The scrap metal industry is on the rise, and as scrap metal buyers in Melbourne, we’re proud to be playing an integral part in this expanding, sustainable field. Today’s article is going to go in-depth and explore the current state of the scrap metal industry both at home and abroad.

Current state and the impact of COVID-19

Metal Men Recycling was still open and available for all your scrap metal recycling needs throughout Melbourne’s 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. But the overall industry snapshot will tell a different tale. As many industries shut down, the demand wavered. Though construction was continuing, it had been slowed exponentially. As a result, the demand for metal materials dropped accordingly. The result of this was less demand for recycled metals to be reformed into new materials.

As several industries recover over the next couple of years, the scrap metal recycling industry may see a decline. IBIS World has predicted that due to this lack of demand, the scrap metal recycling industry’s revenue will drop. The economic decline (as well as the decline of global steel prices) combined with decreased export activity (due to the general drop in global manufacturing) will spell trouble for the industry’s profit.

This isn’t particularly surprising when you look at how hard some of the other countries have been affected by COVID-19. However, seeing as the scrap metal recycling industry is proving to be an incredibly perpetual, sustainable and cost-effective field – there is no doubt that it will bounce back once demand resumes.

Before the pandemic – the environmental impact

The scrap metal industry saw a healthy and constant rise over the last few decades as many businesses began to see the practicality and effectiveness of using recycled metal instead of mining for virgin ore and crafting fresh metal from that. The environmental benefits alone are huge – with recycled metal manufacturing producing a fraction of the greenhouse gasses and pollution that is released when virgin metal is produced.

Recycling aluminium cans, for example, leverages only 5% of the energy required to create fresh aluminium from ore. With the world slowly (with some countries moving faster than others) shifting towards sustainable processes – the impressive environmental benefits associated with recycling scrap metal are too great to ignore and substitute for anything else. The other area it surpasses fresh metal creation in is the cost.

Economical impact

It is much more economical to not only purchase recycled steel but also create it – with fewer resources required during the recycling process as opposed to the mining and virgin creation process. This fact has become more and more widespread and is prompting industries to change their ways – putting a larger emphasis on recycling scrap steel. 

The result is a forecast that would put the iron ore mining industry at a disadvantage with a decrease in demand. This could have large economic repercussions for large mining businesses such as BHP and Rio Tinto as their largest profits come from iron ore – which, along with coke (a type of coal) and limestone, is one of the main ingredients used in producing fresh steel.

What’s happening in China?

In September 2020, President Xi pledged to make China a carbon-neutral country by 2060. This is a huge deal as China is the world’s largest polluter and mines, as well as consumes, half of all the coal in the world. One of the stipulations of this ambitious goal was that the local steel industry had to create less crude steel to help reach the goal.

This leaves a large gap in the market for recycled steel. The scrap steel industry is expected to rise to fill this gap as a far more sustainable option – not only as one that can help China reach their carbon neutral goal but will also supply them with the same quality of steel.

Are you looking for scrap metal buyers in Melbourne?

Metal Men Recycling are Melbourne-based scrap metal buyers who pride themselves on collecting your unwanted scrap metal and recycling it appropriately to contribute to this ever-growing and thriving industry.

Our large site is easy to access and is home to a weighbridge which is capable of withstanding 90 tonnes. For those large-scale jobs, we offer drop-off and pick-up services and provide bins of varying sizes to meet your requirements.

If you would like to contact us to find out more about our services, then please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 03 5941 6677 or fill out our online enquiry form so we can get back to you as soon as is convenient.

As Melbourne-based metal recycling experts, we enjoy seeing the different ways that metal is used in day-to-day life. One of the best recreational uses for metal is for decorative purposes at home. With homes becoming less traditional every day – it’s not uncommon to find a stainless steel sculpture in a backyard or even brass hardware contrasting with wooden details in a kitchen. Today’s article is going to shine some light on several metals and how they’re commonly utilised in a decorative (or even practical) manner at home.

Brass

Brass is an incredible metal that shares many visual characteristics with gold – often being considered a more affordable substitute for jewellery. Brass is most commonly known to be used for pipes and musical instruments. Many restaurants and bars nowadays will have exposed brass pipes as part of their décor.

This is something that would work especially well in a home that’s been converted from an industrial warehouse or factory. Brass is also 100% recyclable which means that if you ever feel the need to get rid of it – you can recycle it for some extra cash and know that all of it will go towards a new brass creation.

Stainless teel

If you’re looking to hang some uniquely shaped pieces on your wall, then you might want to consider some stainless-steel creations. These offer sleek and conservative touches to modern homes that are rich in monochromatic tones (think black walls and white tiles for the flooring). Whilst still suitable for other types of homes – minimalist and modern is the perfect match for shaped stainless-steel artwork.

Moving to the yard – steel sculptures and creations can make unlikely conversation pieces. For example, steel rods can be shaped by specialists to give you incredible designs that act as showcase pieces or even practical parts of the garden. Such pieces would make great aides for climbing plants. Having some gorgeous flowers or plants grow around the piece would further improve the aesthetic. Just like brass – stainless steel is completely recyclable so when the time comes, it won’t lose any of its characteristics.

