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 between these two grades is the inclusion of blackened and galvanised steel, in which HMS2 includes but HMS1 doesn’t. Both of these grades are made up of only obsolete scrap – which is scrap that is taken/recovered from disassembled or demolished items. This distinction system helps when it comes time to actually sell the scrap metal and recycle it.

 

What exactly is it?

As mentioned above, HMS includes used steel and wrought iron. Used steel is fairly self-explanatory – it’s second-hand steel that has been previously used in some capacity. Wrought iron can be identified by its fibrous appearance and is highly malleable. True wrought iron can be shaped over and over again by reheating it and shaping it differently with the proper tools. The more it is worked, the stronger it becomes.

These two types of metal are ferrous scrap and are primarily recycled from things such as automobiles, certain types of fences, railway tracks etc. Within HMS there are two categories, HMS1 and HMS2, which tell the scrap metal recyclers how properly to recycle the two types of HMS.

 

HMS1

HMS1 is fundamentally defined by the fact that it does not include galvanised and blackened steel. HMS1 is separated into two codes itself which relate to the size of the pieces of scrap metal that you can sell and recycle. These codes are designated ISRI (Institute of scrap recycling industries), and for HMS1, are as follows:

• ISRI 200 – Pieces that are smaller than 36×18 inches in size.
• ISRI 201 – Pieces that are smaller than 60×18 inches in size.

For both of these codes, the pieces must be at least a 1/4 inch in thickness.

 

HMS2

When you sell scrap metal, it is important to know that HMS2 is essentially the same as HMS1 except it includes steel that is galvanised and blackened. Another major difference between the two is that the HMS2 pieces must be a minimum of 1/8 inches in thickness to be recycled. The reason for these specific measurements is that it makes for efficient furnace melting time, minimising the time it takes to charge enough scrap for a full melt.

Like HMS1, HMS2 contains different codes defined by ISRI, but rather than just two, HMS2 has four:

• ISRI 203 – Any wrought iron or steel that is blackened and galvanised that is at least 1/8 inches in thickness.
• ISRI 204 – The same as ISRI 203 with the exception that only pieces smaller than 36×18 inches are included in this code.
• ISRI 205 – Similar to ISRI 204 but this bracket could contain thin-gauge scrap from automobiles.
• ISRI 206 – Identical to ISRI 205 but the pieces must be smaller than 60×18 inches.

 

What is black and galvanised steel?

As we know, these two types of steel are categorised into HMS2 and are one of the major differences between HMS1 and HMS2, but what does black steel and galvanised steel actually mean?

Galvanised steel is when the steel has been coated with zinc to give it a longer life expectancy and also protect against rust and corrosion. Galvanised pipes are commonly used in plumbing. As they’re constantly exposed to water and other such liquids the galvanisation is highly useful.

Black – or blackened – steel is used primarily for carrying gas into homes or buildings via pipes. Black steel is uncoated and more fire resistant than galvanised steel. It has a black colour that is a result of the iron-oxide surface that is formed during the manufacturing process. There are a number of different techniques that can be used to create black steel including hot and cold-coatings and chemical baths and finishes.

 

Why is it important to recycle HMS?

There’s really no reason not to recycle HMS. It reduces CO2 emissions – which is great for the environment – and lessens the resources that are used to make fresh steel and wrought iron products. You can also sell your scrap metal and HMS and make money off the appropriate disposal of it.

 

Sell scrap metal

Metal Men Recycling is a premium scrap metal recycling company that will buy your scrap metal and recycle it in the proper manner. We come to you and pick up your scrap in exchange for eftpos or cheque payment – whether it be a residence or a business.

 

If you would like to enquire about our pickup procedure or more about HMS then please give us a call on 03 5941 6677 or contact us through our website.

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 other recyclable materials. These can either have practical uses or just simply be a nice artistic touch to spruce up your house design.

1.    Sculptures

Metal sculptures area great way to recycle your spare metal and a fun way as well. You can make statues and sculptures out of virtually any type of metal. Some might be a little harder than others and may require some extra tools – harder metals may need to be heated so they can be bent and re-shaped for example – but for lighter ones such as copper and aluminium it can be a very easy process and you can finish with some great looking pieces of art.

This process of recycling metal is a great one and the sculptures can be made on any scale. If you get ambitious enough you can even create a sculpture that houses some small plants on top of it or on multi-levels depending on what shape you create. It’s a sure way to grab the attention of your neighbours or guests.

