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 industry experts who now use the term to refer to the process of reclaiming compounds and elements from products, buildings and waste. Let’s consider some of the ways your business can benefit from urban mining. Continue reading
Category: Blog
Metals Commonly Found on Construction Sites
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 this blog, we take you through some of the most common metals found on construction sites, why they make excellent building materials, and how to scrap them for cash.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is an alloy made from a mixture of carbon and iron, renowned for its strength and rigidity. Carbon steel is often used for the beams in structural framework, as well as having industrial uses in plates for highway construction and rectangular tubing for bridges. Because of its durability, it is often used as to make rebars and hollow structural sections.
Aluminium
Aluminium is favoured by the construction industry as it is corrosion resistant, ductile, and highly conductive. These properties also make it resistant to harsh weather conditions, which is why it’s perfect to use as a framework for windows and doors, as wiring, and for outdoor street lights and signage. Aluminium is often processed into sheet metal form, along with tubes and castings, giving it applications in roofing and walling, HVAC ducts, and handles.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has been used in construction for over a century, and is a feature material in some of the most famous architectural structures in the world, including the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building in New York, and La Pyramid De Louvre in Paris. Stainless steel is an alloy made up of iron, at least 10.5% chromium (the higher the level of chromium, the more corrosion proof), and varying levels of carbon, silicon and manganese. Sometimes elements such as nickel and molybdenum are also added. Stainless steel is corrosion and stain resistant and is strong, durable, ductile, and easily welded, making it the perfect material for roofing, structural frames, handrails and balustrading, architectural cladding and drainage.
Copper
Copper is another common construction material, mostly used for piping/plumbing and electrical wiring. Copper is a ductile, malleable metal that is easily welded/soldered and is also corrosion resistant. Rigid copper tubing is ideal for piping, while soft copper is often used to make refrigerant lines in HVAC systems and heat pumps.
Carbon steel, aluminium, stainless steel and copper are incredibly valuable to the construction industry, and have been used in many iconic structures around the world. If you find yourself with an excess amount of any of these materials, take them to your local scrap metal buyer in Melbourne. Not only will you be helping the environment through recycling, you’ll also earn some cash for scrap.
3 Great Reasons to Scrap Your Old Car
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 old car into scrap metal can turn out to be the best solution.
Selling the car can be more trouble than it’s worth
Old cars can prove difficult to sell, especially if they are not in good condition. You may only be able to sell it for a fraction of what it’s worth if the car is need of repairs, isn’t roadworthy or isn’t a popular make or model. There are some sites on which you can advertise your car for free but often the time it takes you to post the ad, respond to questions from potential buyers and then show the car to interested parties who wish to inspect the car before purchasing can prove to be quite a hassle and a lot of effort for very little gain.
Scrapping your car could prove to be the most profitable option
Selling your car to the scrap yard could actually turn out to be a more profitable option than selling your car privately or trading your car in at a dealership. It can be very disheartening when you are interested in buying a new car and find out how little the dealership is prepared to give you for your old beaten up but much-loved vehicle.
Scrapping your car is often the most convenient option
Some scrap metal buyers offer professional scrap metal pickup. At Metal Men Recycling, we provide a 24 hour pickup service, meaning your car will be removed in no time at all and with no hassle to you. If you trade your car in you will most likely have to transport the car to the dealership. If you sell your car online, you’ll need to take photos of the car and upload them along with the description etc. If you choose to scrap the car with Metal Men Recycling, all you need to do is call us on 03 5941 6677 and we will arrange pickup at a convenient time and can provide you with a quote. We are able to pay you for your car scrap in cash, cheque or EFTPOS.
Metal Recycling in the Office
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 are recycled, by trading them in as scrap. If you want to do your bit for the environment and earn some cash for scrap, find out where you can salvage scrap metal around the office.
