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The Cups We Keep 17/4/2019 - It’s no secret that as Australians, most of us have a coffee addiction. And in Melbourne itself, it’s become a serious culture that many take very seriously. But what some people might not know is that this culture is having an adverse effect on the environment. The primary cause of this? Takeaway coffee. More specifically …
9 Fun Recycled Crafts To Make With Your Kids This Easter 10/4/2019 - Easter is right around the corner! Unfortunately, as with any national or religious holiday, the festivities often lead to a lot of waste dumping. With Easter in particular, there is no shortage of plastic wrappers, packaging and toys that get thrown away wastefully – not to mention the food! As experienced scrap metal buyers in …
What To Do With Old Whitegoods 20/3/2019 - Whitegoods are defined as large electrical appliances that are used for routine activities. This can include anything from washing machines to fridges and freezers. Not to be confused with smaller appliances, one of the main features of whitegood appliances is the fact that they are large and difficult to transport. But once these appliances have …
The Scrap Metal Recycling Process 13/3/2019 - We use metal in almost everything nowadays. Cars, aeroplanes, trucks, trains, buildings, infrastructure, they all utilise metal in a big way. Scrap metal recycling is becoming a popular way to save the environment, especially with people having so much scrap metal they didn’t even realise they could sell. But what exactly does it mean to …
Recycling PVC Insulated Cables 27/2/2019 - If you’re looking for interesting and different ways to recycle and sell scrap metal at home, then you should consider looking into some old PVC insulated cables you might have. These sorts of cables are pretty common and the great thing about them is that there’s a pretty high chance that you have some lying around …
HMS. What Do I Need To Know? 20/2/2019 - You may have heard the term HMS being used within the scrap metal industry and wondered what it’s all about. Well, no wonder no more. HMS stands for Heavy Melting Steel and is a category that includes used steel and wrought iron, which is then categorised into two grades, HMS1 and HMS2. The main difference …
Five Creative Ways To Recycle At Home 29/1/2019 - Recycling metal can come in many shapes and forms in Melbourne. Apart from selling your scrap metal to be taken away, you can also do some recycling yourself at home with some practical results. It probably never occurred to you that you can create some fun, art décor things with your spare scrap metal and …
6 DIY Recycled Crafts For Halloween 23/10/2018 - Halloween is the season of lollies and outstanding works of DIY brilliance. If Halloween has snuck up on you and you’re in a rush to put together decorations, don’t stress. We’ve got you covered. In this blog, we are sharing some easy and fantastic DIY recycled crafts that will make your home the spookiest on …
The Interesting State-By-State Recycling Practises In Australia 8/10/2018 - All over Australia, state governments have implemented many initiatives designed to inspire waste reduction. One of the most effective ways to reduce waste overall, as we know, is recycling – whether it’s by using the right bin or contacting scrap metal buyers. Today, we’re exploring some of the recycling initiatives available in each state, and …
3 Ways To Reuse Household Metals 3/10/2018 - Chucking out some coat hangers, copper wire or metal cans? Have you thought about giving them a second purpose instead? There is a surprising amount of ways to reuse metals that we’d normally throw away without a second thought. You can turn it into practical items like storage and holders, or let your creativity run …
10 Items You Can Recycle for Profit 27/9/2018 - Now that China has placed an import ban on 99% of recyclables that they used to buy from Australia, our country is facing a serious waste management problem. Whilst on the individual level, this may not have a direct or immediate effect on you, it does highlight the value of recyclables and the increasing importance …
How To Recycle: Farm Edition 26/9/2018 - Farm cleanups are a big job, particularly because there are so many different categories of rubbish and waste that can be found on them. It can be very tempting to just heap everything in a big pile and send it all off to landfill, but in reality, this is terrible for the environment. Never fear! …
5 Ways (Besides eBay) to Get Rid of Your Old Stuff 20/9/2018 - Moving to a new house? Spring cleaning? Decided to give your living room a makeover? Whilst all of these activities might seem like an opportunity for a fresh start, they also require you to dispose of things that no longer suit your lifestyle. Getting rid of stuff in the consumer age is harder than you …
10 Quick Ways to Earn Money 11/9/2018 - Spring is here! That means Summer is just around the corner and with it comes Christmas, summer holidays, music festivals and social events of all descriptions. Whilst all of this sounds exciting, it’s a pretty expensive time of year and many people find that come December, they simply don’t have the funds to realise all …