 

2.    Wall murals

This is probably going to sound like the sort of thing that you’d find in an art gallery, and that’s exactly what it’s meant to be. Soda cans, chicken wire, plastics, pretty much most types of recyclable material can be used in this project, which is creating a mural piece that can be hung up on a wall as a feature piece. Using all these recyclable materials, you can overlap and layout in either a random or specific design of your choice. You could create a peacock and their feathers out of multi-coloured, flattened soda cans, or some old fencing – like chicken wire – to create a picturesque Eiffel tower landscape.

 

3.    Creating garden fences

If you want to give your garden a bit more of a rustic look, then you can repurpose some old metal or other recyclable materials and create a fun looking fence to separate your flowerbed from the rest of your garden. Here are some fun ideas on how to go about this:

• If you happen to have thin metal sheets or something similar you can dig up the ground in front of the flowerbed and bury half of it and let the other half stick out, creating the barrier. You can also spray-paint or take a permanent marker to the metal to colour it/draw a design on it. This is a great and practical way for recycling metal in Melbourne.
• If you collect small, glass bottles you can time them together with some sturdy string or wire and wrap them around your garden. It is best to have the base of these buried under the soil with some dirt put into the bottom of the bottle to help anchor it down.

 

4.    Repurposing bottles

We just mentioned how you can use smaller glass bottles to create a little flowerbed border, but what about larger bottles? Other than the basic storage uses such as reusing them for oil or other liquids in the kitchen, you can also use them as vases, candle holders (depending on how large the candles/bottle tops are) or even as little terrariums. Similarly, you can create little landscapes with sand, rocks and miniature figurines and place them around your home. Adding small LED lights into different coloured bottles as well can be a great night time feature for inside or even outside your house as well.

 

5.    Ideas for kids

Recycling around the house doesn’t just have to be for cool and swanky art décor purposes, but can also be for the kids, by the kids, as well. Egg cartons can be used to store small toys or used in artwork, old shoeboxes can be turned into little Japanese rock gardens – with a bit of tape to seal the cracks in the box.

 

Metal recycling solutions in Melbourne

If you do need help getting rid of excess scrap metal, Metal Men Recycling can come to your home or business and pay you to get rid of any unwanted scrap metal you may have.

If you would like to know more about our services or would like some more information/ideas on how to repurpose/recycle at home then please contact us at 03 5941 6677 or send us a message through our website.

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 block.

 

The classics

 

Before we go into some of the more time-consuming crafts let’s go back to basics. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make all the difference and things don’t have to be complicated to look amazing. Some of the classic DIY Halloween crafts are:

 

• Bats made from tying a small piece of black ribbon around a twig and putting googly eyes on it
• Ghosts made from small pieces of white material. Attach a string in the middle, so the material droops when you hand it and draw a ghost face on it. You can but a pompom or a small polystyrene small under to give it more volume
• Spider webs made from tangled white string or white wool. Spread it over your wall or the top of your door
• Pumpkins don’t have to be craved! Just having one brings in enough atmosphere, or you can just draw on it with a marker

 

Glass lantern

 

Don’t throw out that jar just yet! Your jar will make a perfect lantern and can even provide some colourful lighting. With a light coat of paint on the outside and a candle on the inside, you have yourself an affordable and easy to make mood lighting. Image your porch or room splashed red with flickering tea lights. Mix it up with a bit of blue, red or orange. Then, if you want to go the extra mile you paint little witches or ghouls on it.

 

Light bulb spiders

 

If you are wondering what to do with your old light bulbs then we have the best DIY craft for you. In order to transform your light bulb into a creepy crawly you’ll need pliers, wire, spray paint and a light bulb. Cut four long pieces of wire and wrap them around the base of the light bulb to create legs. Then, you spray paint it all with the colour of your choice. All that’s left to do is to decorate! Considering the delicate nature of the light bulb, you’re better off using them as table décor.

 

Wands

 

While this is more of a costume idea it can still be used as decorations. You know those old chopsticks you get with the occasional takeaway? Well, they make the perfect base for a Harry Potter-like wand. One way is to would the handle, texture and grooves with a handy glue gun. Once the glue is on the stick you can roll it on something bumpy to create texture. Then you paint it and add details. Abracadabra! You’ve got yourself a nifty wand. This is great for kids parties if you create a few you can hold a wizard duel competition!

 

Halloween Garland

 

If you’re looking for a classy look this Halloween, you can never go wrong with a garland. First, create a nice, sturdy wireframe for you to work from. Take a look around your home for bits and pieces like fabric scraps, flowers, straws, pipe cleaners and other craft items. You can also cut shapes out of paper, paint or colour them in, and stick it on your garland. If you wanted you could have a garland of twigs and stick ghosts, witches or pumpkins on it. There is so much you can do. The only limit is your imagination.

