So you want to start recycling scrap metal for extra money? This can be a lucrative venture, and many of our customers here at Encore also consider it a fun hobby. The best way to get the most out of scrap metal recycling is to understand a bit about the process before you start recycling metal, so here’s a quick primer just for you.
What to Look for When You Start Recycling Scrap Metal
Almost any scrap metal is worth something, but different metals bring different amounts of money. Aluminum and copper are particularly profitable for many of our regular customers, as these materials are used in a wide variety of manufacturing processes. Steel is not worth as much per pound, but is very easy to find virtually anywhere.
Before throwing out any car parts, electrical or plumbing components, or electronics like computers and cell phones, try bringing them by our facility. If you own a business that produces a lot of scrap metal, you may want to make regular visits to our facility or learn about our free recycling container pickup and dropoff program.
Even if you don’t own a business, you may be able to make extra money by offering to help clean up construction sites and take scrap metal—just be sure to get explicit permission from the site owner or construction company, in writing if possible.
Scrap Metal Recycling Law
It’s important to follow the law when recycling scrap metal. There are many local and state laws in place to prevent the theft of valuable metals, which is a very common crime. It’s always a good idea to do your research when it comes to scrap metal recycling laws in Texas—if you have any questions about the current state of scrap metal recycling law, give us a call! We’re here to help our customers follow the law by answering questions and enforcing the rules.
For recycling any material besides aluminum cans, you will have to fill out some paperwork and become an Encore member. Once you have become a member, you can recycle at our facility anytime—just be sure to leave some extra time on your first visit to fill out your paperwork. This is a Texas state law that also applies to all other Texas scrap metal recycling facilities.
For particularly valuable or rare metals, it’s also often a good idea to have a way to prove or explain your ownership of the metal. The laws for recycling scrap metal are always changing in Texas and elsewhere, so be sure to give us a call if you have questions about any particular item.
How to Make the Most Money from Your Scrap
Preparing your scrap well before bringing it into your local scrap recycling facility will help you make more money, while also keeping recycling facility employees safe and maximizing the environmental benefits of recycling scrap metal.
Preparing your scrap metal mostly consists of two steps: sorting it and cleaning it.
Sorting different types of metal out from one another will save you time at the facility, and will also help the facility pay you more for your scrap. Although sorting is a lot of work, it’s always worth it to sort your metal up front.
Cleaning your scrap metal will also earn you more money, because if you bring in dirty scrap, adjustments will have to be made to the total weight of your material. Bringing in clean scrap allows Encore and other Dallas scrap metal recyclers to pay you the most for your scrap, and also protects our workers and equipment.
We hope we have inspired you to start recycling scrap metal today. Come see us!