Recycling vs Upcycling: A Guide for Common Metal Household Items 4/9/2018 - Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Applying any of these principles to your lifestyle will have a positive effect on the planet (and your bank account). However, the benefits that each of the three R’s offer depend on what you’re dealing with, your lifestyle and of course your ability to upcycle. In this article, we’ll weigh up whether …
Metal Men Recycling FAQs 4/9/2018 - Metal Men Recycling are a locally owned and operated business dedicated to helping businesses and individuals dispose of their unwanted scrap metal. In this article, we run through some of our customers most frequently asked questions about what we do, our capacity to collect and recycle scrap, and how we operate. Why don’t you offer …
5 Ways To Recycle Construction And Demolition Waste 17/8/2018 - It is inevitable that there will be waste on a construction or demolition site. For many, the first instinct when faced with a lot of material waste is to simply make a few trips to the tip and dump it all. But slow down before you do this – did you know there is a …
3 Ways To Support Australian Recycling Industry 4/7/2018 - The future of the Australian recycling industry is a little shaky right now with local government and councils unsure how to handle the excess of waste and recycling. While they are figuring things out on the large scale, there are things you can do in your day-to-day life that can help our recycling industry. Not …
Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous Metals 28/5/2018 - Metals are separated into two categories: ferrous and non-ferrous. Did you know that the price of your scrap metal varies depending on the category it falls under? Therefore, when you are looking to sell scrap metal, you should know the differences between the two. Today, we’re running through a few key differences to help you …
How to Restore Bronze, Copper and Brass 25/5/2018 - Without a doubt, bronze, copper and brass are some of the world’s most beautiful metals. With their rich, warm colour and a soft shine, these metals have been used as ornamental decoration for thousands of years. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for us to inherit or pickup copper and brass homewares, cookware, jewellery or …
Paying Cash for Scrap Metal is Now Illegal in Victoria 24/5/2018 - From the 30th of May 2018, scrap metal traders operating in Victoria will no longer be able to offer cash for scrap metal. This change is part of a set of Victorian Government reforms designed to crack down on criminal activities and the operation of criminal organisations in the state. In this blog, we’ll take …
So, What Exactly Affects The Price Of Scrap Metal? 8/5/2018 - If you’ve been looking for scrap metal buyers for a while now, you might know that the value of your metal can fluctuate. But why is that? Ultimately, it comes down to a few key determiners. In this week’s blog, we’re looking at those factors that can affect the value of your scrap metal. Ferrous vs. non-ferrous metals Knowing …
6 Clever Ways To Reinvent Your Business 3/4/2018 - So you’ve realised it’s time for reinvention. Perhaps you’ve noticed you are losing employees and customers. Or maybe business is stagnant, and it has been that way for a while. Either way, you should start thinking about ways you can reinvent your business with growth in mind. In today’s blog, we’re looking at the steps …
5 Interesting Facts About Iron 23/3/2018 - Iron is an essential part of our lives. It’s in our tools, our buildings, our food and it is in our blood. It’s an important part of our ecosystem and part of our history. But, how much do you really know about Iron? This week we are testing your knowledge of iron by sharing unusual …
4 Fun Facts About Metal 9/2/2018 - What do you know about metal? Approximately 75% of the elements in the periodic table are metals. Many metals are strong, shiny and hard and are known for conducting electricity and heat. Metals are also typically malleable. In this week’s blog, we share four fun facts about metal. 1) There are lots of different types …
3 Easy Ways to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in 2018 26/1/2018 - It might be the end of January but that doesn’t mean we’re done thinking about the year ahead. One way we can all improve the world and feel better about the world in 2018 is by taking care of our planet. So in this week’s blog, we’re sharing three easy ways to reduce, reuse and …
How To Be A Recycling Superstar 13/1/2018 - We all know how important it is to look after our planet. And most of are making a conscious effort to do our best. But how do we master the art of recycling – so we can become recycling superstars? Well, in this week’s blog, we share five ways to be a better recycler. 1) Find out …
3 New Year’s Resolutions For A Sustainable 2018 1/1/2018 - This year, January 1st fell on a Monday- which is pretty perfect for anyone wanting a new start. With the new year comes renewed optimism about the future, and our place in it. That’s why it’s a tradition to set new goals for ourselves at this time. There are those that don’t believe in creating …
