How Do Scrap Metal Merchants Work?

Broughshire Waste Metals • 11 January 2023

Scrap recycling may seem like a good idea for getting rid of scrap metal, but how do these work? How can you eliminate your old metal pieces and send them to the nearest scrap yard?

In this post, we’ll look at how scrap metal merchants function and how you can start getting rid of your old metal scraps.


What is a Scrap Yard?

Let’s start with the basics. A scrap yard is a place where metal odds and ends are purchased. It’s possible to make some extra money simply by taking your scrap metal into a scrap yard and selling it to the metal merchant there.

People bring their scraps to the scrap yard and sell their metal according to the weight of the metal they leave. However, once they’ve left, the metals are categorised and then sent on to the recycler. Some scrap yards have their own machines to start breaking things down for recycling.


Dividing the Metals

The metal scrap is divided into three main categories, which include the following:


Non-Ferrous

These metals do not contain iron in them, but can be recycled as is in most cases.


●       Copper

●       Brass

●       Aluminium

●       Lead

●       Stainless Steel

●       Bronze

●       Cable


Ferrous

Ferrous metals are metals that contain iron. It’s simple to check if a metal is ferrous or not. It will attract a magnet if it has iron particles in it.

●       Iron

●       Steel

●       Cast Iron


Electronics

Electronics such as televisions, old computers, and even phones can be broken down to their basic components. Within the electronics, you’ll find the following precious metals:


●       Gold

●       Platinum

●       Silver


All of these metals are recyclable but they may not be recycled right there. Many scrap yards also accept vehicles, which can be broken down into various parts and the extra bits recycled.


Who Visits a Scrap Yard?

Anyone can go to the scrap yard, but they tend to see more contractors, particularly those in building, plumbing, and electricity. These workers often have extra metals from their jobs. They may end up with scrap metal from a tear down or simply extras that are leftover. These can be recycled and make the person a little extra money.


If you have been doing a renovation or tearing down an older building, you may have metal that you want to get rid of. You can search for “scrap metal collection near me” to get some ideas for what is available in your area and to find the nearest scrap yard. If you have enough scrap, you may even find some scrap metal merchants who are willing to come to pick up your scrap.


Often, scrap merchants will haul away old vehicles. It can be difficult to move these otherwise, so you may ask if this is an option.

Are you looking for scrap metal merchants near you? Broughshire Waste Metals is always looking for scrap metal.

Call us today to learn more about our recycling services.

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