Getting rid of your junk metal doesn’t only clear room in your home, but it can also be a profitable experience. If you’re planning to take a trip to the scrap yard to sell your metal, there are a few things you should know before you go. Taking the time to prepare in advance can help you secure the greatest value for your load. 

Before you leave for the scrap yard, take a moment to review this checklist:

• Strip Wires Sensibly: Stripping wires to retrieve the copper or aluminum can be a wise investment, but only if there’s enough metal to be worth your time. Tiny cables (those narrower than a pencil) won’t yield enough materials to deliver a worthwhile return.
• Use the Right Tools: If you intend to visit the scrap yard regularly, it makes sense to acquire the right tools. Items like wire strippers and a Sawzall^® will save you time while retrieving scrap metal. You can also use a magnet to differentiate among more valuable metals—like aluminum, brass, and copper—versus others. A file is also helpful to have on hand, as it can help you scrape off a tiny amount of the metal’s surface to detect its true type.
• Separate Your Metal: If you don’t separate everything into different containers, you’ll run the risk of getting high-value metals mixed up with less valuable materials. To prevent losing out on extra cash, always take the time to separate metals by type in advance.
• Know Scrap Value: Having an idea of what each type of metal is worth before you go to sell it will let you make sure you’re getting a fair deal. If a yard offers you far less than what you know your scrap materials are going for, you can go elsewhere.
• Seek Out a Fair Scrap Yard: Find a reliable scrap buyer in your area by doing your research. Look for customer reviews, and find out about the center’s scrapping process by visiting their website.

As Monroe County, NY’s leading scrap yard, Metalico Rochester makes it easy for you to get the most for your scrap metal. They offer text alerts and emails with up-to-date information on scrap metal prices, and they also provide resources on their website detailing their scrap-to-cash process. Call them at (585) 436-0713 with any questions.