What Are Scrap Yards and How Do They Work?

Are you looking to join the recycling industry and make some extra money? Do you have some metal lying around that you can sell for top dollar? If you’re been search for a “scrap yard near me,” then you’re in the right place!

A scrap yard or salvage yard is where you can drop off your metal scrap, junk cars, and other materials and get money in exchange. From radiators and transmissions to automobiles and vans, you can get a reasonable price on scrap metal at a scrap yard. 

Full-service scrap yards can handle the entire scrapping process, from towing and disposing of your vehicle to recycling and selling the nonferrous metals. They may even offer drop-off services so that you can bring in your metal scrap or junk car, and they will take care of the rest. Salvage yards are great for vehicles that are too wrecked to be repaired, as they can strip the parts and recycle the metal components.

When looking for a scrap yard, it is essential to research and find one that offers the best prices on metal scrap, junk cars, and other materials. Make sure to shop for the best prices and read reviews about the different yards you are considering. You also want to ensure that the scrap yard is properly disposing of the materials from your junk car or metal scrap and not sending them to a landfill. 

Whether you are looking to sell metal scrap, junk cars, or other materials, finding a local scrap yard or salvage yard is a great way to get top-dollar for your items. With the proper research and knowledge, you can profit significantly in the recycling industry.

What Are Scrap Yards and How Do They Work?

Before finding scrap yards, it’s essential to understand what they are and how they operate. Scrap yards act as middlemen between those who want to sell their metal and buyers who will turn the scrap metal into new products. Metal yards near you may accept and recycle scrap metal from individuals looking to sell scrap metal, as well as from local auto salvage yards. 

At the scrap yard, they sort through the metal brought to them and determine the type and weight of each piece. They then sell the metal and car parts to larger companies that melt them down and use them for new products such as car parts or building materials. 

It’s essential to research the best scrap metal yards near you and compare the policies, payment methods, and any other requirements they may have. For example, some scrap yards may only accept certain types of metal or require a minimum weight before selling them. Knowing these details will help you find a suitable scrap yard for your needs and ensure you know the best place to sell your scrap metal near you.

Finding Local Scrap Yards

There are a few ways to go about finding scrap yards in your area; here are some suggestions to get started:

Ask Google

Google is your friend for finding local businesses, including scrap yards. Just type in “scrap yard near me” or “scrap metal recycling center” and browse the results.

You will find places with websites and contact information, allowing you to call ahead and ask about their specific buying policies. Also, check the reviews, as some scrap yards may have better reputations than others.

Use iScrap app

iScrap App is a smartphone app (available for iPhone and Android) that helps users locate scrap yards and discover scrap prices and trends. Compared to Google, iScrap provides more specific and up-to-date information you can use.

Download the app and search for local scrap yards.

Search on Craigslist

Craigslist is an online classified ads service that allows users to post free ads for various items, including scrap metal.

If you are looking for a scrap yard in your area, you can search Craigslist for local businesses. Filter your search to get the most relevant results, and contact the scrap yards through the provided information.

You may have to search for a while to find a service that will pay cash for your scrap metal, as some may only offer to take it off your hands for free. But it is worth a try to find the best deal or a scrap yard in your area that fits your needs.

Remember, you can also list your scrap metal for sale on Craigslist, potentially finding a buyer directly instead of going through an intermediary.

Find Scrap Yards on Yelp

Another option is to use Yelp, a website that allows users to review local businesses. Search for “scrap yard” or “recycling scrap yard” to find local options. Read their reviews to get an idea of the quality, pricing, and overall experience.

Remember to choose your state or city to get the most relevant results, and filter by features, neighborhoods, and distance to narrow your options.

Networking With Others in the Industry

If all else fails, feel free to network within the industry to find scrap yards. Talk to friends or family in the construction or manufacturing industries and ask for recommendations; they may have experience selling scrap metal.

You can also join online communities or forums for scrap metal sellers and ask for advice on finding local scrap yards with fair prices and good reputations.

Making Money Selling Scrap Metal

After finding a scrap yard near you, here’s how to find, sell, and profit from your scrap metal.

Find Metals You Can Scrap

Not all scrap yards will accept all types of metals, so it is essential to know what you can sell before hauling it in. Common scrap metals include aluminum, copper, brass, and steel.

You can also sell rarer metals like cobalt, mercury, tungsten, silver, and titanium, but these may be harder to come by and require more effort.