Wrought iron

Wrought iron is a tried and true ornamental metal that has been used to create countless decorative and practical pieces over the years – especially for the garden. Some of these pieces include gates, handrails and even outdoor furniture. Many rustic-looking garden chairs and quaint tables are made out of wrought iron. Wrought iron is easily malleable but also strong – which is why it’s such a popular option for outdoor furnishings and hardware.

Whilst steel has taken over from wrought iron in terms of popularity for outdoor hardware and furnishings (due to steel’s increased strength) – the rustic charm of wrought iron still makes it a sought-after material. Additionally, wrought iron (being a ferrous metal) is recyclable.

Aluminium

Aluminium is one of a handful of metals (such as stainless steel) that can be used to create backyard screens. These are pieces that are available in varying sizes that can be used to offer increased privacy in your backyard. Of course, they can also simply offer artistic or decorative value in the yard or even hung up on the wall indoors. Lasers are used to cut out pieces of the metal in order to achieve the chosen design. The end result is a clean and unique piece.

With aluminium, you will typically be receiving a lustrous silver aesthetic – but other metals can also be substituted if you’re after a different finish. Aluminium is a completely recyclable metal and is considered to be extremely sustainable. In fact, during the metal recycling process, 95% fewer greenhouse gasses are produced when compared to mining fresh ore for virgin aluminium production.

Are you interested in recycling metal in Melbourne?

Metal Men Recycling is the ultimate solution for all your metal recycling needs. Located in Pakenham, our vast site utilises the latest sorting equipment and technology to ensure that all metal is appropriately classified and recycled.

Our site is equipped with a weighbridge and easily accessible entrances and exits as well as an approved COVIDSafe plan to ensure that all transactions are handled seamlessly and professionally. We buy all sorts of scrap metal – so come on down and do something good for the environment.

If you have any spare scrap metal you would like to sell, then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677. Alternatively, you can contact us by filling out our online enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Along with encouraging you to sell your scrap metal to us for some extra pocket money and to make a positive impact on the environment, we also believe it’s crucial that children understand the importance of metal and how they contribute to society. For younger children, it can still be a bit of a dry topic, though, which is why we thought we’d put together this article detailing some fun experiments. These three experiments will work to ease them into the world of metal, so they at least have a base understanding and are prepared for future information.

1.     Coloured flame test

You may remember this one from high school – putting different metals over a Bunsen burner to see how the flame changes colour. This is a fun one to start with since the actively changing colours will get the children hooked pretty easily. Once you have your safety goggles and gloves, simply clean a piece of nichrome wire in hydrochloric acid and then dip it in a variety of different metals (copper, sodium and lithium for examples) one at a time and hold it to a gas flame. They should change colour.

This is because the electrons are being superheated – causing them to become excited. Each type of metal is different, so when the electrons begin to settle, they release light energy – which are the different lights you see when you put them to the gas flame.

2.     Thermite reaction

A traditional thermite reaction can sometimes be a bit dangerous for children to attempt and can even go wrong for adults. It essentially involves heating up oxidised iron and aluminium to create a large amount of heat and light. There is a much safer way to showcase a thermite reaction, however, and that is by using aluminium foil and rusted ball bearings. 

Once you have your safety goggles equipped, cover one of the two ball bearings in aluminium foil and then knock them together to create a spark. That in itself is a thermite reaction on a smaller scale. It will still excite the children and show them a bit about the reaction that is used quite commonly in welding due to the high amount of heat produced.

3.     Copper plating

Plating something in copper is actually fairly simple and is a fun way to decorate any type of silver-like metal like aluminium or iron (any type of galvanised metal is ideal) to give it a more gold-like appeal. If you’re looking to make something creatively then you could shape your own ornament and dip that in the copper solution – otherwise, just any type of galvanised metal will suffice.

There are a few ingredients you’ll need before you get started – distilled water, hydrochloric acid, a plastic beaker or cup and a 12V battery. Our scrap metal experts also recommend safety goggles. 

1. Pour five parts distilled water to one-part hydrochloric acid (always pour the water in first – never add water to acid) into the cup and stir it with a plastic stirrer. The plastic stirrer is important because if you were to use metal, the acid will eat away at it.

2. Once your solution is ready – you can place your piece of copper in it. Hook the copper anode up to the positive charge of your 12V battery using alligator clips and keep it in the solution for a few hours so the solution can absorb the copper. 

3. Next, grab your piece of galvanised metal, hook it up to the battery’s negative charge and put it in the solution. 

4. Stir it around constantly to keep the particles moving. The longer the copper has sat in the solution, the quicker the plating process will be but once you’re happy with the amount of plating that has occurred you can take it out and see the difference. Keep in mind that some parts like the bottom of your piece may appear darker than the rest since it would have had the most exposure.

5. If you are doing a decorative piece and are looking to create a two-tone effect, you can duct tape the parts you would like to remain the original colour.

Are you looking to sell scrap metal in Melbourne?

Metal Men Recycling highly encourage you to sell any scrap metal you may have lying around the house. Not only will you make some extra cash on the side, but you’ll also be actively contributing to a sustainable and environmentally-friendly industry.

Contact us by filling out our online enquiry form or calling 03 5941 6677 to find out more about our services.

