How to Recycle Manufacturing Scrap Metal
Industrial metal waste including machining chips, stamping scrap, casting runners, and fabrication offcuts. Contains valuable alloys worth $0.05-5.00 per pound depending on metal type and cleanliness. US manufacturing generates 50+ million tons annually with 90%+ recycling rates through specialized metal recovery.
- 1Sort metals by type and alloy specification using magnet and visual tests
- 2Remove all non-metallic contamination including oils, plastics, and rubber
- 3Separate ferrous metals from non-ferrous for optimal pricing
- 4Clean machining chips of cutting fluids using appropriate methods
- 5Remove paint, coatings, and plating when economically feasible
- 6Sort by size - chips, turnings, and solid pieces separately
- 7Document alloy specifications and heat numbers when available
- 8Store on concrete surfaces with drainage to prevent soil contamination
- 9Load efficiently to maximize transportation value
- Scrap metal dealers and processors (Schnitzer Steel, Commercial Metals)
- Steel mills and foundries with direct buy programs
- Non-ferrous metal refineries (Aurubis, Freeport McMoRan)
- Specialty alloy recyclers for aerospace and high-tech materials
- Local metal recycling centers with industrial programs
- On-site metal recovery systems for large generators
Machining chips may contain cutting fluid residues requiring special handling. Some aerospace alloys contain beryllium or other toxic elements. Radioactive metals require specialized handling and documentation. Stainless steel must be separated from carbon steel to maintain value.
Metal recycling saves 74% energy vs. primary production while preventing mining environmental damage. Each ton recycled saves 2,500 lbs of iron ore, 1,000 lbs of coal, and 40 lbs of limestone. Advanced sorting achieves 98%+ material recovery, supplying 40% of global steel production and 85% of copper demand through recycling.
Accepted
- Carbon steel and alloy steel scrap
- Stainless steel in various grades
- Aluminum alloys and extrusions
- Copper, brass, and bronze scrap
- Titanium and aerospace alloys
- Cast iron and ductile iron scrap
Not Accepted
- Metals contaminated with radioactive materials
- Lead-painted metals without proper handling
- Metals heavily contaminated with oils or chemicals
- Mixed metals that cannot be economically separated
- Pressure vessels or containers that may contain hazardous residues
Estimated value: $0.05-5.00/lb; steel: $0.05-0.15/lb, aluminum: $0.50-0.90/lb, copper: $2.50-4.00/lb, titanium: $1-5/lb
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Cutting fluid residues containing biocides and heavy metals
- Lead in brass alloys and painted surfaces
- Beryllium in aerospace alloys (extremely toxic)
- Chromium and nickel in stainless steels
- Radioactive materials in some specialty alloys
How do I identify different metal types and alloys?
Use magnet tests (ferrous vs. non-ferrous), spark tests, density comparisons, and chemical spot tests. Professional XRF analysis provides definitive alloy identification for valuable specialty metals.
Should I clean cutting fluids from machining chips?
Yes, when economically feasible. Clean chips bring 10-20% higher prices. Washing systems can be justified for large volumes, while smaller quantities may use oil-water separation.
Can different metal types be mixed for simplicity?
No, mixing reduces value significantly. Stainless steel mixed with carbon steel reduces price to carbon steel levels. Separate sorting maximizes total revenue.
Are there minimum quantities for industrial metal recycling?
Most processors accept quantities from 100 lbs up for specialty alloys, 1 ton+ for common steels. Regular collection routes may accept smaller quantities at scheduled intervals.
How do metal prices fluctuate?
Prices follow commodity markets, global demand, and local supply. Copper and aluminum are most volatile. Steel prices are generally more stable but affected by construction and automotive demand.
Can I get better prices by processing metals further?
Sometimes. Separating alloys, removing contamination, and size reduction can increase value. However, processing costs must be weighed against price improvements.
Are there special considerations for aerospace alloys?
Yes. Titanium, Inconel, and other specialty alloys command premium prices but require documentation of grade and source. Some contain beryllium requiring specialized handling procedures.
What documentation helps maximize scrap metal value?
Material test reports, heat numbers, alloy specifications, and source documentation. Certified materials command higher prices than mixed or unknown alloys.