If you want to put a little cash in your pockets and help save the planet, why not participate in metal recycling? At David Hirschberg Steel & Recycling Center, located in Cincinnati, OH, you can enjoy these wonderful benefits easily! But if you’re not sure how to get started, don’t worry. These experts have put together a guide to help you understand the basics of this practice.

Everything You Need to Know About Metal Recycling

Know Your Metals

First, you’ll have to collect your metal. This part may take practice, as you’ll need to become familiar with the materials you’re looking at. You’ll also want to find out how much to expect for each type. For instance, copper is very common, and it is one of the most valuable to recycle. Check old electrical wires for brightly colored copper or in plumbing pipes and gutters. You can also turn in aluminum cans in bulk. While this scrap may be worth less money, it’s much easier to find.

Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous Metal

Next, sort your metals, and separate them as either ferrous or non-ferrous. Ferrous metals are magnetic, so you can test it out with a simple magnet. Common metals like steel or iron fall into this category. Keep in mind, these are often worth less than non-ferrous metals, which are not magnetic. Copper, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and bronze all fall into the non-ferrous category.

Enjoy the Benefits

Now that your metal is ready to go, take it to the scrap yard and exchange it for cash. Remember, most recycling centers will pay a certain amount based on the weight of the metal—the more it weighs, the more money you’ll receive. Additionally, you can enjoy helping the planet, as recycling aluminum cans requires less energy than making new ones—and they’ll be back on the shelves in just a short time.

If the benefits of metal recycling sound good to you, it’s time to get started. And the professionals at David Hirschberg Steel & Recycling Center are always happy to provide some guidance and make sure everything is recycled appropriately. If you have any questions, give them a call today at (513) 821-0514. You can also check out their website for more information on their services.