Scrap Iron Recycling Tips To Help You Earn More!
Iron is one of the most common metal types you will come across when you are collecting scrap metal. This metal is commonly used in a huge variety of products from vehicles to buildings. This metal type has a much lower value compared to other types because there is so much iron in the world and it is a metal that isn’t corrosion-resistant.
Despite its shortcomings, it is still a great metal to collect and sell to scrap metal companies. In this guide, we are going to take a closer look at this metal type and we share some great tips to help you earn more from iron.
Learn What Iron Is
Iron is a metal with the chemical symbol Fe and is the most used and cheapest metal type in existence. It is believed that about 35% of the earth consists of iron. The metal is extracted from the soil in mines and is then paired with other elements like hematite, magnetite, limonite, hydroxide, and siderite to give the metal different characteristics like a higher smelting temperature, a denser structure, or a more rust-resistant finish. The type of iron usually collected by scrap metal companies is cast iron. This metal is usually made from iron alloys that consist of over 2% carbon. Wrought iron is also very common in most manufacturing industries.
Learn How To Identify Iron
One of the easiest ways to tell if something is iron is by testing it with a magnet. If the metal is magnetic it is most likely iron. You can also check for rust. Iron isn’t corrosion resistant and will rust if it is exposed to oxygen, water, and especially salt water.
Difference Between Good And Bad Iron
With some metal types like copper or stainless steel, you don’t have to worry about the condition of the metal because these can be smelted and re-used thousands of times without reducing the quality of the metal. Iron is however a whole different story. When iron rusts, it becomes lighter and loses some of its worth. You can recycle rusted metal but the more rusted it is, the lighter it becomes and the more the value will be affected.
With this in mind, you should set your focus on high-quality scrap metal that is mostly rust-free.
Focus On Solids Instead Of Bulk
Naturally, you want to grab any metal you can when you are out collecting. But if you have to choose then it is always better to go with a solid piece of iron like an engine block. These solid metals weigh a lot more yet take up less space in your yard. You will get a lot more cash for a small compact block of metal than a big bulky item of the same weight.
Protect Your Scrap Heap
Most scrap metal collectors will collect a nice big pile of metal before calling a scrap metal company for collection. It is best to store this heap of junk metal under a roof or underneath some cover. This will keep the metal from becoming rusted while you pile up. Protecting your metal can help you earn a little bit more for your pile.
Pile Up Before You Deliver
Another good way to earn more for iron metal recycling is by collecting a huge heap before you deliver it or before calling the scrap metal company for a pickup. Hauling metal to and from a scrap yard can be costly if you have to travel a long distance. When everything can be transported in one haul, you will save a lot of time and the cost of scrap metal collecting is reduced which increases your profits.
If you want other great tips on how to collect iron or other types of scrap metal or if it is time to cash for copper you collected then you should give Danny Scrap Metal a call. With this company, you will always get a great price for any type of metal you collect.