Different metals have different properties – some are more unique than others but most of them define a particular metal – making it ideal for certain applications. Today we’re going to be talking about conductivity. Conductivity is a big one – especially in the modern world where our society relies so heavily on electricity. 

What’s even better, is that you’ll be able to find most of the following metals in scrap objects around your home – which will be handy if you’re looking to sell scrap metal. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at four of the most conductive metals in the world and talk a bit about them. 

1.     Silver

This one may surprise you, but it’s the truth – silver is the most conductive metal on the planet. The simple answer as to why is because it has only one valence electron that is able to move around freely due to the low level of resistance silver has. So, why do we rarely hear about silver being used for conductive applications? There are a couple of reasons.

For starters, it’s an expensive metal – and, secondly, it is not very resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, meaning its exterior will deteriorate over time – ultimately affecting the quality of its conductivity. It is also not very strong.

So, whilst silver is the most conductive metal – when you take into account its deterioration rate and cost, it’s not very practical for the bulk of wiring applications. That being said, it is still used in certain batteries, for electrical contacts, on circuit boards and for soldering – so you’ll still be able to find some around your house if you’re looking to sell scrap metal.

2.     Copper

Like silver, copper only has a single valence electron and is also highly conductive – just not quite as conductive as silver. That being said, copper’s other characteristics make it a far more suitable option when it comes to many widespread electronic applications. In fact, it is the most popular option for metal wiring and is considered to be 64% more conductive than aluminium.

The lack of iron in the copper also means it has incredible anti-corrosive properties. Combine that with its high ductility and it is easy to understand why copper is the preferred metal for electrical wiring. You should have no trouble finding scrap copper to sell around the house – especially if you’re looking to get rid of old electrical hardware or components.

3.     Gold

Gold takes a bit from the former metals – it is highly conductive, ductile and extremely resistant to corrosion. However, being a precious metal like silver, it is also expensive to use and thus not very practical for everyday applications. Interestingly enough, its level of conductivity has been said to outlast both silver and copper’s since gold’s corrosion resistance is so good that it never tarnishes.

This means that its conductivity efficiency will never waver – unlike silver’s or even copper’s (which will diminish even a small amount over time since corrosion is inevitable at some point). Gold is often used in electrical contacts and connectors as well as gold bonding wire and electroplating chemicals.

4.     Aluminium

Though not as conductive as copper, aluminium is actually a favoured metal for certain wiring applications. Aluminium is ductile and malleable like copper but has a greater strength to weight ratio (it is three times lighter than copper) – making it the preferred material for power lines, for example. However, for small everyday wiring solutions, copper is still the preferred metal of choice.

Are you looking to sell scrap metal in Melbourne?

Whether you’ve got some e-waste that may have some silver in the components or are looking to get rid of some outdated copper wires – Metal Men Recycling is the best destination for you to sell your scrap metal in Melbourne. Located in Pakenham, our vast recycling plant is equipped with a weighbridge and state-of-the-art sorting facilities. We also offer drop-off and pick-up bin services if your site or office requires a large clean-up.

We buy a wide variety of scrap metal including ferrous and non-ferrous types. Our experts can also help you determine exactly what does and doesn’t qualify for the recycling process if you are unsure.

So, if you have any spare scrap metal lying around at home, come on down to Metal Men Recycling and get paid for making a difference to the environment. Give us a call on 03 5941 6677 or contact us by filling out our online enquiry form today.

E-waste – you’ve probably heard the term before, but you may not know what it means. The good news is, it’s not as complicated as you might think. E-waste is essentially any form of electronic waste (the E standing for electronic) such as computers or mobile phones. Today’s article is going to break down the elements of e-waste for you, so you know all about it the next time you’re looking to sell scrap metal.

The definition of e-waste

Victoria’s sustainability website defines e-waste as “any item with a plug, battery or cord that is no longer working or wanted”. If your six-year-old laptop has finally died, it can be recycled. If your television has stopped working, it can be recycled. Any electronic device that is no longer working or that you no longer have use for counts as e-waste and can be recycled at a scrap metal plant.

Examples of e-waste

Why is e-waste so recyclable?

As you can see, e-waste really does encompass a broad range of products ranging from everyday household items like dishwashers to niche hobbies like remote-controlled trains. Some of the larger and even more professional items are made almost entirely out of metal. Washing machines for examples – which are also considered to be whitegoods – are generally constructed from zinc-coated steel on the outside whilst the internal area is made from stainless steel. Additionally, the electronic components that go into modern washing machines can also be recycled as the circuitry will have many copper wires.

Power drills feature metal in the internal components as well as the drill bit itself. The actual tool tends to be made from plastic, rubber (for the grip) and metal. No matter what type of product it is – if it has electronics within it then it can be recycled and there’s a fair chance that the electronic components aren’t the only recyclable parts of the product.

The importance of recycling e-waste

E-waste contains hazardous materials such as lead, mercury or flame retardants. Lithium in batteries is the most obvious example of this. When these items are thrown away, they end up in landfill where the heavy metals and hazardous elements can poison the soil and groundwater – leading to a variety of environmental issues.

