| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
1945V
Penny Pincher Member
Canada
153 Posts |
 Posted - 03/12/2009 : 08:08:44
|
I had few question regarding metal recyclers.
I am currently collecting scrap copper wire, aluminum, brass, lead and steel. I have never been to recycler before.
1) What are the minimal quantities recommended to accumulate before bringing them to a metal recycler ?
2) What do recyclers typically pay for scrap metals ? I don't need actual metal prices, but a typical percentage of spot metal prices ?
3) How picky are recyclers about copper pipe scraps that some lead solder on them or painted cast iron pipe ?
|
|
|
El Dee
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
547 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2009 : 14:09:04
|
The prices they pay vary, depending on competition and location. There is no rhyme or reason, all have different policies, so call them.
It's in your best interest to separate stuff. If it's mixed, they will give you the price for the cheapest grade in the mix.
For example, put unsoldered copper in one pile, soldered copper and copper with fittings attached in another. If you mix it, they give the price for soldered copper, which is lower.
Same with aluminum. Put extruded aluminum in one pile, "sheet" aluminum in another - sheet is things like lawn chair tube and BENT shapes, pots and pans. Put castings in another, painted aluminum (siding) in still another. The trick about castings is learning zinc from aluminum. Often the two are mixed together in an alloy.
If you can, keep brass and bronze apart.
Keep cast iron separate from steel.
|
Trust the government? Ask an Indian. |
 |
|
|
cleminwbpa
Penny Sorter Member
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2009 : 14:32:25
|
The recyclers in my area have a chalk board hanging in their office where they update the price daily. By comparing their price to spot you can get a rough idea of the %.
With copper,some yards will take wire that has had the insulation burned off. Others will only accept wire that has been hand stripped. |
|
|
|
maoguinn
Penny Pincher Member
USA
118 Posts |
Posted - 03/12/2009 : 20:23:49
|
| In my area there is not a minimum quantity. It is just better to save as much as you can, to make the trip to the scrapyard worth your time and fuel. I see you live in Canada. I don't know there policies in recycling. It would be a good idea to call your scrap metal recyclers and ask questions. Good luck to you. |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Metal Recyclers Questions
Forum Locked
