Have you ever considered collecting and selling scrap metal? This is a popular practice that involves gathering items and taking them to your local recycling center, where they’ll dispose of them properly and pay you for your efforts. While it seems easy enough, you have to be careful about the types of metals you bring in. Not all materials can be sold for scrap, so, to alleviate some of the sorting hassle, here is a simple guide.

Your Guide to Scrap Metal Recycling

Copper

This is one of the top types scrap yards accept. You can find this non-renewable resource in electrical cables, chimney flashing, old radiators, and plumbing pipes. Prices are largely dependent on demand, but you can always expect some sort of payment for this metal. In fact, facilities may be willing to pay up to 90% of the value of a new copper item.

Cans

You should never bring paint or motor oil cans to a recycling center. While many of them are constructed out of recyclable materials, they won’t qualify as safe and will be rejected at the gate. This is because the materials they once contained have likely affected the quality of the metal can, resulting in a material that can’t be used for anything else.

Aluminum

Aluminum comes in a variety of forms, including cans, tin foil, and other well-known products on the market, and it is considered to have the highest return rate as opposed to other types of metals. Recycling centers pay by the pound for it, so making sure to bring in a large load will guarantee a good return.

Batteries

Batteries are another product that should never be brought to a recycling center. It doesn’t matter if they’re from a remote control or a cell phone: They have no cash value. This is because they contain hazardous mercury, which has to be carefully disposed of and is a lot of work for a facility to process correctly.

If you have scrap metal, stop by David Hirschberg Steel & Recycling Center in Cincinnati, OH. After more than a century of supplying quality metal recycling services, these professionals understand the variety of materials that can be safely reused. Their customer service is second to none and questions are encouraged, so don’t hesitate to call (513) 821-0514. One of their friendly representatives will be ready to supply the answers you seek. Visit their website for additional information.