Did you know that recycling scrap metal can slash air pollution by up to 86%? On top of this eco-friendly benefit, you can also make a generous amount of money on the side from scrap metals. With numerous advantages associated with it, it’s no wonder that this industry is rapidly expanding.
However, before you go on scrapping metal on the sides, you must know which types have more value for collection or sale. This blog serves as an excellent starting point that provides insights into the various metals typically found in Canada’s scrap yards. Read more to discover where and how to find scrap metal.
Most Valuable Scrap Metals to Collect
Because copper has a higher market value than aluminum, brass, and steel, it is now the most valuable scrap metal to collect. Copper, however, might not always be easily accessible for gathering.
However, if accessibility is your main need, steel is the best material to gather scrap metal from because it is widely available, easy to collect, and can be transported in big amounts due to its weight.
Types of Scrap Metal
Different types of scrap metal vary in value, with some being more prized than others.
With millions of tons of metal being scrapped every year in Canada, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. Here are a few types to begin with:
Copper
Copper is valuable due to its excellent conductivity of electricity. It is often found in:
- Electrical wiring
- Pipes
- Roofing materials
Aluminum
Lightweight and durable, aluminum is commonly used in products like:
- Beverage cans
- Window frames
- Car parts
Brass
Made of copper and zinc, it is commonly used in:
- Plumbing fixtures
- Door handles
- Musical instruments
Steel
As the most recycled metal globally, steel is used in various products such as:
- Cars
- Appliances
- Construction materials
Its strength and recyclability make it particularly valuable, and being a ferrous metal, it contains iron.
Where to Find Scrap Metal
The most effective places to find scrap metal are often through:
- Networking
- Helping individuals needing to clear it from their homes
- Discovering it during personal home renovations
- Salvaging broken and unusable items
- Participating in estate or farm clean-ups
Benefits Of Scrap Metal Recycling
Whether it’s from renovation projects, car repairs, or any other source, do not dispose of metal objects in the trash. What might end up in a landfill can be repurposed into valuable materials for future use. There are numerous advantages for your business to consider.
1. Carbon Footprint Reduction
By recycling scrap metal, environmentally conscious businesses can significantly diminish their carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future.
2. Positive Impact on Raw Material Costs
Utilizing services like Langille’s Metal Recycling can positively affect your raw material costs, offering competitive prices for scrap materials, especially post-production scrap metal.
3. Profit Maximization Opportunities
Consider the worth of your scrap metal. Recycling material can increase revenue for your company and increase profitability as opposed to having it end up in landfills.
4. Support for the Local Economy
Implementing a scrap metal recycling program not only benefits your business but also supports Canadian manufacturing, thus fostering a healthy local economy.
5. Reduction in Waste Costs
Reducing the amount of waste produced at nearby landfills can result from the adoption of a scrap metal recycling strategy. Recycling should be given top priority in your business’s daily operations to maximize profits and reduce environmental effects.
Steps on How to Start Your Own Scrap Metal Recycling Business
Metal recycling firms are becoming more and more necessary as people grow more ecologically conscious. Scrap metal is produced by many businesses, including the building and automotive industries, which opens up opportunities for recycling.
Here’s how to launch your own recycling company for scrap metal:
1. Plan Your Business
Begin by creating a detailed plan to organize your business venture. Here are some points to get you started:
- Determine your target market.
- Set pricing strategies.
- Choose a distinctive business name.
- Identify the necessary equipment, such as excavators and scrap yard magnets.
2. Budget Wisely
Develop a budget outlining your initial investment and ongoing expenses, including:
- Land
- Machinery
- Transportation
- Payroll
- Taxes
Focus on purchasing essential items first to manage costs effectively.
3. Understand Your Market
Consider the types of metals you’ll recycle and how they align with potential clients’ needs. Research ongoing market prices for different metal types to guarantee fair pricing for both buyers and sellers.
4. Establish Your Business
Create a separate business account and register your business structure to comply with legal requirements. Obtain the necessary documents such as:
- Business permits
- Metal recycling license
- Insurance for business and employees
5. Equip Yourself Properly
Invest in essential tools and equipment, such as:
- Company vehicles
- Storage facilities
- Tools for disassembling materials
Ensure that employees have proper protective gear for safe handling of metals.
6. Start Collecting Scrap
Promote your business online and reach out to local metal industry businesses to source scrap metal. Build relationships with clients and ask for referrals to expand your business within the community.
How is Recycling Beneficial for the Environment?
Gathering scrap metal for recycling is still advantageous for a number of reasons, even in the face of shifting profitability. Recycling decreases the need for new metal mining and processing as well as the quantity of unwanted goods dumped in landfills.
Aluminum, for instance, requires 95% less energy to recycle than producing from raw sources. This lowers the metal industry’s carbon impact in addition to saving electricity.
Research indicates that recycling keeps about 186 million metric tons of gases equal to carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. This is the same as parking 39 million cars for a whole year.
Recycle Your Scrap Metal Today and Make a Positive Impact on the Environment
In addition to helping reduce trash in landfills, ethical scrap metal collection and recycling also helps preserve important resources.
With a dedication to sustainability, Langille’s Metal Recycling provides excellent recycling services that can help you in starting your recycling project and improving the environment. Reach out to us right now.