Where can you find metals to scrap? Some options include salvaging old appliances or vehicles, and visiting construction sites, local businesses, shooting ranges, and ranches. You can also ask friends and family for their scrap metal.

Separate and Organize Your Metal

Scrap yards often have different buying prices for different types and grades of metal. Separate your scrap into different categories, such as aluminum, copper, brass, stainless steel, and iron or steel.

You may also want to organize it further by grade; for example, sorting copper pipes from copper sheeting or aluminum cans from aluminum siding. The more organized and sorted your scrap metal is, the easier it will be for the scrap yard to assess its value and make an offer.

Remember to clean your scrap metal before selling it because appearance and condition can affect the price. Remove any dirt or debris, and cut out non-metal attachments, such as nails or screws.

Know Your Metal’s Worth

Research current scrap metal prices before bringing them to a scrap yard. It will give you an idea of how much you can expect to receive for each type and grade of metal.

You can get the current scrap prices from the iScrap app and use those as a guide in negotiating with the scrap yard.

Negotiate Your Price

Scrap metal prices constantly change; be prepared to negotiate prices with the scrap yard. If they offer a lower amount than expected, ask if they can meet or come closer to the current market value. Politely negotiating for a higher price can often result in more profit.

Feel free to negotiate with the scrap yard, especially if you have high-quality scrap metal. Many scrap yards are also willing to negotiate prices for bulk quantities.

Sometimes, it may be worth checking prices at multiple scrap yards to find the best deal. And factor in transportation costs and time spent travelling between yards.

Take as Much Scrap to the Yard in One Trip

Taking as much scrap as you can per time saves time and effort. You won’t have to make multiple trips or negotiate each time you bring leftovers.

Also, carrying a lot of scrap metal at a go puts you in a better-negotiating position, as the scrap yard will likely be more willing to offer higher prices for a larger quantity.

Note that there are limits on the amount or weight of scrap metal a yard may have, so call ahead to ensure they can take your entire load in one visit.

How Much Do Metals Sell for in Scrap Yards?

Scrap metal prices vary greatly, depending on the type and grade of the metal. Generally, ferrous metals (containing iron) like steel and iron sell for less than nonferrous metals like copper, brass, and aluminum. The current market value also plays a role in determining scrap metal prices.

The following price estimates are from the iScrap App National Average as of 11/7/022. 

Ferrous Metal

Ferrous metal is typically worth around $0.10 to $0.30 per pound, with prices for shreddable steel at $150 per ton (a ton is equal to 2,000 pounds).

Nonferrous Metal

The nonferrous metal is often worth much more than ferrous metal, ranging from $0.30 to $3 per pound. Copper sells for around $3 per pound, and aluminum is at $0.20 – $0.45 per pound. And brass is selling for $1.50 to $2 per pound.

Scrap metal prices constantly change, so check current prices before selling your scrap metal. And remember to negotiate for the best deal at the scrap yard. Also, scrap yards may pay less for dirty or corroded pieces of metal.

How to Avoid Scrap Yard Scams

While most scrap yards are reputable, some may try to scam or cheat you out of a fair price for your scrap metal. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to these types of scams:

• Do your research on current scrap metal prices and the reputation of the scrap yard.
• Ask for a written receipt detailing the type and weight of the scrap metal sold and the price received.
• Ensure all agreements and negotiations are clear before selling your scrap metal.
• Be wary of any scrap yard offering to buy your scrap without inspecting it for quality and weight.
• Trust your gut: if a deal seems too good to be true or something doesn’t feel right, consider taking your business elsewhere.

The Bottomline

Selling scrap metal can be a great way to make extra money and do your part for the environment by eliminating unwanted items. It’s important to research current prices and find a reliable and reputable scrap yard near you. And don’t be afraid to negotiate for the best deal when you’re at a metal yard near you. Most scrap yards have regular business hours, and many have online sites where you can find answers to frequently asked questions. 

When searching for scrap yards near you, look for local scrap metal yards and auto salvage yards. You can find the closest scrap yard and determine which one is the best-paying scrap yard. Metal prices fluctuate, so shopping around is vital to get the best deal. Some of the highest-paying scrap items include #2 copper tubing and bare bright copper. 

With some practice, you’ll become an expert at turning scrap metal into cash. Make sure to research and know what you’re selling so you can get the most out of your scrap metal items.