It seems like everyone is striving to recycle these days, but few really understand what materials can be recycled. Although we all know the most common ones such as paper and plastics; metal seems to be difficult to remember. Although it is true; you can recycle metal as long as you know what metal items and how to do it. In fact, the amount of residential or household metal scrap is incredible! Our houses are full of 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: household appliances, large household scrap and small residential scrap.
Recyclable Scrap Metal Categories
Appliances – This term refers to large appliances and includes things like refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, washers and dryers, etc.
Large Household Metal Scrap – This category includes things like garden furniture, aluminum siding, bicycles, window and door frames, barbecues, larger auto parts, etc. Please note that microwaves and air conditioning units can also be classified as white.
Small Residential Metal Waste – Utensils, pots and pans, hangers, tools, small car or bicycle parts, watering cans, screws, nails, hooks, bolts, pipes, and hinges fall into this category, as well as many other small metals. items used for renovations or general household use.
While most articles will fit into one of the categories listed above; You may find items that contain metal that you are not quite sure about. These metal-containing scrap items can also be recycled once they are past their prime and are no longer needed – great to see that our homes are full of these items!
Scrap items that contain metal include things like: extension cords, electrical cords, holiday lights, umbrellas, glasses, belt buckles, lamps, handles, computer hardware … the list goes on. This includes virtually any electrical item you may have around the house, as well as most sports equipment such as skates and rackets.
When it comes to recycling these items, you should check the regulations with your local government office, as some of these items cannot be left curbside with other recyclable materials like glass, papers, and plastics. Some municipalities require you to call and arrange for a pick-up, while others drop you off to make your own arrangements. Fortunately, there are several options in your local phone book when it comes to recycling scrap metal – this is a great industry that you know of! There are several junkyards that will send a truck to pick up your appliances and whatnot; all you need to do is get them out on the sidewalk for them. There are even places that will pay you for your scrap metal and will gladly send someone to collect your items if there is enough to make it worth your while. This certainly makes you see spring cleaning in a whole new light, doesn’t it?