Tag: cash for scrap metal

How to Choose the Right Scrap Metal Dealer

Posted on by AWD Digital

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 yard experience.

Business environment

It’s a good idea to physically visit a few different scrap yards so that you can see what kind of technology each one uses and how they run their businesses. If the business has new, high-tech equipment, access to online metal markets and advanced administration protocols, they will probably be capable of handling large volumes of scrap metal, which is great for business to business scrap dealing. However, you shouldn’t rule out a scrap yard just because it has older equipment or a smaller team. Older, family owned businesses are also a great choice, especially for dropping off household items and because of their reduced running costs, they sometimes offer better exchange rates.

Location and hours

Obviously, you’ll need to choose a scrap yard in a convenient location with flexible operating hours so that you can actually trade in your metal goods. Better still, go a for a scrap dealer with its own (free) pick up service and leave collection duties to the scrap metal staff. If you’re working on a construction site and need to get rid of large amounts of scrap metal, your best bet is to find a scrap metal dealer that supplies its own collection bins that can be filled and picked up when the job is complete.

The variety of metal accepted

If most of your scrap metal comes from household items, it’s likely you’ll have a variety of different types of metal to trade in. Look for a scrap yard that accept all ferrous and non-ferrous metals to ensure you can sell your entire haul. If you choose a good scrap yard you should be able to sell:

  • Copper
  • Aluminium
  • Brass
  • Steel (including white goods like washing machines, dishwashers, ovens etc. as well as wrecked cars) and stainless steel
  • Cast iron
  • Bronze
  • Car batteries

Customer service

In any business transaction, good customer service always makes for a more positive experience. By taking the time to get to know your scrap metal dealer, you’ll get an idea of their work ethic and begin to build a rapport, which should result in positive business dealings. You’re better off going to a trustworthy metal scrapper with whom you can establish mutual loyalty over a scrapper who claims they will offer the best price but fails to deliver in terms of service. All good scrappers will reward you for repeat business, so once you find a good one, stick with them!

Special offers

Scrap dealers often offer monthly specials to boost their inventory of certain metals and to keep up with market prices, so if you have large amounts of a particular type of metal (for example aluminum cans or copper wiring), it’s worthwhile checking around for corresponding specials.

Environmental consciousness

By its very nature, metal recycling is an environmentally friendly industry as recycling metal uses far less energy than producing new metal and combats waste. However, some metal scrappers will go the extra mile, using energy efficient vehicles and machinery, reducing fuel consumption wherever possible and implementing environmentally conscious practices such as paperless admin. If minimal environmental impact is a concern of yours, look for metal dealers committed to sustainability.

General pricing

Of course, pricing is a major factor when choosing a scrap yard, as you want to be able to yield a decent profit from your metal recycling efforts. Do your research on market prices and check these against the prices offered by each scrap dealer to make sure you’re getting a fair deal. Remember, prices can vary greatly depending on supply and demand, so you can always ask a trustworthy metal dealer about their market predictions for the coming months so you can figure out when best to cash in your haul.

By keeping these factors in mind when deciding on which scrap yard to sell your scrap metal to, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices to dealers offering competitive prices and friendly, professional service. Metal Men Recycling are a family owned scrap metal company based in Pakenham. Our friendly staff have over 50 years of collective industry experience and we offer fantastic rates for all kinds of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Reducing the Energy Consumption of Your Whitegoods

Posted on by AWD Digital

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.

All About Brass

Posted on by AWD Digital

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.

6 Tools & Tricks of the Scrap Metal Trade

Posted on by AWD Digital

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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

Posted on by AWD Digital

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.

How to harvest scrap metal from your garage

Posted on by AWD Digital

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 ever get round to fixing/using all these things, which is why it’s a great idea to clear out your garage and trade in any scrap metal for cash. Read on to find out how to sell scrap metal harvested from your garage.

Old tools

While having a tool kit is always handy, there’s not much point in keeping tools with very specific purposes if you haven’t had to use them in years, or worse still, don’t know what they’re for. Consolidate your tool kit, keeping only things that you have a use for and set aside any doubles, unknowns or tools that are looking a bit worse for wear. These unwanted tools are often a great source of scrap metal, so add them to the pile to be taken to your local scrap metal dealer.

Chicken wire

When cleaning out your garage you’ll have to make some serious decisions about what to throw out and what to keep. Although having things like chicken wire and copper wiring on hand may seem like a good idea, these unnecessary items are probably just taking up space and would be better off being recycled. Plus, by selling them as scrap metal you’ll be able to use the money for something you actually need.

Broken electronics and appliances

Old electronics are often another great source of scrap metal, so scour your garage for things like old AC units, computer monitors, televisions and kitchen appliances like fridges and freezers. Instead of repairing these items (which you’re probably never going to get around to) you can de-clutter your garage, trade them in for cash, and replace them with more energy efficient appliances.

