how much recycling centers pay for metal
Share this post

How Much Do Recycling Centers Usually Pay for Metal?

When your old lawnmower, or any home appliance, inevitably runs its course, the smartest thing you can do is recycle. Pollution is a massive issue that’s currently affecting hundreds of species. Helping solve the problem of waste management by recycling is the responsible thing to do. But what can you recycle, and what’s in it for you?

For instance, metal is a highly recyclable material we barely pay attention to. Did you know you could make some cash while saving the world? The average steel price, for example, is around $144.00/ton. Every alloy has a different cost, of course. To help you do the math, we’ve gathered the buying rates of the most common recyclable metals.

Generally, any business that has smelters or electromagnetic induction furnaces is capable of recycling your metal down to bars. But for the most part, scrapyards and professional recycling companies are the types willing to pay for your metal. Some recyclers may only offer metal recycling to commercial businesses because they require metal to recycle in larger quantities. Therefore research is key.

How Much Money Can I Make From Recycling Metal?

Whether you’re a sole entity, a group, or a corporation, being a responsible and eco-friendly inhabitant of this planet shouldn’t be too hard. Some consider this activity lucrative enough to do business out of it, while others partake in it for more noble reasons. As long as everyone recycles, the motivation isn’t really that important. Right?

Recycling isn’t about bringing a single piece of aluminum to a scrap yard and feeling good about yourself. It’s about repurposing what you don’t use anymore. Your old toaster, computer, or any piece of hardware for that matter, can be recycled and made into something useful again. Most importantly, it won’t affect our ecosystems by polluting the environment. As for the material gain, here’s a look at how much money you’ll get on average for common metals:

  • Bare bright copper wire – $2.95/lb
  • Insulated copper wire – $0.88/lb
  • Brass – $1.56/lb
  • Light iron – $117/ton
  • Steel – $182/ton
  • Cast iron – $182/ton
  • Stainless steel – $0.36/lb
  • Lead – $0.51/lb
  • Ballasts – $0.08/lb
  • Steel BX – $0.27/lb

Where Can I Recycle Metal Near Me?How Much Money Can I Make From Recycling Metal

Futon Metals is a scrap yard in Atlanta that promotes metal recycling. They focus on providing services to residents and businesses alike. By offering quality, environmentally-friendly recycling solutions to contractors, manufacturers, and companies, they contribute to lowering their community’s carbon footprint.

Everyday Metal Objects You Should Recycle

Different metal alloys have found their place in industry due to their properties. For example, gold is a great conductor of electricity and heat; therefore, many manufacturers of all kinds have taken an enormous interest in this precious material. Other metals in high demand are aluminum and copper.

Nowadays, you can recycle pretty much any metal item while getting paid for it. For example, instead of throwing out that station wagon you simply don’t use anymore, you could sell it to your local scrapyard for up to $168/ton!

Here are other objects you probably didn’t know your could recycle for cash:

  • Rotors
  • Aluminum siding
  • Aluminum rim
  • Electric motors
  • Compressors
  • Alternators
  • Hard drives
  • Motherboards

The list goes on and on, so take a look around your home. You might just find yourself a goldmine!

How Much Do Recycling Centers Pay for Metal: To Recycle or Not to RecycleHow Much Do Recycling Centers Pay for Metal

Recycling isn’t really that complicated today. There are recycling centers that do the job for you. All you have to do is call them and find out what their requirements are. You’ll get compensation and feel good about yourself. If you’re wondering whether to recycle or not, the answer is pretty obvious — YES! Now you know how much recycling centers pay for metal.

Article by

Alla Levin

Seattle business and lifestyle content creator who can’t get enough of business innovations, arts, not ordinary people and adventures.

About Author

Alla Levin

Hi, I’m Alla, a Seattle business and lifestyle content creator who can’t get enough of business innovations, arts, not ordinary people and adventures. My mission is to help you grow in your creativity, travel the world, and live life to the absolute fullest!

Categories

movies for entrepreneurs

Boudoir photography allows women to celebrate their sensuality through graceful, intimate photographs...

I Recommend

All the information you need to understand the business world, your career, and marketing. All the information you need to understand the business world, your career, and marketing.

My favorite tools for creators

My favorite Tools for Content Creation

Courses
I recommend

Be Informed, Be Inspired - Join Today

Email

Fact-checked with real-life-backed research

Written by small business experts and seasoned journalists

Updated to reflect the latest modern trends and advances

Reviewed by board-certified tech and lifestyle professionals