3 Recycled Gifts For This Christmas 16/12/2017 - Christmas is right around the corner, and with that comes the joy of spending time with family and friends, and the time to rest, relax and indulge in delicious food. However, Christmas is also a time to give gifts to your loved ones. This can be stressful, especially as Christmas creeps nearer. That’s why we’ve …
Five Surprising Things You Can’t Recycle 12/12/2017 - If you make a conscious help to our planet by recycling, you may be surprised to learn that some items – which we might expect to recycle – can’t actually be recycled. To properly assist our planet and the people who work at recycling centres and landfill sites, it’s essential that we remind ourselves of correct recycling …
What Happens If We Don’t Recycle? 28/11/2017 - We all know the importance of recycling. But have you ever contemplated what would happen if we abandoned all of our recycling efforts? Well in this week’s blog, we explore that exact question as look at the consequences our planet would face from not recycling. 1) Increase in pollution The first consequence from not recycling …
Recycling Metal 101 23/11/2017 - So we all know recycling is important, but do you know how to? Metals around the home can be recycled, from aluminium foil to clothes hangers. There are quite a few curbside collection programs for metal recycling, such as Metal Men Recycling. For others, there are also drop-off centres for metal to be recycled or …
Scrap Metal In The Second World War 16/11/2017 - Many of us understand the importance of metal in our daily lives, but how much do you know about its history? In this week’s article, we’re going to be exploring the use of scrap metal in the Second World War, and how metal was used to bring communities together. During the Second World War, civilians …
Easy Ways To Pick Up Extra Cash 16/11/2017 - With Christmas approaching, most of us are looking for some easy ways to pick up some extra cash. From collecting scrap metal to harnessing your creative talents, there are a variety of different things you can do to reel in some extra money. In this week’s blog, we share three easy ways to pick up extra …
Scrap Metal: Dump or Recycle? 1/11/2017 - When it comes to household recycling, scrap metal isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for many of us. To begin with, the production of metals has severe environmental impacts. However beyond this, scrap metal represents up to 17.5% of all litter found across Australia- which also isn’t great for our environment! In this …
All About Stainless Steel 24/10/2017 - The term ‘stainless steel’ often brings the image of cutlery to mind. While kitchenware certainly is one major usage for this metal, there are actually many other places it can be found. In this article, we’ll be running through some quick facts about stainless steel, including how the metal is formed, places to find stainless …
How To Help The Planet Right Now 20/10/2017 - We all know the importance of helping our environment. But what are somethings you can do everyday? From paying attention to your water usage to riding your bike to work, there are lots of little daily things you can do to help our planet. In this week’s blog, we share five things you can do …
How Recycling Can Help Your Business Succeed 9/10/2017 - It’s no secret that the planet is in turmoil, and despite increased public awareness around ‘going green’, reducing our energy consumption and changing our waste management strategies, little seems to be changing for the better. We’re encouraged to do our part as individual consumers, and every small act definitely does make a difference. But things …
How To Remove Rust From Metal 6/10/2017 - The discovery of rust can be off-putting at first. However, rust is nothing to be afraid of but is rather a natural development of leaving metal objects outside over time. If you have found that your metal objects have developed a layer of rust, there are some easy things you can do to remove it. In this …
3 Reasons To Love Copper 27/9/2017 - Copper, with its unique colouring, is one of the most visually appealing metals found on our planet. Found as element number 29 on the periodic table, copper is present as both a chemical compound and in its pure form. Considering that the average home contains 400 pounds of copper, it’s pretty likely that you’re surrounded …
Easy Ways to Teach Your Kids Recycling 19/9/2017 - It’s never too early to teach your kids the importance of recycling. In fact, learning and implementing recycling measures in your home can be a fun and creative process for your little ones. In this week’s blog, we discuss four easy ways to teach your kids recycling. Find books The first step you can take …
4 Things You May Not Know To Recycle 18/9/2017 - When it comes to helping the planet, we’ve all got to do our bit. Recycling is one of the best ways to do this, but as we all know, contaminated recycling is bad. Simply put, mixing non recyclable materials with recyclable materials can mean that all of it heads straight to landfill, and no one …
Four Ways to Reduce Waste 5/9/2017 - Whether you’re an eco-warrior or part-time environmentally conscious shopper, there’s plenty we can all do to help our beloved planet. When it comes to reducing waste, there are a few easy steps you can do on your own. In this week’s blog, we share the top four ways to reduce waste. Use reusable items Whenever …
