty of surrounding cities like Hazel Park, Chesterfield and Troy with conveniently located scrap yards that are within compliance and operate legally. Even though there seems to be a crackdown on scrap yards, it is in the best interest for the neighboring communities. Limiting crime and shutting down illegal businesses will be beautiful for Detroit. If you are looking for a scrap metal recycler, as long as they are operating legally and in compliance with the moratorium it will not affect your ability to do business with them.

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Most of us know the importance of recycling. We already are familiar with sorting our plastics and scrap cardboard. But there is one form of recycling that is often overlooked. Metal recycling is beginning to increase in popularity among residents. And this is different from simply taking your empty pop cans down to the supermarket for return. Scrap recycling centers are a benefit to you, the economy and the environment. You make cold hard cash!

Economic Benefits for Scrap Metal Recycling Centers

Scrap metal recycling is big business. However, it use to not be. Before scrap metal recycling centers grew in popularity, scrap metal was loss profit. Today though the recycling industry generates nearly $236 billion annually. Businesses and residents have turned scrap metal, which was once considered waste, into a booming industry.

Having scrap recycling centers in the Metro Detroit community brings a positive economic impact to the surrounding area. It gives construction companies, businesses and residents a place to dispose of unused scrap metal. The demand for scrap metal recycling facilities creates a new job market. Employees who have the proper expertise and skills for recycling metals will be needed.

The National Institute of Health reports that recycling nonferrous and ferrous metal create 36 times more jobs then sending the material to the incinerator. So, having a scrap metal recycling facility in your backyard is a solution for creating more jobs, and saving businesses and residents money.

Environmental Benefits for Metal Recycling Centers

Metal recycling benefits our environment as well. Metal recycling centers contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using less energy to recycle the material. With metal recycling centers we are limiting the effects of Global Warming. Along with cutting emissions, by recycling scrap metal there is less of a demand for new metals. Resulting in less mining waste and water use when it comes to mining new metal material.

Without metal recycling centers we raise the risk of air pollution within the Metro Detroit community. Recycling facilities limit harmful pollutants from entering our atmosphere and causing local health concerns for residents. Metal recycling centers are the solution for cutting green house gas emissions and conserving our natural resources.

Your Benefits for Metal Recycling Facilities

Everything above sounds great, but you’re probably curious about the benefits you receive from utilizing a scrap metal recycling center. You’re probably wondering:

• What do metal recycling centers even take?
• Do recycling centers pay for metal?
• Is visiting a metal recycling facility really worth it?

A residential recycling center takes all type of ferrous and nonferrous metals including; brass, iron, aluminum, copper wire, etc. And believe it or not these common metals are found in all your household appliances. So, no you don’t have to take to the streets in search of giant piles of scrap metal. Any old microwaves, electronics, stoves and lawn mowers are recyclable materials. Scrap recycling centers take your old appliances and can dispose of them properly.

The best benefit from having a recycling center near you is that you can take your old scrap metal and turn it into money! Local scrap yards will happily take your scrap metal, old appliances and electronics off your hands. It is the perfect solution when your decluttering your home and don’t know what to do with old stuff. You might as well get some cash for your junk. Scrap recycling facilities will give you top dollar for the current market price of metals.

In summary, having and utilizing a local metal recycling center has positive benefits and there is a variety of locations in the Chesterfield, Hazel Park and Metro Detroit area. There is bound to be a scrap metal recycling center near you! The local economy at the same time will benefit by creating more jobs and saving money. From an environmental stand point, metal recycling centers conserve energy and limit harmful pollutants from entering the atmosphere. You can benefit by decluttering your home, garage, or shed and get top dollar for your scrap metal or appliances. So yes, visiting a scrap metal recycling center is worth it in all respect.

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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.

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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.

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Scrap yards and scrap metal recycling centers accept two types of scrap metals. The first are ferrous metals. The second are non-ferrous metals. The former deals with metals containing iron and steel. Ferrous metals are magnetic and usually less resistant to corrosion than non-ferrous metals. Old automobiles, farm equipment, household appliances, steel beams, railroad tracks, ships, and food packaging are examples of ferrous metals. This type of scrap metal accounts for the largest volume of metal scrapped nationally. If you are unsure of which type of scrap metal you are in possession of, magnetism is one of the fastest ways to learn the answer. In this case, magnets are not the same as the one stuck to the side of your refrigerator. Determining ferrous properties requires the use of powerful scrap metal magnets that can usually be found at hardware stores or online.

Aluminum and copper are both examples of non-ferrous metals since they are not magnetic. Generally, copper has the highest payout of all non-ferrous metals at most scrapyards. So, before you go and throw out that old electrical appliance or stereo, stripping the copper wiring can be worthwhile. Brass, which is commonly found in pipe fittings and plumbing fixtures, is the second most valuable scrap metal. Millions of tons of nonferrous scrap metal are recovered by processors and consumed by secondary smelters, refiners, ingot makers, fabricators, foundries, and other industries in this country.

Reusing Scrap Metal

The scrap metal industry was valued at 36 billion dollars in 2017. It produces this revenue through the recycling of home scrap and purchased scrap. Home scrap is scrap metal generated at the mill, refinery, or foundry, and is generally re-melted and used again at the same plant. Home scrap is called home scrap because it never leaves the plant. On the other hand, purchased scrap is scrap metal that is not used in the finished product or obsolete due to lack of functionality. Obsolete scrap metals are items like appliances, electronics and pipes that no longer work. The automotive industry is the biggest producer of purchased scrap simply because of the leftover scrap metals their products create. Most scrap yards and mill facilities specialize in recycling purchased scrap.

Annually, the scrap metal industry recycles 56 million tons of scrap iron and steel, 1.5 million tons of scrap copper, 1.3 million tons of scrap lead and 800,000 tons of stainless steel scrap. This lucrative industry operates on principles Man has been relying on since the Bronze Age. Melting down scrap metals and reusing them allows for greater market availability. Natural resources are conserved, and, in turn, big businesses have access to the growth materials they require. Recycled scrap metals are utilized in a variety of projects including skyscrapers, aerospace equipment, household appliances, piping, electronics, computers, ships, railroads, automobiles, industrial machinery and also electrical wiring.

Recycling Scrap Metal at Our Scrap Yards

So, what happens when you bring a shipment of scrap metal to a scrap yard? Well, the scrap facility usually starts by stripping the scrap metal down to its most basic components. Recyclers can recover copper and lead from radiators, platinum from automobile catalytic converters, gold from computer electrical boards, and silver from spent photographic film. The scrap metal processors then collect, sort, process, and eventually sell the scrap metal to foundries, mills, mini-mills, and other purchasers. In order to properly handle and recycle that scrap metals, most processors rely on a myriad of equipment.

Most scrap yards will have a crane that is either a traditional cable type or a hydraulic crane that is available on crawler, truck, pedestal, gantry, rail, or overhead mountings. Large magnets or grapples are attached to the cranes that lift and move the ferrous scrap. Processors may have a hydraulic baling press, an alligator shear, or hydraulic guillotine shear. Some scrap facilities even have shredders that reduce large chunks of scrap metal into much smaller pieces of scrap. The ability of scrap yards to effectively strip and reuse vital components of their scrap metal continues to supply the world with vital elements that are essential to the prosperity of civilization.

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