Once you’ve cleared out your garage, it’s time to take your scrap metal harvest to your local scrap metal dealer, or if it’s a particularly large pile, have them come to you. Metal Men Recycling offer a 24-hour scrap metal pick up service in Melbourne and will give you cash for scrap. To arrange pick up, call us today on 03 5941 6677.

Where to Find Aluminium Scrap Around the Home

Posted on by AWD Digital

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 you can find aluminium around the home, so that you can earn some cash for scrap metal.

Cans and packaging

A great way to start selling scrap metal is to collect all your soft drink, food and beer cans. If you collect enough, you can get a surprisingly good return on these aluminium cans. Aluminium is also found in aerosol cans, so be sure to hold on to empty deodorant cans and cleaning sprays. Cans and tins aren’t the only source of aluminium packaging; the valuable metal can also be found in foil, takeaway food containers and pie trays.

Car Parts

Aluminium is being increasingly used in car manufacturing, and can be found in car parts such as wheels and cylinders. Once recycled, this mixed alloy aluminium scrap is used to make casting alloys for engines and gearboxes.

Electronics

Electronics such as computers, gaming consoles and even iPods all contain aluminium. If your electronics no longer work, don’t throw them out, salvage their parts for aluminium and make some cash for scrap.

Utensils

The kitchen is a great place to look for scrap aluminium as it can be found in a variety of kitchen utensils such as cutlery, baking trays and cookware.

Bike frames

Instead of throwing out your tired old bike, salvage the frame and add it to your pile of scrap metal.

Aluminium can be sourced from a variety of household items and is a great metal to trade in to your local metal recycler. Not only will you be able to get cash for scrap, your recycling will also benefit the environment. Metal Men Recycling accept all kinds of aluminium scrap and can even arrange a 24-hour scrap metal pick up service.

A Beginners Guide to Cash for Scrap Metal

Posted on by AWD Digital

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 can make some well-deserved cash from your unwanted scrap metal around the house.

metal scrap

Which metals can I trade in?

The best types of metals to recycle include brass, iron, steel, copper, and aluminium.

Step 1: Grab a magnet! If the magnet sticks to the metal, you may be looking at something like steel or iron. Steel and iron are ferrous metals and although they are not worth as much as non-ferrous metals, they are still worth trading in for cash. Metal that does not stick will most likely be an aluminium, bronze, stainless steel or even brass. These are extremely valuable to recycle thus; more money!

Step 2: Call your local scrap yard and check what metals they accept. This may save you an unwanted trip.

Step 3: Visit your local scrap yard or, if your scrap metal provider offers it, arrange a time for pick up.

Handy Tips: Where to find scrap metal in the home

Steel- Steel, being one of the most popular metals used in the world can be found in things such as old shelves, cars and even old rolls of wire

Aluminium- One of the most common products that uses aluminium are in fact soft drink cans! Grab a box and start collecting!

Copper- Copper is commonly used in such things such as gutters, within air conditioners, electrical wires as well as plumbing pipes. Copper, being one of the more expensive materials should be kept separately so you don’t loose it.

Brass – You can find brass on things such as door handles, bathroom fixtures as well as light fixtures. Being made of both copper and zinc, you can often find brass in plumbing materials

To make the most of your scrap for cash, call Metal Men Recycling today! We offer 24-hour pick up and will give you cash for scrap metal in no time at all.

Trade In Your Old Farming Machinery For Cash

Posted on by AWD Digital

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 machinery. To find out how to earn cash for scrap metal on your farm, read on.

Clear your farm of redundant machinery

With new farming technologies constantly being introduced, it’s important to keep your farm’s machinery up to date to ensure maximum productivity. New machinery can significantly reduce your workload, and drastically cut down your energy consumption, which is good for your operational costs and for the environment. Instead of holding on to obsolete machinery in the hope that it will come in handy one day, take a look through your shed for out-of-date machinery that can instead be turned into valuable scrap metal. Obsolete farm machinery that can be used as scrap metal include:

  • Reapers
  • Steam tractors
  • Hog oilers
  • Threshing machines
  • Portable engines, agricultural engines and ploughing engines

By recycling outmoded farm equipment, you can clear space in your shed for newer models and earn some cash for scrap metal.

The older, the better

You may have machinery that’s been sitting on the family farm for generations, collecting dust. Old machinery dating from the 50s, 60s and 70s is usually very heavy, and while this can make it cumbersome and difficult to use, old machinery is a great source of scrap metal. The more your piece of machinery weighs, the more its scrap metal will be worth. Be on the lookout for machinery made from steel or stainless steel, or equipment containing copper or brass parts.

Look for all kinds of scrap

Old machinery may not be the only source of scrap metal on your farm. Scour the area for other sources of metal such as unused sheds, rusted plows, old implements and tools, unused troughs, metal from old repairs, tubular steel, plate steel and even excess chicken wire. All of these can be used as scrap metal, giving you a higher return.

Farms are full of old machinery and equipment just waiting to be recycled as scrap metal. At Metal Men recycling, we will give you cash for scrap metal, and even offer a 24-hour pickup service for your convenience.