There are countless reasons to recycle scrap metal. Chief among them are protecting the environment and generating revenue. Scrap metal recycling cuts down on energy costs and pollution and helps conserve natural resources. It can also be a great way to put some extra cash in your pocket.
Where you decide to take your scrap metal is going to be a factor in determining how much profit you will see from your efforts. There is more to it than googling “scrap yard near me.” There are some elements to consider that will help you along the way, whether you are a veteran scrapper or are new to the game.
Location, Location, Location
Transporting scrap metal can be a pricey endeavor. Almost every business on Earth tries to find ways of saving money on supply chain logistics; scrapping shouldn’t be any different.
If there is a local scrap yard 10 miles away from you that buys metal at a price point lower than another scrap yard located 30 miles away, it might make the most sense to go to the scrap yard offering the lower prices. The money that you think you are making by going to the scrap metal yard with the better pricing could be consumed by fuel costs and unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Or consider a scrap metal recycler who offers pickup or container service to avoid the drop-off trip altogether.
Pricing
Competition often leads to better prices for scrappers. A scrap yard located in a rural area without much competition can set its own prices, and those prices are often quite low. Scrap yards need your business. If you scrap in an area with multiple scrap yards, those scrap yards will need to be able to offer the best market price to ensure that scrappers like yourself are incentivized to use their facility. If three scrap yards are buying carbide—one for $8 per pound, one for $7 per pound and one for $6 per pound—the one buying carbide for $3 per pound is probably going to have a hard time getting people through their doors.
Obviously, scrap metal prices fluctuate all the time and for a variety of reasons. Most of the time it will be for reasons that are totally out of anyone’s control, but considering factors such as location and what might be affecting a scrap yard’s pricing will make you more money in the long run.
One way savvy scrappers have been staying abreast of scrap metal price fluctuations is by signing up for scrap metal news alerts.
Condition of the Facility
Sometimes you don’t know what you’re getting into until you’re already into it. It might take going to a facility a few times before you are able to make an informed opinion about the way they do business.
Take note of how organized the facility is and if they utilize modern equipment. If you need to get in and get out, an unorganized scrap yard will have you waiting longer than you have to.
If you are working on a project that produces a lot of scrap, some metal recyclers offer scrap metal pickup services that will save you from having to take the time to haul the scrap yourself.
Hours
Make sure the scrap yard you are considering is open on the days you are available to come in. It’s also important to note if they are actually open when they say they will be. There is nothing more frustrating than looking at your watch that reads “8:00 a.m.,” then looking at a door that reads “Open: 9:00 a.m.” Scrap yards that are inconsistent about when they open are often unreliable in other ways.
What Else Should Be Considered?
Once you have found a scrap yard that suits your needs, stay with them as long as you can. There are benefits to establishing a rapport with a scrap yard. Many companies have decades-long business relationships with their local scrap metal recyclers.
How Can Gardner Metal Recycling Be of Service?
We have provided metal recycling services to Central Texas for the past 60 years. You don’t stay in business that long without earning the trust of the community. And we offer transparent and consistently competitive scrap metal prices in Austin, Texas.
We believe that nothing should go to waste. Contact us today to request a quote for any of our services.