Metal Recycling

Recycling Metal What You Should Know by Christopher John Graham

It seems that everyone is making the effort to recycle these days, but few really understand what materials can be recycled. While we're all aware of the more common ones like paper and plastics; metal seems to be a tough one to remember. It is true though; you can recycle metal as long as you know what metal items and how to go about it. As a matter of fact, the amount of residential or household metal scrap is incredible! Our homes are filled with metals that can and should be recycled once we no longer have any use for them and these household metals can be divided into several groups: white goods, large household metal scrap and small residential metal scrap.

Recyclable Metal Scrap Categories

White Goods: This term refers to large household appliances and includes things such as refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washer and dryers, etc.

Large Household Metal Scrap: This category includes things like patio furniture, aluminum siding, bicycles, window and door frames, barbecues, larger auto parts, etc. Note that microwaves and air-conditioning units can be classified as white good as well.

Small Residential Metal Scrap: Utensils, pots and pans, coat hangers, tools, small auto or bike parts, watering cans, screws, nails, hooks, bolts, pipes and hinges are all a part of this category as well as many other small metal items used for renovations or general household use.

While most items will fit into one of the categories listed above; you may come across items that contain metal that you aren't quite sure of. These metal-bearing scrap items can also be recycled once they have passed their prime and are no longer needed - a great thing seeing as how our homes are full of these items!

Metal-bearing scrap items include things such as: Extension cords, electrical wires, holiday lights, umbrellas, eye glasses, belt buckles, lamps, handles, computer hardware... the list goes on. This pretty much includes any electrical items that you may have lying around the house as well as most sporting equipment like skates and racquets.

When it comes to recycling these items you should check the regulations with your local government office as some of these items are not able to be left curbside with your other recyclables like glass, papers and plastics. Some municipalities require that you call and make arrangements for pick up while others leave you to make your own arrangements. Luckily there are several options in your local phone directory when it comes to recycling metal scraps-this is a big industry you know! There are several scrap yards that will send a truck to pick up your white goods and such; all you need to do is get them out to the curb for them. There are even places that will pay you for your metal scraps and will happily send someone out to pick up your items if there is enough to make it worth their while. This certainly makes you see spring cleaning in a whole new light, doesn't it?

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