By selling your e-waste, you’re ensuring that the items are appropriately deconstructed, sorted and recycled whilst also gaining some extra cash on the side. Recycling e-waste also indirectly minimises the environmental impact since there’s less of a need to produce virgin metals for electronic parts – which cuts down on the number of greenhouse gasses released into our atmosphere. Additionally, it will reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill – which is an ongoing issue.

What are the recyclable metals in electronics?

Several different metals are used to power your electronic devices and can thus be harvested and recycled when the time comes. Copper is one of the most popular since its high conductibility and ductility make it perfect for wires. Cobalt is one of the lesser-known metals but is actually a common component used in lithium-ion batteries (specifically the cathode) – which is the type of battery that almost every rechargeable device uses nowadays. Cobalt is also infinitely recyclable – so it can be continuously recycled without losing any of its characteristics or integrity.

Even precious metals such as gold and silver are featured in many electronics – albeit in small quantities due to their price. Other recyclable metals found in electronic components include nickel and aluminium – which are both quite conductive. All these metals are extracted and separated from the heavy metals (such as lithium) before being recycled. It’s worth noting, however, that whilst lead is a highly toxic heavy metal, it is actually completely recyclable.

Are you looking to sell your scrap metal?

If you have electronics you no longer use lying around your house – it doesn’t matter how old they are – then consider bringing them down to Metal Men Recycling, the number one place to sell your scrap metal in Melbourne. We buy a variety of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Are you a business looking to do a large clean-up of old computers and equipment? We offer a bin drop-off and pick-up service to make the job easier for you.

You can contact us by filling out our online enquiry form or by calling 03 5941 6677.

We touched on the evolution of scrap metal sorting technology in one of our last articles, but today we thought we’d concentrate on two specific technologies that are quite prevalent in the industry – XRF and LIBS. These two sorting technologies both have their advantages and disadvantages and our Melbourne-based metal recycling experts are going to be breaking those down for you in this explorative article.

The fundamentals of XRF

XRF (X-ray fluorescence) has been utilised in the metal recycling industry for over two decades and is a tried and true process that has revolutionised the sorting process. The radiation from the X-ray determines a metal and alloy’s content and composition. How does it do this? When the radiation bombards a material (metal, in this instance), fluorescent, otherwise known as secondary, X-rays are emitted. The XRF scanner interprets these emissions and uses it to define the composition of the metal and ultimately conclude what type of metal it is. This is considered a non-destructive sorting method as the metal’s physical shape is not compromised.

XRF identifying machines are available in both handheld and larger, automated options which are great for quickly sorting through a large number of pieces. XRF is capable of distinguishing between different grades of alloys. So, if you have several different stainless-steel grades in a container, an XRF scanner will identify each one specifically – making for an efficient and quick scrap metal sorting process. In addition to distinguishing between grades of stainless steel and aluminium, glass can also be separated at incredible speeds in an automated XRF machine.

Disadvantages of XRF

One of the biggest concerns with XRF scanning technology is that at the end of the day, it is still using radiation to achieve a result – and even though it is low-level radiation that isn’t harmful to humans, there is still some concern over it. The radiation also requires extra PPE to be purchased and worn as well as licensing and regulatory paperwork to be completed. Some of the older handheld XRF scanners are also unable to identify light elements such as carbon or lithium. This is due to the fact that the energy released is so low that it is usually is either reabsorbed into the metal or blocked by the air – preventing the scanner from receiving a sufficient sample.

The fundamentals of LIBS

On the other end, we have LIBS (laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy), which is a newer technology and doesn’t utilise radiation to achieve a result. Instead, it uses a high-focus laser that essentially erodes the surface of the metal. As this occurs, the atoms decay and emit light wavelengths. These wavelengths are actually specific for each element – thus, the type of metal can be determined. LIBS is a minimally destructive method since it does melt a portion of the surface in order to obtain a result.

Advantages of LIBS

LIBS can identify types of metal rapidly as well as perform simultaneous multielement analyses. Unlike XRF, there is no need for extra PPE equipment or licensing because there is no radiation present when using LIBS scanners – which also eliminates the concern of exposure. LIBS scanners used to be much more effective at analysing light metals compared to XRF – however, more modern XRF scanners have improved on this shortcoming. Aluminium is also considered to be easier to sort with LIBS technology.

Disadvantages of LIBS

An expert on metal analysis, John I.H. Patterson, PhD., and consultant for Bruker – a company that manufactures scientific instruments – stated in 2015 that XRF is the preferred method when factors such as accuracy and precision matter, implying that LIBS falls short in these categories. Additionally, LIBS is not as effective when it comes to heavy metals, high-temperature alloys and stainless steel sorting

Interested in recycling metal in Melbourne?

At Metal Men Recycling, we use the latest technology and methods to ensure your scrap metal is sorted as effectively and efficiently as possible. Doing this guarantees that the recycled product is as pure as possible and fit for repurposing in a variety of industries. If you’ve got some spare scrap metal lying around, then bring it over to Metal Men recycling – the home of metal recycling in Melbourne.

We can buy several types of metals. And, if your business is looking to unload a hefty amount of metal, then ask us about our pickup and drop-off bin service that will streamline the process for you. Whatever your need – Metal Men Recycling can cater to it.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today by calling 03 5941 6677 or filling out our online form.

