The best Melbourne scrap metal companies are always looking for ways to make life easier for metal recyclers. With metal recycling as a side hustle, most metal collectors are a little bit pressed for time. Unfortunately, the process of getting scrap metal sorted, processed, and weighed can be a little bit long-winded. Some trips are even wasted when the scrap metal load doesn’t meet metal yard standards or when some materials are restricted.
To make it a little bit easier for our clients and supporters, or to eliminate wasted trips, Danny Scrap Metal decided to create this quick guide. Our guide aims to make the recycling process a little bit smoother by showing metal enthusiasts what they can and cannot bring to the scrap industry. Let’s take a look at what every avid scrap metal recycler needs to know.
Why Only Certain Waste Types are Welcome At Scrap Yards
Metal collectors need to sort metal from non-metals for one big reason: Scrap metal companies only have equipment, safety systems, and environmental licenses for handling metal. The processing methods and equipment for other types of materials are entirely different from what you will see at a salvage yard.
What You Can Bring to a Scrap Metal Company
Anything metal is welcome at scrap metal processors. Here is a quick look at some items we happily accept:
01. Ferrous Metals
These metals are iron-based (have a high iron content) and can easily be identified by their magnetic properties. (All ferrous metals will stick to a magnet.) Our metal dealers are eager to buy the following clean or solid metal items from you:
- Steel sheets or beams
- Iron pipes and rods
- Car parts and frames
- Machinery and tools
- Rusted metal items like gates, panels, fence posts and more
02. Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals are usually where the money lies. These metals are non-magnetic because they contain little to no iron. These items are made from different types of metals. These metals tend to yield better profits because they are rust and tarnish-resistant, and they are in short supply. Here are some metals that can generate a very good income in no time.
- Copper wiring (cleaned) and pipes
- Aluminium frames, rims, sheets and cutoffs
- Brass fittings, taps and decor items
- Stainless steel cutlery, equipment, sheets, and cutoffs
- Lead – usually found in acidic batteries
03. Household or Commercial Metal Goods
Metal dealers will also happily accept any metal goods that might be found inside homes or commercial properties. This includes items like old-model washing machines, dryers, ovens, cooktops, hot water systems, and car parts.
With these types of scrap metal items, you should keep one thing in mind. These whole metal items often contain lots of other materials like plastic. Because of this, and since the metal still needs to be stripped from the goods, the payout rate is much lower for these types of items.
If you want to make more from metal reselling, you should always try to deconstruct objects or equipment and separate metal from other materials.
What You Cannot Bring to a Melbourne Scrapyard
Scrap metal companies don’t accept anything that isn’t metal or, at the very least, doesn’t contain a little bit of metal. Here are some items you cannot bring to Melbourne’s metal dealers.
- Any type of plastic
- Paper and cardboard
- Glass bottles, windows, or mirrors
- Wood and timber
- General household rubbish
- Fluid or oil
- Paint or solvents
- Chemicals and coolants
What About Rusted Metal?
Rusted metal is just as welcome as any other metal. This is mostly because only the exterior of the metal is rusted, while the inside is still perfect. If the metal is extremely rusted, the price can, however, be affected.
Find Out What Your Metal Pile is Worth
At Danny Scrap Metal, we happily accept all metal types and metal-containing goods. To find out what your metal is worth, simply give us a call so we can discuss current metal rates or call our team for a pickup at your Melbourne home.