 

Can lantern

 

Not keen on getting your hands dirty carving a pumpkin? You can make a lantern that’s just as creepy using old cans. Just peel off the label of that empty baked beans can and punch some holes in it. You can also do this with old soda cans and even cut out some spooky shapes. With enough cans you’ll create the right atmosphere for your home, you may even scare away a few trick or treaters!

 

DIY recycled craft is great fun, but sometimes the build up on materials can feel overwhelming.The right kind of scrap metal can be traded in for money, so don’t miss out on earning some extra cash for recycling. Metal Man Recycling buys scrap metal and can even pick it for you to save you the hassle. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 03 5941 6677 today.

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 how they are benefiting the local environments.

South Australia

One of the most successful recycling initiatives practised in South Australia is the container deposit scheme. Introduced as an official legislation in 1977, the container deposit legislation (CDL) aims to reduce litter by paying people to return it. So far in South Australia, the CDL has been extremely successful, with an overall beverage container return rate of 79.9%.

Specifically, consumers may return certain containers to collection depots for what is usually a 10c refund on the item. This incentive to recycle not only means that everyday consumers are more likely to recycle, but it also means that if someone comes across an empty container on the street, they will benefit from picking it up and returning it to a depot. This principle is known as the ‘polluter pays’ concept, since it is the polluter who ultimately misses out on the benefit of the refund.

These are just some examples of containers you can return to a depot in South Australia for a refund:

• Beer bottles
• Soft drink cans
• Juice boxes
• Water bottles

South Australia was the first state to introduce this legislation, however, other Australian states have recognised its value and started to follow suit. Hopefully, it won’t be long until each state has its own CDL, making the legislation a national standard.

 

Western Australia

In Western Australia, much of the discussion around recycling is centred on raising awareness. To help residents and businesses improve their recycling habits, the WA has introduced a mobile app known as ‘Recycle Right’. With a matching campaign, the Recycle Right app aims to:

• Help people understand which bin to place their items in, using an A-Z searchable database of materials
• Educate people about what happens at the recycling facility
• Provide tips and tricks on reducing, reusing and recycling
• Help people find their nearest disposal facilities.

 

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory introduced a container deposit scheme (CDS) in 2011 that is very similar to the one practised in SA, where consumers can return containers to local depots for a refund.

The City of Darwin Council is also planning to move towards a “plastic-free future”. From January 1 2019, single-use plastics will officially be banned from all Council events, on Council land and in Council buildings. Some examples of single-use plastics that will be banned include:

• Helium balloons
• Plastic cups and cutlery
• Straws

The City of Darwin Council hopes to have phased out single-use plastics by the end of next year, hopefully inspiring other councils and states to join in on the ban.

 

Queensland

According to the Queensland Government, Queenslanders use almost 3 billion beverage containers every year. This statistic has very recently inspired the implementation of yet another container refund scheme. The scheme will officially commence on November 1 2018.

The Queensland Government is also planning to introduce a waste disposal levy, which is proposed to commence on March 4 2019. The levy will cover an area that includes around 90% of Queensland’s population. Under the proposed changes, you may be charged for disposing anything from general waste, to construction and demolition waste.

 

New South Wales

NSW also has a container refund scheme titled ‘Return and Earn’, which began rolling out officially in 2017.

Apart from this, however, the New South Wales Government also runs a campaign called ‘Waste Less, Recycle More’, which has a few key goals:

• To encourage residents and businesses to rethink their recycling and waste habits
• To make it easier for residents and business to recycle correctly
• To improve recycling regulations by enforcing waste dumping laws.

 

Tasmania

‘Rethink Waste’ is a statewide campaign initiative in Tasmania that is also more focused on awareness and rethinking how we use and reuse waste. According to Rethink Waste, there is a recurring issue of confusion about what is and what is not recyclable; a lot of recyclable household waste still ends up being sent to landfill. Rethink Waste aims to change this, by providing a number of informative resources that residents and business can access online.

 

Victoria

Sustainability Victoria is currently an ongoing initiative that also raises awareness and provides advice on recycling. There are also a number of businesses in Victoria that are dedicated to recycling particular items, such as batteries or scrap metal.

Do you live in Victoria? Dispose of your metal waste in a smarter way with Metal Men Recycling. As scrap metal buyers, we pay you to pick up any scrap metal you find in your home or at your business (yes – that includes soft drink cans and stainless steel)! Give our team of scrap metal buyers a call on 03 5941 6677 today to find out more.

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 of managing our waste in an ethical manner. In this blog, we thought we’d take a look at 10 items which the average person can recycle for cash. After all, who can say no to turning a profit and doing something good for the planet along the way?