All About Aluminium 29/8/2017 - For some of us, when we hear the word aluminium, the first thing we think of is the material used to wrap around potatoes when cooking on the barbeque. But there’s a lot more to this special element. In this article, we’re going to give you the low-down on aluminium. What is it? As the …
10 Things To Do With Scrap Metal Around The Home 29/8/2017 - Scrap metal is a valuable resource, and many of us may not realise how much we have lying around in the home. In this article, we’ll be going through 10 things you can do with your scrap metal today. Make a tin can telephone by removing the lids from two coffee tins and tying a …
Metal Recycling: How Does Australia Stack Up? 29/8/2017 - Many young Australians won’t remember a time when the humble aluminium can was thrown away, rather than recycled. For many reasons, scrap metal has become increasingly common in Australia as an innovative way to meet society’s needs by reducing carbon emissions, and to sustainably manufacture more consumer goods that require the use of metal. In …
How Recycling Scrap Metal Helps The Environment 29/8/2017 - We all know recycling is important. But did you know the impact recycling scrap metal can have on our environment? In this blog, we break down the top four ways recycling scrap metal helps our planet. From reducing air pollution by 86% to decreasing consumer waste by 105%, there’s a lot to be gained from …
What Happens to Your Recycled Metal 16/8/2017 - Have you ever wondered what happens to your recycled scrap metal? In this week’s blog, we examine a few of the common uses for commonly recycled scrap metals such as copper, aluminium and steel, so that you can be sure your scrap is being put to good use. Here are six different ways scrap metal …
5 Recyclable Products that you Can’t Put in Your Council Recycling Bin 2/8/2017 - Most local councils in Australia only have the resources to recycle certain materials (usually paper, glass, aluminium and steel) but there are plenty of other products and materials which can be recycled with a little extra effort. Car batteries Classified as hazardous waste, car batteries as well as lead acid batteries contain a range of …
How to Choose the Right Scrap Metal Dealer 28/7/2017 - Choosing a metal recycling scrap yard is about more than just searching for the best prices in your area, you should also consider convenience, professionalism and loyalty programs. In this week’s blog, we give you a few things to look out for when choosing a metal recycler to ensure you have the best possible scrap …
How to Make Money from Sustainable Hobbies 7/7/2017 - If you have an interest in sustainable living, and also fancy making some extra cash, there are various ways to monetise your green hobbies. In this blog, we look at some of the best environmentally friendly ways to earn extra money. Refurbish old furniture There is a huge market for antique and retro furniture, so …
Don’t Abandon your Car, Recycle it Instead! 29/6/2017 - Did you know that around 80% of a car can be recycled including aluminium from the body, the battery, windshield and tyres? Sadly, thousands of cars are abandoned around Australia every year by drivers looking to avoid the costs of professional disposal, but the costs of this method of disposal are far greater than the …
Metal Men’s Guide to Household Recycling 26/6/2017 - Most Australian households have a designated recycling bin provided by their local council, which makes recycling easier than ever, however it’s important to know which items to put in this bin, which items need to be dropped off at/picked up by special collectors, and which belong with the rest of the rubbish. In this blog, …
Copper Wire Fact File 21/6/2017 - This week we look at where you can find copper wire, and the different grades of copper scrap accepted by recyclers.
The Industrial History of Pakenham 7/6/2017 - Metal Men Recycling is proud to operate from the Melbourne suburb of Pakenham, which has been an important industrial hub for the region since the 19th century. This week, we celebrate that history with a few interesting facts. Pakenham grew up around the Latrobe Inn (Later Bourke’s Hotel, now the Princes Highway Hotel) Pakenham was …
How to Make Recycling Fun for Kids 31/5/2017 - In the interests of promoting sustainability and joining the war on waste, it’s a good idea to recycle wherever possible. When recycling at home, be sure to get your kids involved and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices. One of the best ways to get your kids to practice regular recycling is to make the …
5 Zero Waste Blogs Worth Following 23/5/2017 - Here’s a depressing fact: the average Australian produces 1.5 tonnes of waste in a year. But perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that a great deal of the waste is avoidable (for example edible food waste) or recyclable (plastic packaging and compostable food scraps). The shocking amount of waste people in developed countries produce …
The Do’s and Don’ts of Scrap Metal Recycling 22/5/2017 - Selling scrap metal is a great way to make some extra cash. But it definitely pays to learn from the experts when it comes to tips and pitfalls to avoid before entering the world of metal recycling. Check out our top 7 do’s and don’ts of scrap metal recycling before you get started.