Aluminium cans and food containers and foil
It’s likely that your workers order takeaway lunches at least a couple of times a week, so to prevent this recyclable waste from ending up with the rest of the rubbish, provide your office with a designated metal recycling bin. Instruct your employees to recycle all aluminium waste, along with any steel cans (from baked beans or canned tuna) they may bring into the office. Aluminium and steel are able to be recycled infinitely, and recycling just one aluminium can saves enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours, so it’s worth holding onto this waste until you can trade it in as scrap.
Old steel furniture
Before chucking out old office furniture, check whether it has any recyclable parts. Steel framed chairs and tables, as well as chrome plated pieces, are often favoured in office environments because of their professional look, so salvage the metal from these items before disposing of them. All of this metal can be added to the pile that you take to your local metal buyer.
Old technology
One of the biggest sources of scrap metal in the office is obsolete computing technology. Electronic waste (or e-waste) is full of valuable metals like copper, silver, gold and palladium (among others), and because the other components of e-waste can be hazardous to the environment, it’s important that as much as possible of it is recycled before being correctly disposed of.
Old piping
If your office is having the plumbing re-done, make sure you keep your old piping. Synthetic PVC piping is favoured over galvanised piping (steel or iron with a protective zinc coating) these days, however these outdated galvanised pipes are a great source of scrap metal.
Decorative features
When redecorating your office, look out for items like brass door handles or unwanted metal ornaments. These items can also be added to your scrap metal pile.
Collecting the scrap in your office for metal recycling is not only beneficial to the environment, but is also a good way to generate some extra cash for office lunches and the like. Metal Men Recycling will give you cash for scrap metal and even offer a 24-hour pickup service.
Reducing the Energy Consumption of Your Whitegoods
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 to reduce environmental impacts by taking them to a scrap metal buyer.
Fridges and freezers
Almost every Australian household (estimated at 99.9%) has a refrigerator, and because fridges are usually kept running 24 hours a day, they are often the single biggest consumer of power within a household. Around 13% of Victorian household energy costs are spent on refrigeration, which is why it’s so important to purchase an energy efficient model and maintain proper use. A fridge works by removing heat from the inside (thereby keeping its contents cool) and transferring it outside through its radiator coils. Because of this, it’s important to ensure your fridge isn’t positioned too close to a wall so that heat can properly dissipate.
It’s also a good idea to avoid placing your fridge in enclosed spaces, in direct sunlight in summer, and to avoid putting hot food straight into the fridge, as all of these things will force your fridge to work harder and consume more energy. Radiator coils should be kept free of dust to prevent against incidental insulation, the amount of time your fridge door is left open should be minimised, and door seals should be kept clean and in working order. If you have an old fridge, it’s a good idea to upgrade to a newer model with a high energy star rating. Instead of having your old fridge sent to the tip, take it to a scrap metal buyer to further reduce your energy consumption through recycling.
Washers and dryers
Washing machines are another important household item, and because of how often they are used, and the fact that they can be expected to last for around 10 years or more, it’s important to invest in an energy efficient model. An efficient washing machine (at least 3.5 stars for energy and 4 stars for water) can save you up to 21,000 litres of water per year and up to 25% of normal running costs over a lifetime. It’s a good idea to look for a front loading washing machine with cold water cycle options in order save on water and energy. To further reduce your energy bills you should:
- Wash using a cold cycle wherever possible
- Ensure your washing machine contains a full load before use
- Use the highest spin cycle to minimise the use of a clothes dryer
Clothes dryers are used in around 54% of Victorian households, however how often and how long they are used for varies a lot between households. It’s always best to let clothes dry naturally outside whenever possible, however if you must use a clothes dryer, look for an energy efficient model such as a heat pump or gas dryer. Electric dryers should have at least a 2-star energy rating. To minimise the energy consumption of your dryer it’s best to:
- Clean the filter before use
- Ensure proper airflow to the surrounding area to minimise humidity
- Dry heavy and lightweight clothing separately
- Make use of heat emitted by the machine by drying multiple loads consecutively
With both washing machines and dryers, you should always invest in the most energy efficient option in order to minimise your energy bills and your impact on the environment. Old washing machines and dryers can be taken to a metal recycling company in Melbourne in exchange for cash.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers are present in around 50% of Victorian households and are used between four and seven times per week. By looking for a water and energy efficient dishwasher, you can drastically reduce your bills: each extra energy star can save you up to 30% on running costs. To maximise the efficiency of your dishwasher you should:
- Only use your dishwasher on full loads
- Run the eco cycle wherever possible
- Regularly clean the filter
Again, old dishwashers should not simply be dumped and sent to landfill, but sent to be recycled by a reputable metal recycler.