Scrap metal

Top of the list is of course, scrap metal recycling. Metal Men Recycling accept both ferrous and nonferrous metals in all quantities and conditions. We offer free bins and 24 hour pickup services anywhere in Melbourne.

Bottles and cans

New South Wales, the Northern Territory and South Australia all currently have container deposit schemes where you can exchange containers for payment. The ACT and Queensland will both have schemes established by the end of 2018 whilst Western Australia’s scheme is scheduled to start on 1 January 2019. Victoria and Tasmania on the other hand, currently have no plans to start a container deposit scheme, so unless you want to take an interstate road trip with a boot full of cans, the best thing you can do is lobby the Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change, the Hon Liliana D’Ambrosio, whose details can be found here.

Car batteries

Metal Men Recycling accept car batteries and guarantee a fair price for your item.

Old cars/machinery/caravans

Because of their size, vehicles might look like daunting objects to get rid of but it’s really incredibly easy. All you need to do is give us a call on 03 5941 6677 and we’ll organise a time for one of our team to come out and collect your vehicle for free. We’ll pay you a fair price and guarantee our services are a simple and stress free way to dispose of unwanted vehicles in any condition.

Ink cartridges

Ink cartridges from printers are a hot commodity which can be exchanged for up to $15 per cartridge in some circumstances. Companies like QPCA offer free pickup and cash payments in exchange for your old cartridges.

Electronics

Because electronics like computers and mobile phones have valuable parts which can often be salvaged or refurbished for re-sale, many companies are willing to buy old, non-working laptops and mobile phones for a fair price. Alternatively, many of the big electronics brands like Apple, Dell and Acer have electronics recycling programs where they will exchange your old brands items for a discount on a new model.

Hair

Thinking of getting a spring haircut? Before you make an appointment at the hairdressers, take a minute to consider this unusual recycling opportunity. There’s a huge demand from wigmakers for human hair and if you have long, undyed hair, it can be sold for hundreds of dollars. Some companies will buy the hair off you but if you are willing to put in a little time and effort, you can earn significantly more by selling your hair in a niche online marketplace like HairSellon.

Corks

The internet is in the midst of a DIY craft craze and that means that corks are in popular demand. eBay is a fantastic place to get rid of your old corks in bulk to crafting fanatics. Corks go for about 10c a piece but can fetch more if they are from a specific winery or a specific variety of wine or a particular vintage. It’s worth doing a little bit of research regarding marketing, packaging and shipping before you make your listing. A word to the wise though, champagne corks aren’t a huge hit on eBay due to their irregular shape.

Stockings and hosiery

Instead of throwing your ripped and pilled stockings into the bin and sending them to landfill, send at least three pairs to Swedish Stockings and they’ll email you a 10% discount code which you can use to buy a new pair of sustainable hosiery.

Lighting waste

Households and businesses who are registered with The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) are eligible for a rebate if they recycle old inefficient lighting such as halogen lights and fluorescent tubes and replace them with more energy efficient options. This is just one of dozens of activities which businesses and households can undertake in exchange for a Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificate (VEEC) which can then be  sold onto companies who need them for a profit.

 

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! In this blog, we’re running through some different recycling tips you can use to clean up your farm or barn, from reusing barn wood to opting to sell scrap metal.

Know what cannot be recycled

Before you begin your recycling journey, you need to know exactly what items on the farm you cannot recycle. Not only does this protect you from breaking local council rules, but knowing which items are unrecyclable can protect the environment and the health of anyone on or near the farm.

Take care not to recycle these items:

• Asbestos or materials containing asbestos
• Empty chemical drums or used containers that do not have the drumMUSTER program sticker
• Excess or unwanted chemicals
• Household waste that cannot be composted
• Treated timber that cannot be reused

Many of these items must either be disposed through landfill, or disposed of through organised collection. For example, Chemclear is a chemical collection organisation that you can contact to remove excess or unwanted chemicals from your farm or site. If you are unsure how to dispose of an item that is non-recyclable, contact your local council for advice.

 

Use barn wood to create furniture

Bring the farm to your home! Barn wood is a fantastic reusable resource that can be used to create some stunning rustic pieces of furniture. You can make lots of things out of barn wood, from tables, to mirror frames, to wine bottle displays, to towel racks. There are thousands of ideas on the Internet; the sky is the limit!

There are a few things you need to check before you begin your exciting barn wood DIY:

• Inspect for any metal (such as nails) that might still be in the wood. These should be removed immediately or they can dull down your saw blade.
• Check for bugs. Depending on the kind of wood you have, it may be prone to infestation, and you definitely don’t want that in your home. You can treat the wood with insecticide or another recommended solution.
• Make sure the wood is clean. Loose dirt can be scrubbed off using a stiff bristle brush, but finer dirt needs to be sprayed out using water.

