If your business generates a ton of scrap metal, you’re probably wondering what to do with all that junk. You’re far from alone. The U.S. sends more than 10 million tons of scrap metal to landfills annually, and that only includes steel, not other types of metal like iron and aluminum. Many businesses are looking for ways to dispose of unwanted scrap metal that won’t hurt our delicate planet.
Learn how to dispose of scrap metal responsibly below, then call us for bulk trash pickup in Greensboro, NC.
Why Proper Disposal of Scrap Metal Matters
Businesses in industries like construction and tech generate literal tons of scrap metal every year. Why not toss that scrap in the landfill and wash your hands of it?
Metal, unlike organic items, doesn’t break down in landfills. So if you care about the health of the planet, this is a no-go.
You can’t let scrap metal pile up in a heap, either. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also attract pests and even thieves looking for an easy payday. This is why responsible scrap metal disposal is a must.
How To Dispose of Scrap Metal
How can your business get rid of old scrap metal responsibly? We’ll cover the best options for scrap metal disposal below.
Identify, Collect, and Sort Your Metals
Before hauling away your metals, you’ll need to determine whether you have ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, or a mix of both. Ferrous metals require extra processing to remove impurities before they can be reused, so not all recycling facilities accept them. Non-ferrous metals can be used as-is, so they’re more widely accepted.
If a metal contains iron, it’s a ferrous metal. Examples include carbon steel, alloy steel, cast iron, and wrought iron. Non-ferrous metals, comparatively, contain no iron. Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, bronze, lead, and gold.
Once you’ve identified your metals, sort them into separate piles for easier disposal and processing.
Sell Your Metals for Extra Cash
How would your business like to make extra money on the side? Selling your unwanted scrap metal is a great way to line your pockets. Copper, for instance, is a highly valuable metal thanks to its superior conductivity and corrosion resistance. Precious metals like gold and silver will, as you might expect, fetch a high price as well.
Keep in mind that not all facilities will accept every type of metal. You might need to shop around to find a facility that will buy yours.
Donate Your Metals to Someone in Need
If your metal scrap is in good shape, why not donate it? You’ll feel good about helping others while keeping waste out of landfills. On top of that, you may be able to write off your donation on your business’s tax return.
Habitat for Humanity is one organization that accepts certain types of metals. This organization builds houses for those in need. If you plan to donate, ensure your metal is in good condition (no dents, rust, etc.) and clean before dropping it off.
Send E-Waste Back to the Manufacturer
Does your business produce large amounts of electronic waste, or e-waste? You may be able to return that waste to the manufacturer through a take-back program.
With a take-back program, tech manufacturers agree to take back electronics scrap at the end of a product’s useful life. The manufacturer will then properly dispose of or recycle the waste.
Some countries require tech manufacturers to offer take-back programs at no cost to consumers. Germany is one of these, as are several other countries in the European Union.
Take Your Metal to a Scrap Recycling Center
If you’re wondering how to dispose of scrap metal, consider recycling it. Recycling scrap metal turns junk into new products, which reduces costs and keeps that scrap out of landfills.
With over 700 scrap metal recycling services in the U.S., you shouldn’t have a hard time finding one to take your unwanted metals. If your business produces a large amount of scrap, some recyclers will be willing to pick it up from your site. They even provide roll-off dumpsters to you for collection. If you only produce scrap occasionally in small amounts, you’ll probably have to drop it off yourself.
Purchase a Scrap Metal Baler
Businesses that produce a few tons or more of scrap metal annually might want to consider investing in a scrap metal baler. This machine is designed to compress scrap metal, making it easier to store and dispose of.
A scrap metal baler also allows you to cut down on scrap metal haulage and disposal costs. That’s because a baler turns scrap into compressed bales that easily fit on trucks.
Another benefit of balers is that they reduce the risk of scrap metal theft. You can store scrap metal bales securely, away from the prying eyes of would-be thieves.
Scrap Metal Disposal Made Easy
Now that you know how to dispose of scrap metal, are you looking for scrap metal pickup in Greensboro? Our team at VETS Junk Removal & Dumpsters makes it a total snap to get rid of unwanted scrap. To schedule scrap metal or for help with appliance disposal, call us at (980) 613-4692.