Remember that whitegoods are meant to have a long lifespan, and by selecting well rated models and repairing small problems, you will be able to reduce not only your energy consumption and bills, but also your overall consumption of materials. If any of your whitegoods are no longer functional, or if you’re updating to more efficient models, then you should take your old whitegoods to a scrap metal buyer. The metal from your whitegoods can be recycled again and again, so when you trade them in as cash for scrap, you are reducing the waste that goes to landfill, conserving resources, and reducing emissions created in the production of new materials. Metal Men Recycling can give you cash for scrap metal and even have a scrap metal pickup service for heavier items.
Top 7 Most Valuable Scrap Metals
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 as aluminium, copper and brass are typically worth more at the scrap yard than ferrous metals (those which contain iron). Read on to learn about 7 of the most profitable scrap metals.
All About Brass
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.
What is brass?
Brass is an alloy, which is a combination (solution or compound) of two or more elements, one of which must be a metal. Brass is the alloy of copper and zinc, which allows it to exhibit the positive characteristics of both metals, i.e. brass is a stronger metal than copper, and is considered more visually appealing than zinc. Copper is the main component of brass, accounting for 55% to 95% of its overall weight, while the second main component, zinc, makes up 5% to 40% of the total weight. The more zinc present in brass, the stronger it will be, however it will also be more susceptible to corrosion. Brass can also contain other fortifying metals like lead (which improves machinability), iron (which makes the brass stronger and easier to shape) and arsenic and/or antimony (which help prevent against corrosion in zinc heavy brass. Brass can also contain very small amounts of manganese, silicon, and phosphorus.
When was it first made?
It is believed brass was first (unwittingly) manufactured as early as 3000 B.C., by ancient metal workers who were trying to make bronze (a compound of copper and tin). Because tin and zinc are sometimes present together in the earth’s crust, and have similar properties, the metal workers would not have realised they were making a different compound. By 300 A.D., brass was a large part of the metalworking industry in Western Europe, however it wasn’t until 1746 that zinc was identified as a unique element by a German scientist named Andreas Sigismund Marggraf. The process of combing copper and zinc to make brass was eventually patented in England in 1746.
What is it used for?
Because of its durability and decorative features, brass has a very wide range of uses, both around the home and in industry. Brass is used:
As a conductor
Although brass is only 28% as conductive as copper, it is still used as a conductor of electricity, especially in instances where its durability and resistance to corrosion are of an advantage.
In plumbing
Brass is a favoured material in plumbing due to its corrosion resistant properties. Brass pipes usually contain a larger percentage of copper, and brass containing 85% copper is referred to as red brass.
To make instruments
Because of its compound properties, brass is able to produce a unique sound, making it the perfect material to use in musical instruments. While its parent metal, copper, produces a very dead and flat sound, brass is capable of achieving rich tones, and its malleability combined with its durability has allowed it to be used in the manufacture of trombones, trumpets and French horns for many hundreds of years. The brass section has been a key component of orchestras since 1815.
In ammunition
Metal cartridge casings for firearms were first invented in 1852, and although several different metals were experimented with, brass was the most appropriate metal for the job. The brass compound used to make cartridges is even called cartridge brass, and has a 30% zinc content. The softest type of brass, gilding metal, is also used to make ammunition jackets.
In jewellery
Brass is commonly used to make jewellery as it is able to be highly polished. There is even a variation of brass called Prince’s Metal or Prince Rupert’s metal (named after Prince Rupert of the Rhine) used to imitate gold.
