{"id":1643,"date":"2023-01-23T12:18:54","date_gmt":"2023-01-23T12:18:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.recyclingbristol.com\/?p=1643"},"modified":"2023-02-02T12:25:27","modified_gmt":"2023-02-02T12:25:27","slug":"how-to-sell-scrap-metal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.recyclingbristol.com\/how-to-sell-scrap-metal\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Sell Scrap Metal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tons of scrap metal is sitting idly in garages and garden sheds up and down the country, when it could<\/em> be earning you some extra money. The thing is, many people simply aren\u2019t aware of the ability to sell scrap metal or are intimidated by the process of it. But the process is really quite simple. In this blog from ETM Recycling<\/a>, we\u2019ll explain the process of selling scrap metals and how best to prepare and organise your metal to get the best value for money.<\/p>\n

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What is scrap metal?<\/h2>\n

Scrap metal refers to any type of object, appliance, or machine that is perhaps damaged but contains metals of some value. Many recycling facilities and scrap yards will take this off your hands in trade for rebates. Why? According to HSE<\/a>, \u201cthe greater part of the scrap and metal recycling industry processes ferrous and nonferrous metal scrap into vital secondary raw material for the smelting of new metals.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

What kind of scrap metal can I sell?<\/h2>\n

You might now be sitting here wondering what items from your household you can salvage and sell for scrap metal. You\u2019ll be pleased to know that many ordinary items collecting dust around your home and garage can bring in good money for the metals they contain. This includes broken appliances such as washing machines and fridges; old auto parts, including the bolts, nuts, and screws they might come along with; and unused plumbing fixtures and electrical wiring.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a good idea to get familiar with the types of metals around so that you can learn to spot them when organising what to sell as scrap. Some of the most common include:<\/p>\n

Copper:<\/strong> A reddish material typically found in household appliances such as washing machines, microwaves and dishwashers, and plumbing fixtures and wiring.<\/p>\n

Steel:<\/strong> An iron-chromium allow typically found in appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, and utensils.<\/p>\n

Brass: <\/strong>A Zinc-copper alloy found in locks, doorknobs and hinges, decorative ornaments, and plumbing fixtures.<\/p>\n

Aluminium: <\/strong>A lightweight metal found in household appliances such as fridges, dishwashers, and microwaves along with modern car parts.<\/p>\n

How much money will scrap metal get me?<\/h2>\n

As with any commodity, the value of metal fluctuates in the day-to-day market which makes it hard to give a general price for the different types of scrap you can sell. Generally speaking (aside from the obviously expensive gold, silver, and platinum) the most valuable types of metal includes ferrous metals such as copper and brass, with non-ferrous metals such as iron being less valuable.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019re ready to sell your scrap metal, you can check the going rate for metals on various websites by doing a quick Google search. This will help you get a good idea of how much to accept from the facilities you sell to – although it\u2019s important to remember that prices could differ depending on where you live.<\/p>\n

How to prepare and organise scrap metal<\/h2>\n

To get the best value for your scrap metal, you\u2019ll want to prepare and organise it as best you can. Not only will this lead to less work for the buyer, which they will appreciate and perhaps take into consideration when creating an offer, but it will also help to ensure you haven\u2019t missed any hidden metal. For example, some appliances contain metal inside them that are more valuable than the outer materials might suggest.<\/p>\n

Here are some tips on how to best prep your scrap metal:<\/p>\n