From old copper pipes to worn car batteries, selling scrap metal to a recycling center can be profitable. However, if you haven’t done it before, you may have questions on how to begin. To ensure you get the best price for your unwanted metal, follow the below advice.   

Do:

Separate metals. 

Before you head to the facility, sort metal into piles based on type and condition. For example, soldered metals should be separated from painted materials. When selling scrap metal, this will make it easier for technicians to assess your goods quickly and determine the rate. You should also strip the materials, as you could get a better price by selling nuts, bolts, and other fasteners and connectors separately. 

Make several trips. 

If you plan to sell a lot of scrap metal, don’t try to take everything to the facility in one trip. Doing so could cause major car damage, as the weight of all the metal will weigh down the vehicle. The strain could cause premature wear to parts and problems with handling and braking.

Don’t:

Assume the facility won’t accept certain items. 

Salvage yards accept a wide variety of goods, so don’t assume throwing out unwanted items is your only option. If you have a junk car that’s damaged beyond repair, for example, some of the inner components could still be in good shape. You can sell these parts to the facility. They might also accept the broken components, as they can be recycled to make new parts.  

Source scrap from anywhere.

Because scrap metal is valuable, you might go looking around the community for old appliances, machinery, and additional discarded materials to sell. Research state and local laws regarding scrap collection. There might be regulations in place regarding picking up junk from the curb. By knowing the rules, you could avoid fines and headaches.

If you are interested in selling scrap metal in the San Marcos, TX, area, contact the staff at Roadrunner Recycling. They offer competitive rates for wrecked cars as well as vehicles in good condition and an assortment of additional appliances, fixtures, and equipment. To find out about metal recycling prices and what materials the center accepts, call (512) 353-4511. You’ll also find a list of items you can drop off on their website and client reviews on their Facebook page.