Identifying Scrap Metal You Can Recycle For Cash

Do you have scrap metal from a renovation project, or perhaps you moved into a property that has lots of bric-a-brac lying around? The scrap metal that's taking up valuable space in your garage, shed or garden could actually earn you some quick cash. Recycling centres pay for scrap metal and you don't need large quantities to do business with them. They pay by the kilo and will agree on a price with you based on the current market rate. You can call your local scrap metal recycling centre to get the current price before deciding if you want to recycle your metal now or hold off until you've collected more.

How do you know what metals are worth more, and how can you tell the value range of a metal if you're not sure what type it is?  Here's an overview of common household metals and an easy way to test your metal:

4 Common Household Metals

Copper is commonly found in residential properties as it's used for wiring and plumbing pipes. It's a high value metal, so it's worth stripping out of old bathrooms and taking the time to take the plastic coating off electrical wires when updating the electrics in a property. Brass, which can be identified by its yellow hue, has a medium value. However, it's heavy, so small amounts of this metal can earn you a nice chunk of change. Taps, radiator valves and sink plugs are often made from brass. Steel and aluminium are both low value metals and can be identified by their shiny, silver-like surface. Steel is a tough metal that's often used to make garden furniture, while aluminium can be easily bent out of shape and is used to make cooking utensils and tins. All four of these metals will be welcomed at a metal recycling centre.

Determining Whether Metal Is Low Value Or High Value

If you can't identify a metal, you can still determine if it's a high or low value metal. High value metals are ferrous and low value metals as non-ferrous. A magnet will stick to ferrous metal but not to non-ferrous metal. So, a quick check with a magnet can allow you to establish roughly what you're dealing with. If you have different types of metal, sort them into groups before you go to the recycling centre, as this will save you time when you get there.

Recycling your scrap metal for cash is an easy way to make a little extra money, so have a look around your home to see what bits and pieces you no longer need. 


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