 

Either reuse or recycle masonry waste

Masonry waste includes items like bricks, tiles and concrete. Before you decide what to do with the masonry waste, always double check that it is free of dangerous chemicals (such as asbestos).

Once you have confirmed that your masonry waste is safe for reuse, consider the number of ways you can repurpose it, including:

• Using it to rebuild or repair areas of the farm
• Crushing and using it to create tracks, bases or paths

It is very important to note that illegally dumping or disposing of masonry waste in an unapproved area can cause you to face huge liabilities. Not only that, but the waste can break down and contaminate nearby groundwater sources. This is extremely bad for the local environment and surrounding eco-system.

If it is not possible for you to reuse your farm’s masonry waste, you need to contact a collection service that will help to recycle it for you instead of dumping it yourself. Your local council will be able to provide collection information to you.

 

Sell scrap metal

There’s often piles and piles of scrap metal heaped up around farms. From old machinery to horseshoes in the barn, you don’t have to go far to find metal that is not in use anymore. But the good news is that there is an easy way to get rid of it: you can sell scrap metal.

Before you go ahead and sell scrap metal, make sure you know what kind of metal you’re selling, the right buyer who’ll purchase that metal, and what kind of price you can get for it. For example, some buyers will not pay for ferrous metals, so it is pertinent to know the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals before you sell your metals.

Metal Men Recycling buy both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. We offer free bins that you can use to collect the scrap metal you plan to sell, and we even do farm cleanups. Call us today on 03 5941 6677 to find out how to sell scrap metal you find on your farm.

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 might think. Although there are plenty of selling platforms online like eBay and gumtree, they are overcrowded with unwanted items that consumers either aren’t interested in or don’t want to bother with the delivery process and costs. Disposal can be equally difficult as charity organisations are now having to turn away many donations due to oversupply and most councils only allow residents to book one hard rubbish collection (usually limited to just a few square meters) per year.

With seemingly limited options, many people are tempted to dump their unwanted goods which is not only illegal but also damaging to the environment. Happily, there are plenty of other ways to get rid of your old stuff, you just need to know where to go. In this article, we’ve gathered together five alternative ways to get rid of your unwanted goods.

Trade in programs

Good for: Functional and non-functional electronics and appliances

Can I make a profit? You’ll usually be given a discount on a new item

Electronics are full of rare and reusable parts which are in high demand so it’s no surprise that big brands like Apple have a trade in program for their products in exchange for a voucher. Many other companies like HP offer trade in discounts for any brand of computer or printer. Many second-hand appliance dealers in Melbourne also buy up old and even non-functional appliances like air conditioners and washing machines for refurbishing purposes and often offer free pickup.

Social media

Good for: Furniture, homewares, knick knacks, plants, dry goods

Can I make a profit? Depends on the quality of your item- this platform is more useful for trading or simply giving away old items quickly

Whilst Facebook might not seem like the best place to get rid of your old furniture or homewares, recent updates have helped the site evolve from a social engagement platform to a hybridised ecommerce platform. Facebook marketplace is a good place to start if you have something small that you’d like to get a decent price for. If you have something large like furniture or appliances and you are just trying to get rid of them, your suburb’s community page (just search your suburb name in ‘groups’ to see if you have one) or one of Melbourne’s many buy/swap/sell groups have an extremely quick turnaround times and you can sometimes get rid of an item within a few hours.

Refiners

Good for: precious metals and gemstones

Can I make a profit? Yes!

If you have a large amount of a precious metal that you want to get rid of, a refiner should be your first port of call as they will offer the highest price per weight for your gold or precious stones. Many refiners only buy in bulk but it is worth calling around to refiners in your area to see how they define a ‘bulk’ amount. You may find that your handful of unwanted gold jewellery is enough. Refiners also often accept precious stones like diamonds and will offer a high price per weight.

Pawnbrokers

Good for: Valuables of any sort

Can I make a profit? Yes!

Although they won’t pay quite as high a price for your precious metals, pawnbrokers and jewellers will accept any quantity of jewellery and pay a reasonable rate. Once again, it’s worth calling around to different brokers or jewellers in your area to find out what price they offer for gold and silver, to make sure you get a good rate. Whilst it might be tempting for convenience sake, mail in gold buyers (where you post your unwanted jewellery to them and they transfer the funds electronically) tend to only pay between 10-30% of what the precious metal is worth.

Scrap metal buyers

Good for: Scrap metal of any sort, old cars, caravans, machinery, car batteries, compressors

Can I make a profit? Yes!

