4 Misconceptions About Scrap Metal Recycling

If you plan to begin collecting scrap metal to recycle, then you may be looking forward to earning some much-needed cash while also helping the environment. However, you may have heard some myths about scrap metal recycling over the years that you should learn the truth behind before you begin collecting metal items.

Read on to learn four common scrap metal recycling misconceptions and the facts behind these myths. 

Myth #1: Rusted Metal Cannot Be Recycled 

Many new and experienced scrap metal collectors overlook all metal items that are rusted or corroded due to the belief that these items are too damaged to be recycled. However, the truth is that slightly damaged metal, such as rusted metal, is typically accepted at metal recycling centers.

Rust develops when the iron in some types of metal chemically reacts with oxygen and/or water in the environment and forms a layer of iron oxide on the exterior surface of the metal. Contrary to popular belief, this layer of iron oxide, or rust, can be removed from metal before it is recycled. For this reason, many scrap metal dealers do accept metal that contains some rust. 

However, keep in mind that extremely rusted metal can weigh much less than metal that contains no rust. Since metal prices are based on weight, rusted items can be worth slightly less than those with no rust. 

Myth #2: Large Metal Pieces are Worth More Than Smaller Pieces

Many new scrap metal collectors mistakenly believe that large metal items are always worth more than smaller items. However, the truth is that the size of a piece of scrap metal does not affect its value at all. Instead, only metal type, purity, and weight are taken into account when determining metal value.

For this reason, you do not have to worry that breaking or cutting a large metal item into smaller pieces that you can fit into your vehicle will affect its value. In fact, scrap metal dealers often actually prefer smaller pieces of metal, because they can be easier to store and recycle than large, bulky metal items.

Myth #3: All Electronics are Filled With Large Amounts of Scrap Metal

New collectors are often disappointed when the electronics they collect contain much less metal than expected.

While electronic items produced in the last decade typically contain only small amounts of metal, experienced scrap metal collectors typically focus their collection efforts on older electronics produced two or three decades ago. During this period, many electronic items were produced with large, printed circuit boards that contained much more metal than the circuit boards in modern electronics.

A few old electronic items to watch out for when collecting scrap metal include old VCRs and camcorders, computer monitors and televisions with, bulky backsides, vintage video game consoles, and HAM radios. These items tend to contain more valuable metal than their modern counterparts do. 

Myth #4: All Copper Wires are Made From Pure Copper 

All scrap metal collectors should always keep an eye out for scrap copper, which is one of the most valuable non-precious metals. While this metal is often used in the creation of plumbing pipes, home gutters, and other household items, it is also commonly found in electrical wires and wires of all types due to this metal's outstanding conductivity.

However, you should be aware that while some copper wires are composed of copper alone, others are made up of aluminum cores that are covered with copper exteriors called copper cladding. Copper-clad aluminum wires are often used to create speaker system wires.

For this reason, when you collect copper wires to recycle, look at the ends of the wires to determine if they contain copper alone or copper and aluminum. Those made of both metals are worth less than those made from copper alone since aluminum is not as valuable as copper.

If you have decided to start collecting scrap metal to recycle and earn a few dollars while also helping the environment, you now understand the truth behind four myths about recycling scrap metal. Visit the reliable scrap metal recyclers at Big Daddy Scrap for all of your scrap metal recycling needs today.