To make coins
One of the first uses for brass was to make coins, and it is still used for this purpose many hundreds of years later. Nickel brass (70% copper, 24.5% zinc and 5.5% nickel) is used to make the British pound sterling coin, and Nordic gold (a brass compound made of 89% copper, 5% aluminium, 5% zinc, and 1% tin) is used to make 10, 20 and 50 cent Euro coins.
There are many more uses for brass, which is a testament to its versatility and durability as a metal. If you have any of these brass items lying around your home unused, it may be worth trading them in for cash. Metal Men Recycling will give you cash for scrap metal, and will turn your old brass into something new.
Found Objects You Can Sell For Profit
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 run through four other types of found objects which can be traded in for cash.
Plant clippings
With the trend for indoor plants reaching fever pitch, there is a huge market for many low maintenance varieties which can easily propagated for clippings. Take tip cuttings from thriving plants in your garden or around your neighbourhood, and root them in either peat moss or a glass of water until roots form, then sell the seedlings on via one of the many local plant selling groups on social media, or at a community garden swap meet. Some popular varieties to look out for include any kind of cactus or succulent, African violets, rex begonia, snake plant, jade plant and fuchsia.
Picture frames
Whilst art styles come and go, large, unusual or ornate picture frames are always in high demand. Next time you’re in an op shop flipping through a stack of pictures, focus on the frames instead of what they contain. Provided they are in good condition, large ornate or antique frames can fetch upwards of a hundred dollars.
Old and broken electronics
With the rate technology advances nowadays, almost everyone has an old phone, iPod, computer, stereo, or at least a handful of CDs lying around at home somewhere. Whilst out of date or broken electronics might seem useless to you, they do have a resale value as many contain reusable materials or can be reconditioned. Online electronic resellers like Decluttr, CashForCDs, and Dixons Recycled pay well for old and broken technology and are well worth investigating.
Appliance parts
If you have a small appliance which seems too old or broken to sell, there’s still a good chance that someone out there wants it’s parts. Online selling platforms like eBay are ideal for selling parts from brand name appliances as it has a worldwide audience and parts like attachments and accessories are small enough to be sent through the post.
Metal Men Recycling offers cash for scrap metal and promises a competitive price for almost every type of metal scrap. Get in touch with us today to unload your scrap metal haul by calling 03 5941 6677.
Fun Facts You Never Knew About Steel
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 iron (or iron ore), the 4th most common element on planet and the 6th most common element throughout the universe. Steel is an incredibly strong material; some kinds of steel can be up to 1000 times stronger than iron. Although steel is susceptible to rust, there are ways to minimise its effects. These include coating steel with materials such as zinc (galvanisation) and protecting steel from rust through continually passing an electric current through it, a process called Cathodic Protection.
Uses of steel
Steel has a huge number of uses; it is used in extremely large volumes in the transport industry to build things like ships, trains, cars and planes, in the construction industry for structures like reinforcing bars, suspension cables, cladding and roofing, in the manufacture of appliances like refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, sinks, radiators, kitchen utensils, razors and stereo equipment, and in disposable items such as food and beverage cans, aerosol cans and bottle tops. Because steel is such a commonly used material, it’s important to make a conscious effort to recycle it. In Australia 97% of end of life structural steel and 82% of all scrap steel is recycled into new products.
The steel industry then and now
Although steel has been manufacture for many hundreds of years, the steel industry really took off when Henry Bessemer, an English inventor, developed the Bessemer process between 1850 and 1855 – the first real method that enabled the mass production of steel. Today, steel production is booming, with 67 countries reporting the combined manufacture of 136.5 million tonnes in January 2017 alone. China produces over 50% of the world’s steel, and Japan is the second largest producer of the metal.
Steel is a truly versatile metal, and because of its incredible durability and ability to be endlessly recycled, the steel industry will likely flourish for many years to come. Metal Men Recycling will gladly accept all your old steel appliances and give you cash for scrap. We even have a 24 hour pick up service. Call us now on 03 5941 6677 and get cash for scrap!
