Selling the extra scrap metal lying around your house is an excellent way to recycle, de-clutter your property, and make some extra money in the process. Prior to going to your local recycling center, it’s a good idea to know how much various materials are worth. Below, you’ll find a helpful guide on the most valuable types of metal.

4 Valuable Scrap Metal Types

1. Silver

Though many people opt to sell their silver coins, trinkets, tableware, watches, and home decor to pawn shops and jewelers, you may actually get more for it at a scrap metal recycling center. Depending on their purity, quarters and dimes dated between 1916 and 1964 tend to be particularly valuable. 

2. Brass

Brass is abundant in home hardware and accessories because it’s much more economical to manufacture and produce. You likely have quite a bit of it on your property, and you can potentially earn over a dollar per pound by recycling old light and plumbing fixtures, doorknobs, handrails, and hooks.

3. Copper 

Copper is another metal commonly found in households. Since it’s used in electrical wiring, nearly all of your home electronics, appliances, and devices will contain copper components. Scrap metal recycling centers may purchase them for nearly four dollars per pound. 

4. Aluminum 

In addition to reducing greenhouse emissions, aluminum recycling is potentially an excellent money-maker. Save your empty aluminum cans after you use them, as they may be worth over one dollar per pound. You can also sell aluminum window frames, siding, and auto rims. 

Put extra money in your pocket by recycling your metal items at Rainbow Waste Services LLC, in Kapolei, HI. For over 20 years, this waste management company has provided scrap metal recycling, trash pickup, and dumpster rentals to commercial and residential clients throughout the island of Oahu. Call (808) 682-4797 to schedule garbage collection, and visit them online to learn more about roll-off container sizing.