5 Most Valuable Items to Scrap For Profit

Scrap metal recycling is a rapidly growing enterprise in the United States. Currently, the scrap metal industry has a market size value of $ 30.1 bn. Numerous Americans are making huge profits from recycling scrap metals, and you can be one of them. If you are renovating or cleaning out your house, you may have some junk items that may be worth a lot of money. Instead of throwing out your junk, consider selling some items to a scrap dealer for cash. Here are seven items you can scrap for profit.

1. Copper

Copper is one of the most valuable scrap items. Most scrap dealers will buy copper at a high price because it consistently generates high value. Its versatility and high demand also make it a top consideration if you want to make a lot of money from scrapping.

You can find copper in plumbing fixtures such as your kitchen sink, electrical wiring, pipes, and electromagnetic items. If you are doing a remodeling project that involves tearing down some parts of your home, you will likely find some copper items in the rubble. Different grades of copper fetch different prices. You may also want to remove insulation from copper wiring to sell it at a better price.

2. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a fairly common metal, so it may not fetch as much money as other metal types. But, because you can find it in large volumes, you still stand to make a significant profit from stainless steel. Some sources of stainless steel include old car parts, cloth hangers, kitchen equipment, pipes, and refrigerators.

3. Aluminum

Although it may not fetch top dollar per pound, aluminum is a lucrative scrap metal to sell due to its widespread availability. Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than producing aluminum from primary sources. Therefore, aluminum is a highly sought-after metal.

Many industries use aluminum, so you may find it in various consumer products. Sources of aluminum include soda cans, bicycle frames, roof gutters, siding, and some outdoor furniture.

4. Brass

Although brass is not as widely available as aluminum or stainless steel, you may find it in many places in your home. You may find brass in candlesticks, bedsprings, doorknobs, hinges, and trophies. Plumbing fixtures, such as dishwashers may also have brass pipes.

Because it is not easily available, scrap metal dealers may buy brass at a high price. Brass is sometimes mixed with other metals such as copper, aluminum, and zinc. So you should be keen when sorting through your scrap metal items to ascertain their value.

5. Lead

Due to its toxicity, it can be hard to get a pure source of lead. Because of its rarity, lead fetches a good price when sold for scrap. You can find lead in old car batteries and pipes in your basement. Antique lamp fixtures and children's toys may also have some lead.

You may find lead mixed with metals such as brass and copper. But, if you find a pure source of lead, ensure you take precautions while handling it so as not to contaminate your surroundings with toxic pieces. Besides making money, removing lead sources from your home will keep you safe from health complications such as kidney, brain, and nerve system damage

Exchange any scrap metal items you have lying around for cash. Get in touch with us today for scrap recycling services at great prices.