Scrap Metal Recycling Really Is A Thing

You’re looking forward to some spring cleaning and already planning to get rid of things. But what do you do with the scrap metal debris?

 Recycling scrap metal is often a much more difficult and dangerous task than anticipated. 

Part of the problem is that many people still do not realize they can recycle all those junk metal items they need to dispose of.

In fact, a survey by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), revealed that more than 100 million Americans adults must figure out for themselves what can and cannot be recycled and where to find information about the recycling process.

This represents 44 percent of the adult U.S. population.

But the fact is that much of what may not seem to be reusable actually is. And when it comes to scrap metals, recycling is often the best disposal solution.

Trends are Looking Up for Scrap Metal Recycling

In a recent article, Construction Equipment Guide noted that scrap metal prices are on the rise for the first time in roughly five years. This is good news for the scrap recycling industry after a five year trend of dropping prices for metals. The falling prices led to some scrap metal companies closing or selling their businesses.

This is unfortunate as the recycling industry as a whole, and scrap metal in particular, has a huge impact on the environment and economy of the U.S. In fact, there are enough scrap materials recycled in the here to meet the production needs of most manufacturers.

For example, there is enough steel to make cars, enough aluminum to make soda cans, and enough materials for building construction.

The problem is that when people do not contribute to the recycling stream, much of this potential material is lost. And scrap metal is a great candidate for recycling.

The Future for Scrap Metal Recycling in the U.S. 

Scrap metals are classified as either ferrous, including iron and steel, or non-ferrous, such as copper and aluminum. While copper remain one of the metals demanding the highest prices, ferrous metals make up the bulk of scrap metal being recycled.

Exporting recovered and recycled scrap metals, especially ferrous metals, is a major industry for the U.S. According to the US Census Bureau and International Trade Commission (ITC), the cumulative steel scrap export volume for 2016 totaled over 11.5 million tons.

The changes in market prices, as for many industries, determine the profitability and sustainability of individual players.

Non-ferrous prices vary by metal. Aluminum and zinc prices increased by about 11 percent and 60 percent respectively, and copper by about 14 percent. However, copper prices stayed fairly flat for much of 2016 until mid-November.

Just after the presidential election, copper prices went up 20 percent just in one week.” According to Joe Pickard, chief economist and director of commodities of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc., “I think a lot of the reason for that was expectations for increased infrastructure in U.S., and some of the other policy ideas debated during the election.”

The scrap metal industry is in a restructuring phase, he noted, and that makes predicting the future a little more difficult, but generally the picture looks good.

What to do With Your Scrap Metals - Recycle

When you need to get rid of scrap metal, calling a professional junk removal firm to safely and cost-efficiently remove your scrap metal is your best option. And opting for an eco-friendly company will ensure that as much of your scrap metal as possible is recycled.

Attempting to haul scrap metal in your own vehicle, on the other hand, puts you at risk of damaging your vehicle in the process. And, if you have to make multiple trips back and forth from a metal recycling site, the whole process also becomes less energy-efficient. Not to mention the risks of handling metal debris.

Let Junk King collect and deposit your scrap metal at a local facility. We operate a fleet that includes many bio-fuel vehicles and your metal debris will become new recycled material with the most environmentally friendly methods.

Junk King recycles more than other junk removal companies. Contact us to schedule an appointment for scrap metal recycling and we will pick up any amount and variety of metal from your home, business, or construction site.

Our scrap metal recycling is available for any need:

• Iron, steel, copper, aluminum, brass and more
• Beams, wires, and other construction metal debris
• Plumbing fixtures and other DIY home renovation debris
• Any unwanted metal junk
• Scrap Metal Recycling from the Green Junk Haulers

We are fully insured to protect you against any risk. We safely carry the metal debris off your property and load it into our large, heavy-duty trucks. From pick-up to transport, Junk King's scrap metal recycling service takes a major burden off your hands.

Schedule Your Scrap Metal Removal

Make the call and relax! With Junk King, you only need to point us in the direction of the debris. Our friendly, uniformed staff will take it from there. We provide upfront pricing when we arrive.

Schedule an appointment to get a free, no-obligation quote before we begin to work. Call Junk King  today at 888.888.JUNK (5865) or book online!