In a time of increasing financial unrest, thousands are turning to scrap metal as a way to supplement dwindling funds. Scrap metal recycling is an excellent way to earn extra cash and offers the added benefit of cleaning up the environment as well.

Scrap metal recycling is the process of taking unused or unwanted metals and exchanging them for profit. Worldwide, there are many companies who specialize in the purchase and recycle of metal products. Once the metal is bought, it is refined and reduced to its most basic liquid form. The base metal is then used to create new products.

While industrial sized recycling companies earn huge capital, the individual who seeks fame and fortune through scrap metal recycling should only see a small percentage of that wealth. Rates for recycled metals vary and are dependent on the form in which they are purchased and the market area in which they are being sold. Below is a list of the most common scrap metals and how much they can be sold for.

Aluminum: $.20 to $.60 per pound.

Copper: $2.00 to $3.00 per pound.

Steel/ Iron: $300.00 to $500.00 per ton

With this in mind, it’s easy to see that in most cases, recycling scrap metal will not create a vast fortune for the small time collector. It can, however; offer some spare cash. To start recycling scrap metals, here are some helpful tips:

WHAT YOU NEED:

• A vehicle, preferably one with a high hauling capacity such as a truck or trailer.
• Heavy Duty Work Gloves
• An area to keep metals until they are sold

WHERE TO GET SCRAP METAL:

• Around the house: There are often unused and unwanted pieces of metal found lying around. Old items such as hot water heaters and refrigerators contain valuable wiring, steel, and copper.
• Around the neighborhood: A great way to get scrap metal is to ask neighbors. Many people have old appliances and unsightly metal products, but don’t know who to call for removal.
• Along the roadside: Being careful of cars, search road shoulders and the land surrounding them. Often metal debris will lay there after being tossed or lost from another vehicle.
• Business establishments: Heating and cooling companies, plumbers, and auto shops often have scrap wiring and parts. It may be difficult to get them to part with it though, as they see the value in them as well.
• Landfills: While most dumps have set regulations for the removal of waste from the facility, be sure to ask before going.

Once a small stockpile of metals is established, it is necessary to sort them. Sorting is a fairly simple process where each type of metal is separated into its own specific pile. This enables quicker and easier transactions when ready to recycle.

Finally, when the metal hoard is large enough to qualify for a trip to the recycler, load it up on the truck or trailer and head for the nearest center. Here, helpful staff should help unload the metals, weigh them according to their type, and present you with payment.