It can be hard finding ways to occupy yourself during quarantine. You feel like you’re trapped inside and are just itching to get out. As scrap metal buyers, we understand it’s not easy, but the best way to quell this feeling is by distracting yourself, and the best distraction you can give yourself is a project that’ll take up your time and get you concentrated. That’s why for today’s blog, we’re going to be listing six fantastic DIY upcycle projects you can start on during this unprecedented pandemic.

1.     Folding chairs into storage/hanger unit

If you have any folding chairs lying around that you perhaps don’t need anymore, then this is the perfect opportunity to upcycle them into a coat hanger rack as well as storage space. Simply hang them on your wall and open them up to use the bar connecting the front two legs as a coat hanger. 

The section where you’d sit down can be used as a shelf. Just make sure the chair is firmly held in place and can take the weight of whatever you’re storing on it. Depending on the style of the chair you can repaint it or decorate it with other items to make it seem more appealing or in keeping with the rest of your home’s aesthetic.

2.     Marbles in fences

If you have holes in your wooden fence, then patch them up with glass marbles. Not only is this a great way to fill up the small holes in your fence – but it also looks fantastic. Different coloured marbles will sparkle and look magical as the sun shines through them. You can even make holes in your fence and patch them up with marbles if you love the effect but lack the holes. 

3.     Bottles into lights

This is a pretty classic upcycle technique and there are always new ways you change it to suit your own aesthetic and house. Whether it’s a plastic or glass bottle, just cut it up, fix a lightbulb in it and hang it from your ceiling (or any surface you choose) and enjoy the rustic vibe and different type of lighting that each bottle offers. Coloured bottles are especially fun to play around with as they’ll give you some great lighting effects.

4.     Brick planters

Use old bricks you have in your backyard as mini planters. Simply fill in the holes with soil and seeds, maintain them and then watch them flourish over time. If cleaned up properly you can even put these inside the house and place them in a little container, so the water has somewhere to drain into when you water them.

This also works great for cinderblocks which have that unique square look that can fit snuggly with any vibe indoor or out. Both styles can be decorated as well to really fit in with your home’s aesthetic, so you don’t just have the dull natural brown colour of the brick or neutral grey tone of the cinderblock.

5.     Oil lamp lightbulbs

Oil lamps are very old school but can be fantastic pieces provided they’re in secure areas where they’re less likely to fall and break. Simply clean out a light bulb and then fill it with oil. Screw the cap back on with a piece of wick leading from the oil through the cap and light the top of the wick. There you have it, a fantastic lightbulb oil lamp. Construct a stand for it as well so it can comfortably and securely sit in place.

6.     Dresser into a wine bar

If you have an old dresser that you don’t use anymore then you can sand it down, repaint it and transform it into a wine bar. Position holders so glasses can be held in drawers or you can store the bottles in the drawers and then have the surface as the serving area. This chic little object will make a fine addition to any room in your house.

Looking for scrap metal buyers?

Not everything can be upcycled, and Metal Men Recycling is still open for business, which means that you can bring your leftover scrap metal to us. As professional scrap metal buyers, we can buy a wide range of scrap metal materials and safely and efficiently recycle them. We also offer pickup and drop off services and can supply you with several bin sizes for those larger loads.

If you’d like to learn more about what our scrap metal buyers do and how they can help you, then contact usby filling out the form on our website or calling 03 5941 6677.

Whether you’re looking to sell scrap metal or collect it, a metal detector is a fantastic tool and intriguing hobby to pick up. There have been some pretty incredible finds over the years that have been discovered using such devices and if you do your research – you could get quite lucky. For today’s blog, we thought we’d go with some light, inspirational reading about some extraordinary metal detector finds.

1.    Class ring

We’ll start off with a heart-warming find. In 1926, a man named Miles Baker lost his high school class ring and thought it would be lost forever. That is until Roy Lloyd discovered it 48 years later with his metal detector buried four inches below the sand. The Ring was engraved with M.B and was returned to its former owner.

2.    The Boot of Cortez

A gold nugget was discovered in the Mexican desert in Senora in 1989 and was dubbed The Boot of Cortezbecause of its resemblance to the Spanish conqueror’s boot. The nugget comes in at 12.1Kg and is the largest nugget ever found in the western hemisphere. Apparently, the local man purchased an inexpensive metal detector and searched for days before coming across this monumental find that was auctioned for just over half a million dollars in 2008.

3.    Assorted treasure

There can be many instances where this title would apply to metal detector finds but this particular instanceconcerns a man named Eric Lawes in Suffolk, England. In 1992, whilst looking for his friend’s hammer, Lawes unearthed a series of silver spoons and gold coins which he reported to the council. 

The next day, excavators safely removed a chunk of earth that contained almost 27Kg of gold and silver objects. These turned out to be Roman-era coins and spoons dating back around 400 AD. Lawes was given £1.75 million for his discovery which he split with the owner of the land which the treasure was found on.

4.    George Washington’s inaugural cuff button

Just last year, Jon Tetreault found a cuff button that was from George Washington’s 1789 inauguration. Tetreault posted his find on metaldetector.com which he located in Massachusetts. An impressive and humbling find.

