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Making Extra Holiday Money By Recycling Metals

30 November 2018 by Roger Hoffman

Are you looking to make some extra cash before the holiday season? Or would you like to start saving now for a special occasion coming up? If so, one way to get some money in your pocket is by collecting scrap metal. This can be done in several ways and be profitable as long as you pick up the right types of products. Here are just a few ways you can earn some extra dough this holiday by recycling.

Know the Right Types

When looking for metal to exchange for cash, you need to know what kinds to look for. There are three main types:

1. Ferrous: Some of the most recyclable, they are wanted for their quick turnover into new materials. Iron and steel are some of the most found metals in scrap yards because they are readily discarded by many households.
2. Non-ferrous: These metals are valuable on their own and often worth more than ferrous materials. Non-ferrous include aluminum, brass, copper, zinc, and lead. Identifying these metals is easy as they are not magnetic.
3. E-Waste: Most e-waste comes directly from electronics. Because they contain some ferrous materials as well as plastics, taking them apart can be tedious and time-consuming. Many recycling companies will just accept certain electronic materials in bulk.

When it comes to scrap metal recycling, it's important to sort these metals and materials prior to taking them to a scrap yard or recycling center. It will make the process easier as you turn everything in.

Where to Find Scrap Metal

Many times, you can find metal materials within items you would otherwise throw out. Before you pitch an old television or radio into the trash, be sure there are not any hidden valuables inside. Copper or metal wiring inside of many electronic devices can be worth some money if you turn it in. Other places to look are during neighborhood trash days. If you have a truck and the means to pick up appliances, they contain metals that can be recycled for cash. Ask your friends if they have any old metal items laying in a pile somewhere. People also list free scrap metal ads on their social media accounts. 

How to Cash-In

So now you have a truckload of metal. Where do you take it? First be sure to sort the ferrous from non-ferrous. Most scrap metal buyers weigh your entire load and give you a base price. Therefore, if you had expensive copper pieces at the bottom, you won't get extra for them. Separate them ahead of time before going to the scrap metal yard. Keep everything as clean as possible, free from dirt and rust. This improves the value and gives you a more accurate weight. From there, the scrap metal recycling yard will issue you a voucher or pay you cash.

Whether you make a $25.00 or $1,500.00, there is money to be made with scrap. Gather discarded metal and turn it in, the extra cash will come in handy for holiday shopping!

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