4 Great Reasons Why Copper Is The King Of Scrap Metal
Copper is one of the most coveted metals down at the scrap yard. It is a non-ferrous metal and is actually the best conductor of electricity – not including precious metals of course. Even though copper is a fairly common metal, it is still highly sought after for recycling purposes. Let’s explore four 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.
Continue reading6 Tools & Tricks of the Scrap Metal Trade
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.
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A magnet will come in handy
While some scrap metal yards accept both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, the latter (which includes metals such as copper, aluminium and stainless steel) are more valuable to recycle and will fetch you more cash at the scrap metal yard. You can work out which type of metal you have by using any kind of magnet (even a fridge magnet will work).
If the magnet sticks to your metal then you are in possession of a ferrous metal such as steel or iron. Ferrous metal is not worth a lot but Metal Men Recycling will still accept it and make sure it is recycled properly.
If the magnet does not stick to your metal then you have a non-ferrous metal on your hands and may be able to make some serious money by selling it to scrap metal buyers.
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Safety gear is essential
It’s important to take certain precautions when collecting metal, especially if it’s old or rusty. You should protect yourself when collecting scrap metal by wearing clothing that covers your skin adequately, work boots, goggles and thick gloves.
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A metal file will reveal the true colour
As some metals are worth more than others, it can be handy to determine exactly which type of metal you have come across. By using a metal file to file down coated items or wires you can identify the type of metal. Some copper and brass pipes may be tarnished but when you use a metal file you can reveal the original colour of the metal. Copper is a reddish colour and brass pipes will appear yellowish in colour.
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All that glitters is not gold
Scrap metal prices vary based on material and location. Scrap metal is also graded according to what type of material it is and what condition it is in. It can be challenging at times to estimate the value of your metal unless you constantly have your finger on the pulse of the metal market (or scrap regularly). However, you can utilise sites like Kitco to determine current market prices. The most profitable scrap metals generally include copper, aluminium, silver, gold, brass, stainless steel, iron and lead.
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Basic information is just a click away
Basic knowledge of different types of metals is extremely useful when getting started at scrapping metal. There a lots of online guides to metal types such as eBay’s Guide to Different Types of Metals and Alloys which give you a great overview of the features and characteristics of a range of metals.
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You could be sitting on a gold mine!
If you own your own home/business or rent a large property, chances are you have something lying around that you could sell to a scrap metal company. From cans and wires to cars and old machinery, Metal Men Recycling will give you cash for any kind of scrap metal. To find out what items can represent great sources of scrap metal consult our informative blog or contact our friendly team.
Looking for Scrap? Here are 4 Places to Find Scrap Iron around the Home
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, are renovating, or simply want to make some extra cash, it’s a great idea to scour your home for scrap iron to be recycled in exchange for cash. Read on to find out where you can find scrap iron throughout your home.
Awnings and old window frames
Many older style houses (of which there are plenty throughout Melbourne) have wrought iron finishings like window frames and awnings. Because iron is so durable it makes a fantastic building material, so if you’re renovating your old home you’re bound to find iron somewhere. Not too long ago, iron was commonly used as a sturdy material for window frames, as it was able to keep the window in place and withstand high winds, and iron awnings above windows and doors were a popular form of decoration.
Ovens and stovetops
Beneath the layers of enamel, many older style ovens are actually made from valuable iron, so if you’ve got an old oven that you want to get rid of – either because it no longer works or because you’re upgrading – hold onto it and trade it in as scrap. If your oven isn’t made of iron, your stovetop undoubtedly will be, so salvage any old cooking elements and take them to your local metal recycler.
Bed frames and clothes racks
The bedroom seems an unlikely place to find scrap iron, however items like bed frames, dresser chairs, and clothing racks can all be made from iron and should be recycled rather than thrown out. Sometimes these items are coated with decorative paint, so if you’re unsure whether your furniture is made from iron make sure you scratch away at part of the surface.
If you come across any of these items around your home, don’t throw them away. Instead, take them to your local scrap metal dealer where you can earn cash for scrap. Metal Men Recycling accept a huge range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and will gladly take any unwanted scrap metal off your hands.
Find us at: 18 Drovers Place, Pakenham VIC 3810