Metal Men Recycling are scrap metal buyers in Melbourne who offer free pickup and bin delivery services throughout the city. We accept all types of ferrous and non-ferrous metal in any condition and promise a fair price for whatever you bring us. In addition to metal scrap, we are happy to pick up and pay you for cars, caravans and old machinery as well as car batteries, compressors, wheels and PVC. To learn more about our services, simply get in touch by calling 03 5941 6677.

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 of their summer plans. If you often find you’re not exactly flush with money come the end of the year, now is the time to start earning a little bit extra on the side. Here are ten ways you can quickly make some money to add to your summer savings fund.

1. Garage sale

A tried and true way to earn a little cash whilst decluttering. A garage sale only requires you to shift the stuff you don’t want onto your front lawn, make a few signs and sit outside for a couple of hours. Garage sales tend to work best when they are highly visible or near a high traffic area, are well signposted (put up flyers on the day), and the weather is nice.

2. eBay

The modern version of the garage sale, eBay has been going strong since 1995 and shows no signs of slowing down. If you want to be a successful seller, upload at least 3 good quality pictures, describe your item clearly, and start the auction at the lowest price you are willing to part with it for. Branded items tend to sell best.

3. Metal recycling

Our favourite option on this list! Metal recycling is a great way to get rid of your junk in a responsible, environmentally friendly way whilst making some money. As Melbourne’s favourite scrap metal buyers, we accept all types of ferrous and non-ferrous metal in all conditions as well as cars, caravans, machinery, car batteries, tyres, PVC and compressors.

4. Online surveys

There are hundreds of companies out there willing to pay you for your opinion, some will even pay you just for signing up! Just make sure you do your research about which company you sign up with to ensure they are legitimate and not out to steal your personal information.

5. User testing

If you’re internet savvy, user testing is a great way to earn a little extra money. User testing requires you to visit a website or an app, complete a series of tasks, and then provide honest feedback on your experience either via email, phone or video link.

6. Use the online sharing economy

The online sharing economy is a great place to quickly earn cash for doing something you’re already skilled at or have the equipment available. Have a van? Help someone move! Got a spare room in your house? Rent it out to holiday makers on Airbnb! Got an impressive tool collection? Lend them out on Tool Mates Hire!

7. Re-selling

Reselling small scale products like cans of soft drink or chocolate is a great way to fulfil a need in your office whilst turning a tidy profit. Buy a slab of your workplace’s preferred soft drink or energy drink, and when the 3pm slump comes around, offer easy access to a pick-me-up for $2 a pop.

8. Busk

For thousands of years, hungry musicians have been taking their music to the streets and creating ambience in exchange for a surprising amount of cash. You can continue in this proud tradition although in 2018, you’ll probably need to apply to your local council for a busking license first.

9. Promote a local business

Has a new café opened up near where you live? Drop by and offer your promotional services (handing our vouchers, wearing a sign etc.) for a few hours in exchange for some cash. If you have a strong social media following, it may be worth approaching local businesses whose target audience intersects with your followers and offering to promote them online in exchange for money, products or services.

10. Do your taxes

Obviously, this is no one’s idea of a good time and it does take a few weeks for the money to come through. However, if you never sit down to do your taxes, you’ll never know if you’re entitled to a return!

 

As scrap metal buyers based in Melbourne, Metal Men Recycling are here to help you with all of your spring cleaning (and profit earning) needs! We offer a fair price for all types of metals in a wide range of conditions. To save you the hassle of driving out to us, we offer free pickup and will even drop off a free bin to put your scrap metal in if you have a lot to deal with. To learn more about what we offer, please call us on 03 5941 6677.

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 cash payments anymore?

From May 30th 2018, new legislation prohibits scrap metal traders in Victoria from offering cash for scrap metal. The legislation was designed to ensure that there are transaction records for scrap metal sales, making it more difficult for criminal organisations to use the industry as a source of revenue. We are able to offer fast electronic transfer payments as well as cheque payments.

I have a rusted car sitting in my backyard….can you help?

Yes! We have the facilities necessary to collect old cars of all sizes as well as heavy duty vehicles such as trucks and farm equipment. We also take caravans. Giving us a call is an easy way to declutter your backyard for spring and earn a little bit extra before the festive season.

Do you offer pickup?

Yes! We offer 24 hour pickup services to our clients and will even drop off a free bin in advance for you to put all your scrap in.

What’s the scrap collection process like?

Our scrap metal collection process is extremely straightforward and stress free. You call us up, we arrange a pickup time and drop off a free bin if you require it. A member of the Metal Men team will then drive to you at the appointed time and collect your scrap which will then be sorted and weighed. After this has been done, we’ll pay you either electronically or via cheque- whichever you prefer.

If the metal is rusty, painted or coated can I still trade it in?