10 Things you Didn’t Know About Recycling History 9/5/2017 - Recycling as we know it today as part of the environmental movement first came to prominence in the 1970s, but it’s history stretches back thousands of years prior to that. For most of human history, production of goods of any sort was both expensive and time consuming, so most households practiced some form of recycling. …
How to Identify A Metal 7/5/2017 - If you are interested in selling your scrap metal, it’s a good idea to do a few tests to verify that the scrap you have is the metal you think it is. That way, you won’t get confused or disappointed when the scrap metal yard gives you the price for your scrap. By familiarising yourself …
5 Small Metal Objects that Changed the World 19/4/2017 - When we think of world history and human evolution, we often think in terms of events, civilisations, and important figures. However, inventions have played an equally significant role in furthering humanity and many of the most significant objects happen to be made of metal. This week, we thought we’d look at five surprising metal objects …
How can your business benefit from urban mining? 18/4/2017 - One of the hottest buzzwords in the waste and recycling industry right now is “urban mining”. Up until recently this term was defined as the process of scavenging through the scrap metal in old electronic goods in search of precious metals contained within these products. However, urban mining has been broadened in definition by many …
Metals Commonly Found on Construction Sites 7/4/2017 - Along with other common building materials like timber and concrete, a variety of metals can usually be found on construction sites. Whether you’re a construction company with left over building materials, or a home owner looking to get rid of site waste, metal recycling is a great way to dispose of excess construction metal. In …
3 Great Reasons to Scrap Your Old Car 29/3/2017 - Have you ever found yourself in ownership of a car which just wasn’t worth repairing or was just too old to keep driving? It can be a challenge to work out what to do with an ageing vehicle which is taking up space in your garage or yard. Let’s consider 3 reasons why turning your …
Metal Recycling in the Office 28/3/2017 - Businesses generate a lot of waste, so it’s important to implement sustainability practices that allow you and your workers to reduce, reuse and recycle as much of this waste as possible. In addition to recycling common office wastes such as paper, cardboard, printer cartridges, and plastics, care should also be taken to ensure metal wastes …
Reducing the Energy Consumption of Your Whitegoods 16/3/2017 - Whitegoods are some of the most important appliances in our homes; we use them daily for cooking, keeping food cool and fresh, washing our clothes, and cleaning, among other things. Because we use whitegoods so often, it’s important for us to know how they work, how we can reduce their overall energy consumption, and how …
Top 7 Most Valuable Scrap Metals 8/3/2017 - If you have recently renovated your home or own a business which manufactures goods containing metal parts, chances are you have some scrap metal lying around which could be turned into some serious cash. It is handy to know which metals are the most valuable when it comes to recycling your scrap. Non-ferrous metals such …
All About Brass 7/3/2017 - If you’re looking around your home for valuable scrap metal, steel and aluminium aren’t your only options – you can also recycle alloys like brass. Brass is a very versatile metal, used for conductive purposes, in machinery, as a decorative material and even jewellery. Read on to find out more about this incredibly useful metal. …
Found Objects You Can Sell For Profit 1/3/2017 - If you’re a regular follower of our blogs, you’re undoubtedly aware that it’s possible to turn a tidy profit by sourcing and selling various kinds of scrap metal. What you might not know however is that there is a plethora of found objects which can be flipped for profit. This week, we thought we’d …
Fun Facts You Never Knew About Steel 23/2/2017 - Steel is an incredibly versatile metal and its unique properties enable it to be recycled over and over again without any degradation. In this week’s blog, we take a closer look at this incredible metal with some amazing facts about its physical properties, uses and the steel industry. All about steel All steel comes from …
3 great reasons why Copper is the King of Scrap Metal 19/2/2017 - Copper is one of the most coveted metals down at the scrap yard. Let’s explore the reasons why copper is one of the best metals to recycle and discover how you can maximise your return when you turn your scrap copper into cash.
