Scrap metal may accumulate on a person’s property for any number of reasons, such as home repairs and renovations, or clearing out a garage, shop, or shed. Individuals in charge of construction sites or mechanics will also frequently find themselves with an excess of scrap metal on their hands.
While it may look like a trash heap to the untrained eye, these types of accumulations often contain valuable metals such as copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and bronze that can be sold to scrap yards and metal recycling services. This allows individuals to not only clear away unsightly excess materials but also earn an extra income they can put towards savings, vacations, or any other expenses.
Among the various types of scrap metal, copper is one of the most highly sought after. Fortunately, copper is also not particularly difficult to find if a person knows where to look.
Some scrap piles will contain larger quantities of copper than others, such as construction and demolition sites where copper wiring, as well as copper piping, have been removed. The older the building, the more copper was likely used in its construction. However, even everyday scrap piles are capable of yielding worthwhile amounts of copper hidden away in household appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and air conditioning units. Again, the older the appliances, the more copper was likely used in their manufacturing. Copper can also be found in old miscellaneous electronics and computers as well as in kitchenware, like pots and pans.
A person does not need to be an expert in identifying metals to contact a scrap yard or metal recycling service, although it is never a bad idea to have a broad understanding of their inventory. The simplest way to assess what types of metals a scrap pile is made up of is by using a magnet. A magnet will easily enable individuals to sort their metals into two categories; ferrous, and non-ferrous.
Ferrous metals, such as iron and steel, will react to the magnet’s pull; whereas non-ferrous metals such as stainless steel, bronze, aluminum, and copper, will not. The rest can be discerned by a basic familiarity with the color and texture of common metals.
Individuals seeking copper recyclers in Baltimore MD can contact Mid-Atlantic Metals, Inc. Mid-Atlantic Metals serve as scrap metal and copper recyclers in Baltimore, MD. Browse our website for more information on pricing and assessments.