Metal is used in the production of most items we use in and around the house, including computers, silverware, tools, pots & pans, TVs, furniture, batteries, cars, nails, nuts & bolts, roofing materials, electrical wiring, etc. These items become scrap metals when they get damaged or are no longer in use.
Removing scrap metals from your house is a great way to get rid of unwanted stuff. Also, it is another way to create a better mood and living environment in your house. However, proper disposal of such waste is of vital importance to help reduce our landfills and save the environment at large. Given how valuable metal is, there’s an increasing demand for scrap metal. Here are a few tips to help you dispose of your scrap metals:
Safety First
Foraging scrap metals poses a safety risk. For starters, they have sharp points or jagged edges and often collect rust. You can get an infection if you cut yourself with a rusty object. Wear protective gear such as heavy gloves, eye goggles, and protective clothing, when handling these items. Then, wash your hands and arms with water and soap to rinse off any chemical residue you might have come into contact with.
With metal being such a hot commodity, scrap metal theft has been on the rise. Be sure to secure your items in a storage facility or garage with a heavy-duty lock or drop them off to a recycling centre as fast as possible.
Sort Out
Sorting out scrap metals allow you to determine the best way to get rid of them, either by reusing, recycling, or selling. If you decide to sell, separated and well-organised scrap metals mean less work for the yards, which is something they’ll take into consideration when making an offer. Also, separating clean materials from dirty ones will improve the value of your scrap and even make scrap metal recycling much easier.
Reuse
Re-purposing items, metals, in particular, is by far the best way of dealing with waste management at home. Metal items can be reused in a number of ways, some of which they weren’t originally intended for. For instance, tin cans can be reused to hold desk supplies or for potting small plants.
You can also turn your scrap metals into DIY projects like wire hanger sculptures, yard art, or add a little metal to your furniture. Metal reuse allows you to tap into your creativity and even save or make money in the process, not to mention, it’s a great way to practice sustainability.
Recycle
Scrap metal recycling is an Eco-friendly practice that benefits the planet and your wallet as well. You can start by getting rid of the less valuable scrap metals in a recycling bin near you. This includes metal food containers like vegetable cans and coffee tins, as well as drink cans like soda or beer cans.
Sell Scrap Metal
Metal is one of the most sought-after materials in recycling. You can make as much or as little money selling your scrap metals to metal recycling companies or scrap yards. Non-ferrous metals, which include copper, aluminium, and brass, are generally highly valuable, but ferrous metals like steel and iron are just as lucrative. You can maximise your earnings by learning more about how to recycle metals and the values of various metals.
Compare Rates
We’ve already seen that you can get cash for scrap metal. It’s, however, important to compare rates and the procedures for drop off from multiple yards to ensure you are getting the best deal possible. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a higher rate. Things like how well-organised your scrap is, how many items you bring, and whether you are a frequent seller will influence your bargaining power.
Metals don’t biodegrade as fast as organic material; as such, it’s important to get rid of them in a responsible way to save our environment. Be sure to make some money in the process.