6 Tools & Tricks of the Scrap Metal Trade 7/2/2017 - Selling scrap metal can be a great way to earn some extra cash but if you have never done it before you may be a bit unsure about how to get started. Here are a few popular tools and tips which can help you make money from scrap metal. A magnet will come in handy …
Looking for Scrap? Here are 4 Places to Find Scrap Iron around the Home 18/1/2017 - When we think of household scrap metal, our minds often turn to things like old car shells, huge collections of aluminium cans, steel fencing, and copper wiring, however iron is also a great source of scrap metal and can be found in many furnishings and appliances around the home. Whether you’re having a big cleanout, …
Fun Garage Conversion Ideas 12/1/2017 - In our last blog we told you how to salvage scrap metal from your cluttered garage, so now that you have a freshly cleaned garage, it’s time to explore how you can turn it into an extension of your existing living space. Read on for four fun garage conversion ideas. …
How to harvest scrap metal from your garage 10/1/2017 - It’s very easy for the home garage to become a place of clutter, especially if it’s not where you usually park your car. While the garage seems like the perfect place to store electronics and appliances in need of repairs, handy items like wiring, an onslaught of tools, and old batteries, it’s unlikely that you’ll …
8 Impressive Metal Detector Finds 15/12/2016 - If you’re a regular scrap metal collecting enthusiast, you’ll know the thrill of finding something of value which someone else has cast away as trash. Whilst scrap metal collecting is a quick and easy way to make a little extra cash, there are plenty of other ways to treasure hunt and one of the most …
A Guide to Harvesting Scrap Metal From Your Car 12/12/2016 - If you’re looking to make some extra cash over the summer, why not scour your house for some unwanted scrap metal. Trading in your scrap for cash is a quick and easy way to earn some extra money and is also a great way to start decluttering your house. If you have an old rusty …
7 Interesting Facts About Lead 30/11/2016 - This week, we take a look at one of the lesser known and recycled metals that we work with. Once used widely in everything from cosmetics to plumbing, lead has fallen out of fashion due to it’s high toxicity, but it’s still a valuable limited resource which can be used for a wide variety of …
Where to Find Aluminium Scrap Around the Home 24/11/2016 - Aluminium is a non-ferrous metal with a huge number of applications. It is used in everything from construction to transportation to everyday household items. One of the great things about aluminium is how easily it can be recycled: it is able to be recycled endlessly without deteriorating in quality. Here are a few places that …
A Beginners Guide to Cash for Scrap Metal 18/11/2016 - It’s that time of year where the summer holidays are just around the corner and everyone is scrambling for extra cash to use forChristmas presents. Trading in your scrap metal is not only a great way to earn some extra money, it’s also beneficial to the environment. Here are some awesome ideas of how you …
4 Ways Scrap Metal Recycling Benefits the Environment 14/11/2016 - Whilst it’s great to earn a little bit of extra cash by exchanging your scrap metal for cash, recycling metal plays an important role in preserving environmental resources and minimising the carbon footprint of the manufacturing industry. This week, we take a look at four key ways metal recycling benefits the environment. Energy conservation …
Trade In Your Old Farming Machinery For Cash 3/11/2016 - If you’re an Australian farmer gearing up for harvest season, it may be a good time to think about recycling your old farming machinery. Not only will you be decluttering your farm in preparation for the busy harvest season, you can also earn a significant amount of cash from the scrap metal present in your …
Scrap Metal Recycling Myths 3/11/2016 - In our previous blog, we looked at some of the most common misconceptions surrounding household recycling and how even participating in programs on this small scale can make a major difference to both the environment and the economy. This week, we thought we’d take a look at some of the myths often applied to scrap …
Recycling Myths 3/11/2016 - Although environmental consciousness and sustainability is a near constant discussion topic in 2016, there are still plenty of misconceptions surrounding what we can do to reduce the impact our lifestyles have on the environment. Some of the best examples of this confusion are the myths that surround recycling. This week, we take a look at …
3 Effortless Ways to Be More Environmentally Friendly 19/10/2016 - The conversation about global warming is becoming more and more prominent with the latest scientific research suggesting that it will be next to impossible to prevent a 1.5C temperature rise. Although much of the pollution in the world comes from heavy industry, efforts on the micro (individual) level are important to promote environmental consciousness and …
