There are countless ways to make money on the side, whether you’re delivering food or mounting someone’s TV. However, if you’ve yet to try scrap metal recycling, you could be missing out on a lucrative pastime. To start making some extra cash, use the following guide to get the hang of selling scrap metal.

3 Steps to Selling Scrap Metal

1. Learn Basic Knowledge

To begin collecting scrap metal, you’ll need two items: a container—from a simple box to a pickup truck—and a magnet. Before you start searching, learn about different types of metals to figure out which items will offer you the most profit. For example, your magnet will be drawn to most ferrous metals, which contain iron. However, nonferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, lead, brass, and stainless steel—which your magnet won’t be attracted to—will garner a bigger reward, so keep an eye out for these metals while you’re on the hunt.

2. Collect & Sort

Whether you sift through piles of junk on the sidewalk, look on Craigslist, or ask neighbors for their remodeling debris, there are plenty of places to find scrap metal. Once you have the metal in hand, sort your findings into ferrous and nonferrous groups, keeping each in a separate container. This will ensure you’ll get the right payout when you take the items to a scrap metal recycling center.

3. Take Them to a Scrap Metal Recycling Center

When you’re ready to sell your metal goods, find a local scrap metal recycling center. Keep in mind that these facilities differ from standard junkyards, as they specialize in the selling and buying of metal only. If there are a few in your area, call ahead of time and ask what prices they’re offering for different metal types. If you can only take a limited amount at a time, focus on copper—right now, this metal will yield the highest payout.

If you’re ready to bring your findings to a reliable scrap metal recycling center, stop by Holmes Iron & Metal of East Spencer, NC. They accept a wide range of materials, including brass, aluminum, and copper, and they have over 40 years of experience in the industry. To determine your payout, they’ll gauge both the weight and condition of the scrap metal you’re offering. To learn more about their processes, visit their website, or call (704) 633-6119 today.