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4 Common Mistakes Made When Scrapping Metal

By Irena Kosturska

If you’re looking to sell scrap metal, then you’ve made a great decision. Not only can you get paid for scrapping metal, but you’ll also be making a positive impact on the planet by contributing to the metal recycling industry – which uses significantly less greenhouse gasses than producing virgin metal does. But there are some things that you should keep in mind and be sure not to do when scrapping metal. Today’s blog will be concentrating on four of the more common mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.

1.   Prepare your scrap metal

You may think that it’s easier for you to just gather all your scrap metal and dump it the scrappers hands – and it may be for you, but you’ll only be cheating yourself. Strip your copper and aluminium wires. If you take the time to strip the wiring, then you’ll actually earn more of a return as it’s one less thing the scrappers will have to do. 

It’s also a good way to make it clear just how much metal you have by submitting scrap metal alone and not products that may have other materials attached to them. This is a good way to maximise your profits as well. Organising your scrap metal by ferrous and nonferrous categories is also a good tip as it’ll make the entire process a lot easier. If your pile of scrap metal is also made to look more appealing and neat, then you’ll know what exactly your scrapping and so will the scrapyard – making it easier for them to price.


2.   Know scrap metal grades

You should know that there are different grades of different types of metal. Copper is a popular one that has several different grades. The highest and most valuable grade of copper is known as bare bright copper. Bare bright copper is larger than 16 gauge and never tarnished. It is also bare, uncoated and unalloyed in its appearance. Stainless steel – on-the-other-hand – is graded by the amount of nickel that can be found within the mix.

The reason you should know what the grades are is to avoid disappointment later down the track. You might think you’re entitled to a different rate because you think you have high-quality scrap metal. But if it turns out you have lower grade scrap metal then you won’t be receiving what you thought you should be getting. By knowing what the grades of the metal you have are, you can accurately estimate the return you’ll be receiving for when you sell your scrap metal.


3.   Research the scrapyard

Before you decide to take a trip to a scrapyard, you should call ahead and find out as much as you can about how particular scrapyards prefer their scrap metal to be delivered, sorted and also what the buying price is. You should always have a rough idea of what you’ll get paid before taking your scrap metal in. Once you know the rates then you can try and maximise your profit as much as possible by separating your scrap metal into specific piles and making it more attractive – for example.


4.   Keep an eye on the market

Just like any commodity, the price of scrap metal will fluctuate so patience may work in your favour in some cases. Have a look at past trends to give you an idea of where prices were and how they compare to the current market. This will give you an idea on if you should sell straight away or if you should wait for prices to get better. It’s also smart to shop around. Get a feel for the prices that various scrapyards offer to try and find the most competitive. 


Are you looking to sell scrap metal?

Selling scrap metal can be a great way to earn extra cash on the side as well contribute to a more environmentally friendly metal production industry. At Metal Men Recycling, we offer competitive rates for buying your scrap metal. Our knowledgeable staff members will be able to offer any assistance and answer any questions you may have in relation to scrap metal. We also offer an all-inclusive 24-hour pick-up service that includes various bins sizes for whatever size load you may have. We buy any type of scrap metal that you have.

So, if you would like to know more about our services – or how you can make the most out of our services – then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677 or fill out the enquiry form on our website.

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Find us at: 18 Drovers Place, Pakenham VIC 3810