Most people know their way when it comes to recycling plastic bottles, newspapers, and other common materials. Still, even though it’s also essential, metal recycling isn’t as popular. But did you know you can even make money from it?

Recycling metal is not as hard as it may seem. However, it entails a couple of extra steps to ensure everything’s good to go. For instance, you should always sort out your metals before taking them to a recycling center. This process enables you to save time and reduces the chances of material rejection. Read on to find out how to sort scrap metals.

Sorting Scrap Metal 101

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before we learn how to prep out metal for recycling, there are two main categories you need to get familiar with:

• Non-ferrous metals: The most common example of this type of material is copper. You can find it in cables, wires, and piping. It is light and resistant to corrosion and comes in red or orange color. Some other popular non-ferrous metals are aluminum, precious metals (silver, platinum, and gold), nickel, palladium, titanium, and zinc.
• Ferrous Metals: These metals are rich in iron, and they rust easily. The most common ones are steel, stainless steel, tin, and lead. These materials are durable, have significant tensile strength, are usually magnetic, and good electricity conductors.

Recycling companies have a high demand for various metal types and components. However, they have rules and regulations you must comply with. Some do not take mercury and lead, while others have limited capability to accept metal from electric appliances.

Now that we know our basics, here are some useful tips on how to sort out your metals for recycling in a few simple steps:

 1. Contact the Recycling Centre to Know Their Requirements

Before settling for a scrap metal recycling company, learn if they provide the services you need. Also, seek its reputation from available reviews online. Fulton metal recycling Atlanta delivers high-quality services that are environmentally friendly.

 2. Use Containers to Separate Metals

You can either use a plastic bin or a cardboard box to store your metals. Ensure you have selected a big-sized container to fit every piece. If you have different metals, you can place each type in a separate box. If it’s not possible, just keep ferrous separate from non-ferrous scrap.

 3. Sort by Magnet

To separate metals easily, use a magnet to ascertain the type. Ferrous metals stick to magnets as opposed to non-ferrous metals. The method is quick, and it will help you save time at the collection center.

 4. Label the containers for Easier Sorting

You can either write on the boxes or cardboards with a marker or use masking tape to label them. This step will help you identify what’s in each container once you drop them off.

 5. Sort Whole Items

Some items such as car batteries, radiators, and appliances like refrigerators, air conditioning units, and computer towers are not easy to disassemble. In these scenarios, it’s ok to bring them in intact.

You’re All Set

Once you’ve sorted out your metals, you can take them to your nearest collection center yourself. The transportation method will depend on the amount of material you have. In some cases, you can save yourself the trip and have a collector agency pick them up. Either way, you’ll be decluttering your space while you help protect the planet!