5.    The gold ring from Loch Lomond

A gold ring worth £14,000 was discovered by Michelle Vall in Loch Lomond, Scotland in 2019. The ring turned out to be from the 17^th century and was dated somewhere between 1640 and 1680. It was believed to have once belonged to a courtier of King James II prior to his crowning. A couple of years earlier, Vall discovered a gold coin that was auctioned for £40,800.

6.    The Mojave nugget

A 4.42Kg gold nugget is the largest ever gold nugget discovered in California and was found in 1977 – detected by prospector Ty Paulsen. Buried away in the Mojave Desert, this impressive chunk sold for $400,000USD and then later donated to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles.

7.    5^th-century royalty ring

Found by Michael Greenhorn in Yorkshire England, this 5^th-century ring is said to have been owned by European royalty. It’s made of gold, glass and sapphire and took the knowledge of 30 different experts to date. An interesting fact is that the centrepiece of the ring – the sapphire – had been cut centuries earlier. It now resides in the Yorkshire museum where it was acquired for $44,132USD.

8.    Crosby Garrett Helmet

The Crosby Garrett Helmet was worn by Roman cavalry during the late 2^nd or early 3^rd centuries AD and is made from a copper alloy. It was discovered in Cumbria, England in 2010 and is considered to be one of the finest archaeological finds in the country. It was found in 67 separate parts and took 240 hours to put back together. It was purchased by a private collector later that year for £2,330,468.75.

9.    Pirate treasure

A Spanish 4 Maravedis copper coin was discovered by Jeff Salt in Puerto Rico during a vacation with his wife. He’d been utilising his metal detector for a few days and after no major discoveries were made – he put the tool away and began to sift through his loot where he discovered the coin that dates back to around the 1400s or 1500s.

Are you looking to sell scrap metal?

Whilst we all love a good treasure discovery story – plenty of us have a different kind of treasure and it’s mostly found in our yards. Metal Men Recycling specialises in buying your scrap metal – whatever form it comes in. So, check out your backyard, under your house or even around the house and sell your scrap metal to us. With the current Covid-19 pandemic we now conduct all business through your vehicle window to ensure both yours and our safety.

If you’d like to sell scrap metal to us, then you can contact us via our website or give us a call on 03 5941 6677.

The Victorian Government has announced a new scheme in the hopes of further combatting our state’s garbage crisis. This initiative is a way for people to essentially sell scrap cans and other containers such as bottles – rewarding people for recycling the correct way. Whilst this new scheme has just recently been announced by the Andrews Government – it won’t actually take effect until 2023. Today, our scrap metal experts thought they’d take the time to chat to you about this scheme and similar initiatives around the country.

What do you need to know?

There isn’t much information at the moment surrounding the scheme as it’s still in its very early stages. The main facts are that it will be a Victorian-wide initiative and it will be 10c per can/bottle. There are already some local councils such as Wyndham City Council that have put similar reverse vending machines in place that allow the users to deposit their cans and bottles and receive rewards such as movie tickets and prizes.

What form the Victorian-wide scheme will take is not yet known – but it may be just a simple drop-off point similar to the reverse vending machines. Municipal bodies would become major backers of the project as they have been pressuring for such a scheme for some time now.

Why is this necessary?

Recycling is always a necessary process. It keeps our landfills clear – actively contributing to the wellbeing of the environment as well as saving space in landfills as it’s not where recycling should end up. Recently, however, there’s been more of a push for Victoria to adopt such a scheme since SKM’s collapse.

In 2019, recycling giant SKM (who handled around half of Victoria’s recycling) fell into debt and was eventually wound up. Approximately 40% of the recycling that SKM had at the time was distributed to other businesses – but that still left at least 180,000 tonnes of recyclables that have now ended up in landfills across Victoria.

Because of this crisis, more pressure was put on the Victorian Government to draft up a plan to combat this and the fact that over 30 city councils were forced to dump around 45 tonnes of recyclables in landfills every day due to the SKM collapse.

How does this compare to other state’s schemes?

South Australia was the first Australian State to introduce such a scheme with their Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) being introduced in 1977. Currently, the going rate is 10c per bottle/can and was raised from 5c in 2008. Approximately 600 people are employed in SA thanks to the CDS in bottle recovery roles. So not only does this initiative help the environment and offer an incentive for people to do so – but it also creates jobs.

The Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and the Australia Capital Territory all have similar schemes in place that have been implemented over the last few years. Western Australia is bringing theirs into effect this year, with Tasmania aiming for 2022 and Victoria coming in last in 2023. The three-year delay for Victoria is allegedly due to further consultation with industry and councils to iron out any kinks in the scheme as well as devising the best way to roll out.

What does that mean for Metal Men Recycling?

You’ll still be able to sell scrap cans to metal men recycling for a profit – no matter what type of cans they are. The difference is that we will take a broader range of materials and types of metals. We’re also able to provide these services now – as opposed to in three years. So, if you’ve got scrap metal cans, make your way down to Metal Men Recycling!

Our passionate and knowledgeable team will be able to help you with any queries you may have regarding our recycling process. We buy a wide range of metals – both ferrous and non-ferrous – and can recycle them safely into recycled metal that can be used in several different industries.