3 Chance Discoveries that Made People Rich 19/10/2016 - When you go out scrap metal picking, there’s no knowing what treasures you might uncover. Whilst a stash of forgotten copper wire or an abandoned stainless steel kitchen sink might seem like the best you can hope for, there are some stories of junk pickers coming across valuable finds beyond their wildest dreams. This week, …
5 Kinds of Tradespeople That Scrap Metal Collectors Should Befriend 19/10/2016 - If you’re serious about making cash from scrap, then it pays to network. Whilst it’s relatively easy to find odd bits of scrap metal around your home, neighbourhood, and workplace, it can be hard to consistently make money by sourcing scrap in this way. Most scrappers who want to turn a profit, tend to build …
4 Artists Who Work with Scrap Metal 26/9/2016 - Abundant, varied, and almost always free, there are a lot of characteristics of scrap metal which lend it credence as an artistic medium. Although artists have long used ‘found objects’ in their work, scrap metal sculpting is a relatively new and niche concept. This week, we take a look at four artists who are doing …
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Rust 22/9/2016 - If you are new to the world of scrap metal collecting, it can take a while to learn about the various factors which affect the value of your haul. This week, we address the most common cause of metal deterioration, rust. What is Rust? Also known as iron oxide, rust is formed as a result …
How to Breathe New Life into Your Metal Tools 8/9/2016 - If you’re thinking of dabbling in a little bit of garage spring cleaning this weekend, then you should definitely read this article before you decide to throw anything away. Whilst it can be incredibly satisfying to purge your home of old things and embrace the new, this mentality is wasteful and ultimately unsustainable. Although …
The Hazards of Scrap Metal Collecting 31/8/2016 - Although scrap metal collecting can be a very lucrative pastime, it does have its drawbacks. Working with older metal parts can be a hazardous occupation and if you’re serious about turning a profit from your scrapping habit, it’s imperative that you are thoroughly versed in the various hazards and safety precautions. This week, we take …
5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle with Metal Men 24/8/2016 - Now that spring is less than a week away, you’ve probably turned your thoughts to getting your home or business ready for the busy summer months, and that means spring cleaning. Make spring 2016 the year you finally get rid of that bulky junk cluttering up your garage or backyard by getting proactive and …
How to Earn Serious Cash Through Scrap Metal Collecting 20/8/2016 - It’s always a bonus to make a few extra dollars by trading in your old metal scrap, but if you want to get serious about turning a profit on a semi regular basis in this way, you need to develop a strategy that extends beyond collecting up your household’s metal waste. This week, we …
10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Steel and Iron 12/8/2016 - One of the most common elements in the universe and used in every industry on earth, it’s little wonder that steel is one of the most abundant metals in our Pakenham scrap yard. This week, to celebrate the importance of steel in our modern world, we’ve come up with 10 interesting things we guarantee you …
Exploring the History of Barbed Wire 4/8/2016 - Metal inventions have played a fundamental role in shaping the modern world that we live in today. This week, we look at the history of one of the simplest, yet most influential metal inventions of the 19th century, barbed wire. The modern barbed wire design was first patented by Joseph Glidden in 1873. Legend has …
4 Iconic Steel Structures and Their Scrap Value 26/7/2016 - Once you take an interest in the value of scrap metal, you’ll find yourself assessing all sorts of things for their scrap value. This week, we take a hypothetical approach to the business of scrap metal collecting, by assessing four iconic steel and iron structures for their scrap value. Eiffel Tower Known to locals as …
7 Unusual Facts About Copper 20/7/2016 - This week we continue our examination of common scrap metals by uncovering seven unusual facts about copper. Copper plays a key role in the human body An adult human body contains between 1.4 and 2.1mg of copper per kg. Copper is a trace dietary mineral that can be found in the muscle, liver and bone. …
8 Facts About the History of Aluminium 20/7/2016 - This week, we take a closer look at one of the most common scrap metals to be found around our yard; aluminium. Used in everything from soft drink cans to aeroplane engines, aluminium has a versatility that few other metals can compete with and in this article, we uncover eight interesting facts hidden in the …
How to Get Rid of 4 Common Household Items You Can’t Throw in the Bin 13/7/2016 - If you live in Melbourne, then it might seem a bit ridiculous to you that you have three separate kinds of waste collection (and three separate bins to match) and yet there are still some things you can’t just roll out onto the front of your curb and be done with. Unfortunately, the reality of …