From car parts to computers, scrap metal can be found in many items that no longer serve their purpose. With the right strategy, anyone can earn a decent profit taking these materials to a trusted recycling center, such as Metalico Rochester. Offering comprehensive metal recycling services, this Monroe County, NY, scrap yard shares their insight on how to get the most money from your collection.

5 Tips to Make More Money Off Your Scrap Metal

1. Collect for Others  

While it’s possible to source quality metal from your home or business, the best payouts come to those who have an abundant supply of materials. If you’re looking for a way to profit off other people’s trash, start a free collection service or ask your friends if they have any electronics or other household items they need to get rid of.

2. Use a Magnet

Many scrap yards will accept both nonferrous and ferrous metals, but the former tend to offer the highest prices. To make sure your sourcing the most profitable pieces, test out surfaces with a magnet. Magnets will stick to ferrous objects (those that contain iron), but will not stick to higher-paying non-ferrous materials, such as aluminum, copper, and lead.

3. Strip Down Pieces

Preparing your metal for a scrap yard ensures you can move through the recycling center swiftly and receive a higher payout. For example, stripping copper wires of insulation will allow you to source more material for recycling. Additionally, if brass and paint are removed from copper, it might not be downgraded to a lower payout class.

4. Cut Scrap Iron

If heavy iron is cut and organized before visiting the recycling center, you can typically expect to receive a higher payout. Metalico Rochester, for example, pays more to sellers who deliver iron that is no larger than 36 inches by 18 inches.

5. Check Scrap Metal Prices

Scrap metal prices can fluctuate greatly depending on market conditions, as well as the inventory of individual recycling centers. If you have a large load of material you want to trade in, compare prices and wait until they reach a peak.

If you’re interested in selling scrap metal in Monroe County, Metalico Rochester offers fair prices on a wide range of materials for recycling. Whether you’re a first-time recycler or an experienced collector, this team aims to make the process quick, clean, and convenient. In fact, they will even come to you if you’re interested in a pickup. For updates on pricing, visit their website and sign up for their email and text alerts. To arrange pickup, call an associate at (585) 436-0713.