We offer weighbridges as well as 24-hour pickup services with various sized bins to suit your load of recycled metal. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped to handle large loads so even businesses can bring their scrap metal to us.

If you’re looking to sell scrap cans or recycle scrap metal, then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677. Alternatively, you may also contact us by filling out the enquiry form found on our website.

A lot of people looking to sell scrap metal nowadays are unclear on certain facts of the industry. Some things are public knowledge whilst others are a bit more niche. We’ve already answered some of your frequently asked questions before, but today we thought we’d concentrate more on some questions affecting the industry as opposed to our company specifically.

Where can I get scrap metal from?

The simple answer to this question is anywhere. Old pipes or any old object that contains metal – like a BBQ or perhaps a cabinet – can be recycled. If the metal is rusty then that’s not a problem – but it will affect the price of the metal if it’s tarnished or rusty. Old cars and vehicles can also be recycled as they can feature different types of metal.

Aluminium cans are also a great way to recycle. Anytime you have a canned drink or food like tuna or beans, you can collect the cans and bring them to our recycling facility. As we said, you can literally get scrap metal from any object that you’re not using anymore and contains any form of metal in it. We accept the majority of metal types at our facility as well which makes it easy for people trying to sell scrap metal.

How are impurities removed from scrap metal?

If metals such as iron and steel have been tainted – then we’re able to remove those impurities using a special, yet simple method involving strong magnets. Because both iron and steel are magnetic metals, it makes it easier for impurities to be lifted from them.

What are ferrous and non-ferrous metals?

You may have heard these two terms being thrown around, or perhaps you’ve seen them being mentioned on our website – but what exactly do they mean? We’ve covered this in a blog a couple of years ago, but in a nutshell – ferrous metals contain elements of iron within them and non-ferrous do not.

Because of the iron, they’re also magnetic and are predominantly more prone to rust or corrosion when exposed to the elements. They’re also heavier than non-ferrous metals – which include varieties such as aluminium and copper.

Is recycled metal actually used?

Yes – abundantly. Almost all types of metals used in today’s industries are recycled metal – and there’s a good reason for that. Most metals, when recycled, don’t actually lose their properties – meaning they stay just as durable and retain the same quality as they were as virgin metal. This highly desirable feature makes the metal recycling process an attractive and practical one.

On top of this, recycling scrap metal to make new metal uses far fewer resources than the process involved in mining for fresh ore and turning that into virgin metal. So, not only is recycled metal just as good as virgin metal – and is widely used across several industries in the same capacity – but it’s also great for the environment.

Can I recycle metal as a business?

You absolutely can – and we highly recommend you do. Depending on your trade, you may have a significant amount of scrap metal or items containing metal in them that can be recycled. So, why not sell the scrap metal instead of dumping it or leaving it pile up?

You’ll be helping the environment significantly as well as supporting an important industry. The best part, though, is that you’ll be getting paid to sell your scrap metal. To make it easier for you we also offer 24-hour pick-up and drop off services with various sized bins.

Are you looking to sell scrap metal?

Selling scrap metal to be recycled is a fantastic way to earn some extra money on the side as well as make a positive impact on the environment. Here at Metal Men Recycling, we’re passionate about the environment and disposing of scrap metal in the correct manner – which is why our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with all the bells and whistles to make your scrap metal recycling experience as easy and streamlined as possible. We have heavy-duty weighbridges in our four-acre yard and also offer complimentary bins for drop-off and pick-up services.

If you’d like to sell your scrap metal, then get in touch with our experts by calling 03 5941 6677. You may also contact us via the enquiry page on our website.

We always get asked whether or not you can sell old batteries to us to be recycled. The short answer is yes, we absolutely accept old batteries and can properly recycle them. But there are a few catches – one of which is the types of batteries that we’re able to recycle. This guide has been prepared to talk about some of the facts surrounding battery recycling and what you can and can’t recycle.

What’s what?

Lead-acid batteries are the primary type of battery that we accept here at Metal Men Recycling. These are the sorts of batteries that are commonly found in cars as well as heavy construction machinery and trucks. Whilst smaller everyday batteries are still recyclable, these should be dropped off at safe collection points such as those at ALDI.

Almost every part of a lead-acid battery is recyclable – making it one of the more recyclable objects that we purchase. These types of batteries should be handled with care as the gases contained with them could potentially be explosive. Wear protective clothing, goggles and gloves when handling lead-acid batteries to deter any serious injuries.

Lead-acid batteries are inexpensive and accounted for 40 – 45% of battery sales for most of the world in 1999. Nowadays, they’re being phased out in favour of lithium-ion batteries which power electric cars.

Environmental impacts – why it’s important to recycle them?

As the name implies, lead-acid batteries contain lead and lead compounds in them, which is a heavy metal and toxic to the environment – as well as people. They also contain around two-three litres of sulfuric acid. These types of batteries are more often than not dumped in landfill – which means the lead could contaminate the soil and groundwater. This is the main reason why recycling lead-acid batteries is such an important venture.

Another reason is that the resources within these batteries are finite and by recycling them you’re giving them a new lease on life. In fact, lead is almost 100% recyclable and retains all of its properties when recycled. This property alone makes it a highly desirable substance within the recycling world.

