- 1Remove all non-metal components (plastic, rubber, glass)
- 2Drain any fluids from parts
- 3Separate steel (magnetic) from aluminum (non-magnetic)
- 4Remove paint if required by recycler (usually not necessary)
- 5Clean parts of grease and debris
- 6Sort by metal type for maximum value
- Scrap metal dealers and recycling centers
- Auto dismantlers and salvage yards
- Metal recycling facilities
- Some auto parts stores (core exchange programs)
Separate steel from aluminum - they have different values and processing requirements. Remove as much non-metal material as possible to avoid contamination penalties.
Metal recycling saves 74% of energy for steel and 95% for aluminum compared to primary production. Automotive metals are infinitely recyclable without quality loss.
Accepted
- Steel body panels, hoods, trunk lids
- Aluminum wheels and trim pieces
- Bumpers (after plastic removal)
- Engine blocks and transmission cases
- Exhaust components (pipes, mufflers)
- Suspension components and brackets
Not Accepted
- Parts with significant non-metal contamination
- Parts containing fluids or oils
- Mixed metal parts that can't be separated
- Parts with unknown metal composition
Estimated value: Steel: $0.05-0.15 per pound; Aluminum: $0.50-1.50 per pound depending on market conditions
Do I need to remove paint from metal parts?
Usually not - most scrap dealers accept painted metal. However, removing paint may increase value slightly and some specialized recyclers prefer clean metal.
How do I tell the difference between steel and aluminum?
Use a magnet - steel is magnetic, aluminum is not. Aluminum is also lighter and doesn't rust. When in doubt, most recyclers will help you sort materials.
Are chrome bumpers worth more than regular steel?
Older chrome bumpers are solid steel under the chrome plating and have good scrap value. Modern plastic bumpers need the metal reinforcement separated first.