The Do’s and Don’ts of Scrap Metal Recycling In the Prairies
Recycling your old scrap metal is a great way of clearing up your yard and earning some extra cash.
Here is a quick guide on how to maximize how much cash you can make. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can make sure you don’t waste your time or miss out on any cash you could be making.
The Do’s
1. Do Gather ALL Your Scrap Metal
You might be surprised at what can be recycled – and what it’s worth! Start by rounding up all the scrap metal you can find in and around your home. That means everything from old bike frames, car parts, metal lawn furniture, old faucets, sinks, fans, pots/utensils, power bars and piping to name but a few.
For a full list of what metal you can turn into cash visit our page.
2. Do Sort Your Metals, Including Ferrous & Non-Ferrous
Sorting your metals into different types – like aluminum, copper, and stainless steel – can make a big difference in how much you get paid. Different metals have different values, so mixing them up could mean you get paid the lowest rate for the whole lot.
It’s also important to sort them by ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
But what is ferrous metal? Ferrous metals contain iron, are magnetic and are prone to rust (e.g., steel and cast iron), whereas non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, are not magnetic and resist corrosion (e.g., aluminum and copper).
For more examples of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, visit our page.
3. Do Clean Your Metal
Cleaning your metal can increase its value. Following Alberta’s Environmental Regulations and the standards set by mills, metal recyclers cannot take materials like plastic, rubber, glass, wood, and several other prohibited items. To comply, use the right tools like wire cutters, pliers, or shears to detach metal from non-metal parts.
Cleaning off any dirt, grease, or contaminants not only boosts its market value but also makes sure you’re sticking to recycling rules.
4. Do Bring a Piece of ID
For a smooth and secure transaction, we require a valid piece of ID from everyone looking to recycle scrap metal with us. This small but crucial step helps us maintain a safe recycling environment and ensures that all materials are responsibly sourced. Your privacy is our priority, and all personal information is kept confidential.
The Don'ts
1. Don’t Forget to Check for Hazardous Materials
Some items like electronic waste or anything with mercury can be extremely dangerous and harmful to our employees, customers and the environment. For a full list of prohibited items visit this page.
2. Don’t Ignore Local Regulations
Different areas have different rules about what can be recycled and how. Make sure you’re not breaking any local laws by recycling certain items or collecting scrap in a way that’s not allowed.
3. Don’t Assume It’s Not Worth Anything
You might think that old, rusty piece of metal isn’t worth the effort, but you could be pleasantly surprised. When in doubt, contact a scrap metal recycler and see what they say. You’ve got nothing to lose!
4. Don’t Hand Over Your Scrap Metal To Just Any Recycler
Choose a scrap metal recycler that not only gives you competitive prices, but also provides a fast, easy drop-off service with friendly, helpful staff.
Inland Steel Products is the prairies leading scrap metal recycler for over 55 years, with 6 state-of-the-art recycling facilities in Saskatoon, Regina, Lloydminster, Swift Current, Bonnyville and Calgary.
CONTACT INLAND STEEL
Don’t miss out on getting some extra cash by recycling your scrap metal. By following these simple do’s and don’ts you’re not only helping the environment, you’re maximizing how much cash you can make.
If you have scrap metal you’d like to recycle for cash contact our team today! We are open Monday to Friday and have six locations across Western Canada with convenient drive-in and drop-off facilities.