Yes! We accept metal in all kinds of different conditions. The condition the metal is in, it’s purity and the amount of processing required to recycle it will determine the price.

What kinds of metal do you accept?

We buy all kinds of ferrous and non-ferrous metals including aluminum, steel, iron, copper, brass, stainless steel, tin and alloys. We accept metals in a wide range of different conditions and will pay a fair price in according to the amount of processing the metal will require to return it to a recyclable state.

Do you accept any other recyclables?

Yes! In addition to our metal collection services, we offer cash for wheels, PVC, compressors and batteries.

Will I be paid a fair price for my scrap?

As an established scrap metal trader with more than 50 years’ worth of combined industry experience in the industry, the team at Metal Men Recycling guarantees a fair price for all types of scrap metal and other recyclables.

Why waste time with a scrap collection company when I can just throw it away?

Trading in your scrap metal has numerous environmental benefits and is a great way to earn a little extra money, it is also a  simple and painless process when you go through Metal Men Recycling. You will only have to deal with one person and we offer a prompt 24 hour pickup service throughout Melbourne. Aside from this, it is actually illegal to dump rubbish in Victoria so if you have something that is too big to fit in the recycle bin and you can’t get your council to pick it up, trading in your scrap is the only other legal option.

Do you have the capacity to take on large scale scrap collection jobs?

Yes! We have a 4 acre scrap yard and a 90 ton weighbridge with easy drive through access. In addition to this, we have all the necessary heavy duty equipment (mobile bailers, excavators, shears, magnets, grabs etc.) to manage large pieces of scrap.

I have some garbage bags of aluminium cans, will you take them?

Yes! We accept aluminum cans and other household scrap metal items. We also guarantee a fair price for whatever you’ve got. Give us a call today to learn more about your trade-in options.

What’s the highest value metal?

Copper and it’s alloys (brass and bronze) fetches the highest scrap price on the market (the price will vary depending on the condition of the copper and it’s purity). Common sources of copper and brass include electrical wiring (this is the purest type of copper scrap and therefore the most valuable), piping, household fittings (such as doorknobs), bedframes and decorative metalwork.

 

If you have any questions about the metal recycling services Metal Men offer to Melbourne businesses and individuals, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling 03 5941 6677.

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 it’s better to upcycle or recycle common metal items found around the home.

What’s the difference between upcycling and recycling?

Upcycling refers to the process of altering or adapting an item for new use without changing it’s form in any significant way. Recycling refers to breaking down an item into raw materials so that they can be used to create something new. For example, upcycling an egg carton might involve using it as a planting tray for seeds or as part of a child’s art project, whilst recycling an egg carton would mean sending it to the pulping plant and breaking down the item so that the plant materials it is made from can be repurposed in manufacturing new paper or cardboard products.

Questions to ask yourself

As we stated in the introduction, whether it is better to upcycle or recycle comes down to the item in question and your needs and capabilities. Here are a few questions to think about when determining which is the better option for your situation.

Do I have an idea?

One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to upcycling vs. recycling is holding on to items they can no longer use for years with the hope that at some point, they will get an idea and it will be useful for something. This is rarely the case and holding onto things often results in clutter. If you have a metal item that you can’t think of a use for, don’t have an upcycling idea for, or don’t have a present need for an upcycled version of, recycle it.

How good are my DIY skills?

Whilst DIY projects are a huge trend at the moment, take a moment to think seriously about what you are capable of and what the project requires. Working with metal often requires machinery and proper safety gear which can be expensive to acquire and difficult to operate if you haven’t used it before. Be realistic about your skills- just because you have a rusted out washing machine, doesn’t mean now is the perfect time to take up a career in metal sculpture.

Does the item in question have any hazards associated with it?

Sharp edges, rust, electrical components and chemical residue are not uncommon when it comes to scrap metal. If you item has any of these issues, you’ll need the skills to deal with them properly and safely before you proceed with your project. When it comes to things like car batteries or metal chemical containers, it is always better to recycle these at the proper place as the chemicals can leech into the surrounding environment over time as the metal corrodes if the item is not properly handled.

How much time do I have?

Time is another important element to consider. Do you have the spare time required to complete the project. If you think it’s going to take you more than 6 months to complete and you’re not undertaking something significant like rebuilding a car, recycle it.

How much is the metal worth?

Different metals have different values which are also affected by the condition that the metal is in. Copper wiring for example, is extremely valuable in even small quantities and is probably worth trading for a profit rather than upcycling. Iron on the other hand, is not particularly valuable and unless you have an enormous amount of it (like a ship’s worth) it’s probably not worth a lot and could be more valuably used in an upcycling project.

