If you have an old dishwasher or a pile of rusted pipes gathering dust in the garage, take them to a metal recycling company to exchange them for cash. While facilities often accept items in all conditions, taking some preparatory steps maximizes your payout. Use these tips to prepare different types of metal for recycling.

What to Do Before Taking Metals for Recycling

1. Strip Appliances

If you’re planning on recycling any appliances, such as washing machines, stoves, or refrigerators, inspect them for wood or plastic parts. These components will need to be removed to avoid tainting the recycling process. Find them on soft lining and appliances’ feet.

2. Remove Wire Jackets

While copper wiring earns recyclers some money, you need to remove all insulation jackets for the biggest payout. To remove these, set the wires in the sun for a few hours. Then, use a razor blade to strip the softened jackets.

3. Drain Liquids

If any of your recycling items contain fluids, these will have to be emptied out before they can be accepted. Oil, gas, diesel, and car fluids pose fire hazards. In most cases, these liquids are found in auto parts, such as transmission systems, fuel tanks, and engines. Air conditioners may also have coolant.

4. Trim Iron

Heavy machinery is also recyclable, but these items are typically bulky and difficult to handle. Large parts may also not fit into the shredding machines as they are. If you want to maximize your profits, cut pieces down to sizes that are easier to move, such as 36 by 18 inches.

5. Sort Them

Since metals are recycled based on type, you’ll need to separate different kinds of items. After you’ve prepared all items, place aluminum, iron, and copper in separate containers. Make sure no nonmetal items are scattered among them.

If you’re looking for a metal recycling company that will offer top dollar for your contributions, head to Metalico Rochester of New York. They’re proud to accept a variety of scrap metals, including car parts and appliances, and can also pick up your items to save you the trip. Their eco-friendly services have earned them the Green Power Partner label awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To learn more about their metal recycling process, visit their website. You can also call (585) 436-0713 to ask what metals they accept.