are you recycling everything that is recyclable?

If you run an auto repair store or often find yourself with tons of scrap metal cluttering your space, you might want to consider selling to a metal recycling company. You can make some money by selling what would otherwise be trash and eventually end up in a landfill. So, how can you make good money from selling your scrap metal? The following tips can help optimize your earnings when selling to metal recycling companies.

1. Sort Your Scrap Metal

Some types of metals fetch higher than others. If you want to make good money, you might want to start learning about the scrap metal sorting process. Metals like copper fetch good money in the market. They are mostly sourced from scrap because extracting and manufacturing raw materials uses a lot of resources. Separate all the metals collected in different containers and label them. You can ask the specialists at a metal recycling company to help you differentiate metals to make the most from the deal.

2. Preserve Them

You'll likely wait for the metals to accumulate before asking the metal recycling company to pick them up. Therefore, it is important to preserve the metal to prevent rust. Some metals that contain iron can rust, drastically reducing their quality and weight. You could make less money if you store the metals improperly. Consider adding desiccant drying agents in the containers holding the metals. Keep the storage containers away from the rain or potential sources of moisture.

3. Prioritize the Non-Ferrous Metals

You can deliver a trailer stacked with metal and still make less than someone who delivers smaller quantities of quality metal. Metal recycling companies often categorize metals into ferrous and non-ferrous. The former contains traces of iron, and they generally fetch lower prices.

Metals like brass, lead, and zinc are non-ferrous and are usually more valuable. You can pass a magnet over your metals to differentiate between the two types. If it doesn't stick to the magnet, it will likely fetch good money when sold. Focus on collecting valuable pieces to make more money.

4. Keep Up With Market Prices

Like any market, the metal recycling industry is greatly influenced by the demand and supply of scrap metals. You'll need to research and keep checking the price changes to know when to hoard and sell to make good money. Smart sellers will collect the metals when the prices are low and sell them when they start shooting.

If you are interested in selling scrap metal, you now have some useful tips to help you make decent money. Contact a reliable metal recycling company to learn more about what they look for when buying scrap metal. 

For more info, contact a local company like G & M Metal, Inc.