Where and How to Find Metal for Scrap Recycling
If you want to find metal for scrap recycling, either to earn money or just to encourage and ensure recycling in your area, you may be surprised at the many items that are thrown away by homeowners, renovators, and at production facilities that contain recyclable metal. You might also be surprised at the types of metals that are contained in certain pieces and how valuable this metal can be at a scrap yard. Note a few places you might look for scrap metal and what you might find in these different pieces.
Aluminum
The body of a car can be recycled if it's made of aluminum, even if it's painted. For other automotive aluminum you can readily bring to a scrap yard, look for an aluminum engine block or aluminum bumpers. Radiators are also typically made of aluminum, as are diesel tanks for heavier vehicles. Other recyclable aluminum pieces include home siding and aluminum boats.
Copper
Copper is one of the most valuable types of metals you can recycle; car alternators may have copper wiring inside. Copper can also be used as backsplashes and countertop coverings in a kitchen and may be tossed out by builders and home remodelers. Aluminum and copper coils are often used in home air conditioning units. Transformers also sometimes have a copper core surrounded by a steel housing or shell. Circuit breakers and ballasts, used in lighting fixtures, can also have small amounts of copper inside, as will many small electric motors.
Brass
Heater cores are often made of brass, and some radiators are also made of brass. Bullet casings or shells may also be made of brass, and some shooting ranges may toss these out, not realizing they can or should be recycled; some will also be made of lead and this too can be recycled. Brass is also commonly used as tubing for plumbing pipes but may be tossed out when copper pipes are installed, so note if local renovators or plumbers would have scrap brass you can collect.
Stainless steel
Steel is not always as valuable as other materials, but it is good to recycle it when possible to avoid having to harvest iron ore to make new steel. Look for stainless steel sinks that are often tossed out during home renovations, steel beer kegs, and heavy-duty batteries used in forklifts and other such machinery; these will often have a steel housing. Steel turnings, meaning the shavings from cutting stainless steel, can also be easily recycled.