So, not only does this conserve natural resources, but it also mitigates environmental impacts by reducing the amount of lead that is released at landfills. It also uses between 35 – 45% less energy to recycle lead in comparison to mining for fresh ore. The majority of recycled lead in Australia is exclusively from lead-acid batteries in fact.

The rest of the battery is easily recyclable as it’s made up of plastic and metal and can be remade into other car batteries, plant pots and even laundry detergents. We highly encourage you to sell old batteries to us so that we may appropriately recycle them and continue to contribute to a more sustainable economy.

The recycling process

We do not recommend you attempt to remove any parts of the battery on your own. You should always handle lead-acid batteries with care when transporting them to our facility. If you notice any leaks or damage that the battery has sustained, then you should take extra care and – as we mentioned above – wear protective gear whilst handling it.

We’re able to safely separate the toxic substances from the rest of the battery and then recycle the lead separately. Overall, the recycling process saves resources, time and money compared to creating products from scratch and mining for virgin ore.

Are you looking to sell old batteries?

Lead-acid batteries can be found in old cars, junkyards, heavy machinery and trucks. If you happen to come across one, then we highly recommend selling it to us so we can safely and appropriately recycle it. Metal Men Recycling is a scrap metal recycling plant that recycles several different types of metal and products including lead-acid batteries, brass, electric motors, scrap cars and cans to name a few.

We offer pickup services with several sized bins for large collections at home or at your business. We’ll deliver the bins and once they’ve been filled, we’ll come back to pick them up within a 24-hours. We also offer weighbridges that are rated to 90 tonnes so you can get your vehicle through our facility easily.

If you’d like to get in touch with us to discuss our services or sell old batteries, then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677. You may also contact us via the enquiry form found on our website.

On May 30^th, 2018, the Victorian Government passed a new law that affected scrap metal businesses and metal recycling in Melbourne. This law was passed in an effort to crack down on criminal activity. Essentially the law stated that all scrap metal transactions conducted in Victoria would have to be via either Cheque or EFTPOS/electronic transfer. Cash is no longer a legal payment option in the Melbourne scrap metal recycling industry. In today’s blog, we’re going to take a look at this new law more closely and what some of the finer details of it are.

Second-hand dealers

The latest scrap metal law required every metal recycling business in Melbourne to be registered as an official second-hand dealer. For example, another common profession where you would be required by law to register as a second-hand dealer would be a pawnbroker.

Anyone who deals with goods that have been previously used or worn must register for a second-hand dealer’s license. From the 1^st of September 2018, any business that purchased or sold scrap metal for recycling or repurposing would have to register for such a license.

What is defined as scrap metal?

Under the law, scrap metal is defined as any item that contains “2% or less by weight of gold or silver” as well as “80% or less by weight of copper”. If the item falls outside of these parameters, then they’re considered second-hand goods instead of scrap metal.

If this is the case, then the buyer must comply with second-hand goods requirements. However, if an item does fall out of the parameters and is no longer considered scrap metal – then, the seller can be paid in cash.

Why was this law introduced?

As we’ve mentioned, this law was designed to crack down on criminal activities. One of the bigger points of this law is that the lack of cash transactions forces (and legally requires) scrap metal buyers to keep a detailed and complete log of payments. This is because a lot of people – especially thieves – try to sell cars or other items that they’ve stolen.

If they were getting paid in cash, then there’d be no trace or proof of the transaction. With the new law, it’s a lot harder for criminals to do such things as there’ll be a trace – making it easier for them to be discovered. If a vehicle is brought in and its identifier has been removed or destroyed in some way, then it must not be bought or possessed by a scrap metal buyer.

Keeping records

Keeping detailed and accurate records of all transactions is an absolute must under the recent law. The following points must be adhered to and recorded each time there is a transaction:

• An accurate description that includes weight or quantity;
• Whether or not it’s a vehicle and any identifier;
• Name and address of the seller as well as their ID information;
• Exact date and time the goods were received;
• A copy of the transaction (whether it be the cheque or electronic receipt); and
• The name of anyone acting on behalf (if at all) of the scrap metal dealer.

Exceptions

There are a handful of exceptions from the law, such as the item falling out of the 2% and 80% parameters we mentioned. Some of the other exceptions include vehicles that are bought for the purpose of dismantling and selling parts individually. If this is the case, then cash can be used to pay for these goods. However, if a motor vehicle is purchased for the purpose of recycling and repurposing the metal, then the law applies, and cash cannot be used as a payment method.

Are you looking for metal recycling facilities in Melbourne?

Metal Men Recycling believe that the recent laws have made a positive impact on the metal recycling industry in Melbourne and continue to welcome and abide by them. If you’re looking to sell your scrap metal for a profit, then you’ve come to the right place. Based in Pakenham, we’re able to buy a wide variety of scrap metal and safely recycle it.

Not only is this a great way to make a profit, but you’re also actively helping the environment by contributing to the recycled metal industry. We offer bins in several sizes and can deliver them to you for large drop-offs. We also feature weighbridges at our facility and offer 24-hour pickup services.

If you’d like to know more about our services, then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677. You can also contact us by filling out the enquiry form found on our website.