Metal recycling is beneficial for both the environment and your wallet. It lowers the demand for raw ore, decreasing the need for mining, and reduces the amount of energy used in creating products. Meanwhile, metal recycling centers will often pay well for scrap metal. If you'd like to get started collecting and selling scrap, follow these steps.

Getting Started With Scrap Metal Collecting

Equipment

Your essential equipment is a set of sturdy containers to sort and store your scrap. Large plastic totes are a safe choice, but in the short term, even cardboard will work. You'll also need something to carry your metal in, like a truck or wheelbarrow. Finally, make sure you have a magnet on hand to test the metal you collect.

Finding Metal

Scrap metal can come from construction and demolition projects, old cars and appliances, and from free items you find discarded or on bulletin websites. Make sure you have permission from the property owner to collect any scrap you find. You can also ask friends, family, and neighbors to save their recyclable cans and other metal items.

Sorting

Your metal needs to be separated by type. If one of your pieces has components of multiple different kinds of metal, disassemble it. Then test with a magnet to separate iron-containing metals into their own pile. You can identify your other metals by color and weight.

Identifying Metals

Iron and steel are the easiest to identify because a magnet will stick to them. Copper recycling is one of the most profitable types of metal recycling because of high copper prices, and the metal is recognizable at a glance due to its color. Aluminum is a pale silvery color and is lighter than other metals. Lead is a dull gray color and is distinguishable from iron and steel because it isn't magnetic. Brass is bright gold in color. If you aren't sure what metal is in a piece, put it in a separate bin.

If you have a load of materials ready for metal recycling in Clermont or Hamilton County, bring it to Round Bottom Recycling in Milford, OH. For 13 years, they have offered fair market prices for scrap, and their friendly staff members will make the delivery and payment process simple. For questions about their policies and rates, call (513) 248-4435 or send a message online.