From steel car parts to copper wiring, valuable metals collect dust inside garages, attics, and sheds. To make more space, take these items to a recycling center instead of putting them out for garbage collection. In addition to helping the environment, you can also get cash for your unwanted property. Here’s what you can expect when heading to your local metal recycler. 

A Guide to Recycling Scrap Metal

Why should I recycle metal?

When you put metal in the trash, it ends up buried in already overflowing landfills. It can take 50 years for steel to break down, 100 years for tin to decompose, and 200 years for aluminum to rot.

By recycling, you can limit the amount of trash in landfills. Also, the recycled metal is bought and reused for new products, limiting the use of nonrenewable resources and preventing further harm to the environment.

What types of items are accepted?

Although it varies from place to place, recycling centers generally accept brass, aluminum, copper, steel, and iron goods. This often includes radiators, appliance motors, wiring, batteries, computers, cooking and refrigeration equipment, and HVAC components. 

How do I prepare materials?

Different recycling centers will have different policies regarding how clients should prepare goods for drop-off. In general, you should separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals to expedite the process.

If you have a car to sell, the center might want you to keep everything intact, depending on its condition. Some facilities will send technicians to tow the vehicle or remove the unwanted scrap metal, saving you a trip to the junkyard.

What happens to the scrap metal later?

After you hand over the items, they will be sorted, bundled, crushed, and sent to a metal furnace. After the metal is melted down, the liquid is poured into generic molds and sold to companies to make new products.

If you have scrap metal to unload, contact the professionals at Roadrunner Recycling in San Marcos, TX. Since opening in 1995, the recycling center has garnered a reputation throughout Hays, Comal, and Guadalupe counties for providing competitive rates for vehicles, automotive parts, and other metal products. Learn more about selling scrap metal online or call (512) 353-4511 for details.