Upcycling ideas for common metal items

Cans

Tin cans in particular have diverse upcycling potential and can be used in a number of creative ways without the need for cutting or welding. The soft properties of aluminum make the cans easy to cut and use in craft projects but be careful of the sharp edges.

Bed frame

The sturdy nature of wrought iron bed frames make them ideal for repurposing as tables, shelves, pet beds or even seats. However, keep in mind that most of these upcycling projects do require additional tools and demand a higher level of skill as they are used for practical, rather than decorative purposes.

Tools

The weathered quality of old tools make them perfect candidates for garden upcycling projects with almost no tools required!

Piping

Piping can be upcycled to fantastic effect as industrial looking furniture, shelving, and railing. Once again, if you plan to upcycle for practical rather than decorative purposes, more sophisticated tools will be required.

 

If you’ve decided to go the metal recycling route, give our Pakenham business a call on 03 5941 6677. Metal Men Recycling offer 24 hour pickup services and a free bin to dispose of your household scrap.

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 steep landfill levy on construction and demolition waste? Did you know you could get paid for scrap metal pickup? These are just some facts we are sharing in this post about recycling construction and demolition waste.

Safety first

Before you think about recycling construction and/or demolition waste, you need to ensure you take the relevant safety precautions to protect yourself and those on the site. It is very possible that the site contains hazardous chemicals that need to be removed safely. Some hazardous chemicals and materials commonly found onsite include:

• Asbestos
• Lead-containing paints
• Synthetic Mineral Fibre (SMF)

Instead of removing these substances yourself, you should be contacting a risk management business that can safely handle these chemical risks. Those who are not licensed to remove these substances should steer clear of the site until they have been removed.

 

#1: Salvage as much as possible

Begin by salvaging as many materials as you can from the demolition or construction site. Ensure you and your team are aware of what can actually be recycled, too. Some recyclable materials commonly found on construction and demolition sites include:

• Asphalt and bitumen
• Concrete
• Bricks
• Ceramics
• Untreated timber
• Uncontaminated plasterboard
• Wood pallets
• Plastic pallets (can be reused)

 

#2: Confirm with your council

According to Sustainability Victoria, “The way construction waste is recycled depends on the materials within each item”. Therefore, after you have set aside a collection of waste that you believe can be recycled, the next step is to contact your local council to confirm that it is actually recyclable.

In terms of waste that cannot be recycled, different councils have different regulations for waste management. For instance, your local council may have an annual hard rubbish collection service in your area. If not, they may offer a booking service where you can organise to have the rubbish picked up. After a rubbish pickup, the council sorts through the waste to reassesses whether anything can be recycled.

In any case, try to minimise the amount of rubbish you contribute to landfill – not just for environmental reasons, but also to avoid any steep levies that could come your way.

 

#3: Donate

Some non-profit organisations will accept waste if it is still in good condition. Always scour the site to remove things that may be of use to other people. These are some items you should consider donating:

• Furniture
• Bikes
• Mobile phones
• Any old technology, such as computers
• Upholstery

 

#4: Get a site assessment/remediation

As we mentioned above, booking a site assessment before removing debris and waste is essential to keeping everyone onsite safe from hazardous chemicals. However, the same must also be done after the debris and waste have been cleared away.

You may be wondering why this is the case. Well, after a construction or demolition project, it is likely that toxic or harmful materials have contaminated the soil, air or surrounding water. A site assessment helps to identify these environmental issues, while a remediation is a treatment that aims to restore the natural surrounds. It is important to consider the lasting effects the construction or demolition will have on the environment, and behave proactively.

 

#5: Scrap metal pickup

One of the best (and most mutually beneficial) ways to recycle metal is to employ a scrap metal pickup service. These services pay you to pick up the metal. Not only are you recycling – you’re being financially rewarded for it.

Before you choose a scrap metal pickup service, you should know the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Some buyers will only pay for non-ferrous, while others will be open to buying both.

Ferrous metals are more common and thus have a lower value. Some examples of ferrous metals are:

• Wrought iron
• Stainless steel
• Cast iron

Non-ferrous metals are harder to come by and buyers tend to pay more for them. Some examples of non-ferrous metals are:

• Copper
• Aluminium
• Brass

 

Get paid for your scrap metal

Metal Men Recycling are your go-to professionals for scrap metal pickup. We collect both ferrous and non-ferrous metals at your convenience – and we even pay you for it! Get paid by cheque or EFTPOS for being environmentally friendly and recycling metals on your site. Aside from scrap metal pickup, we offer a range of other services:

• Factory and farm clean outs
• Free bins for your scrap metal
• Door trade service

Contact us today to find out more about our 24-hour scrap metal pickup, or simply call 03 5941 6677.