Scrap metal is an industry of numbers: prices, weights, net weight, tares, and many other factors. Knowing how your scrap yard scales operate and all the measurements that go into selling and buying scrap metal is essential. Asking questions at your scrap yard is a good way to find their different regulations or policies when buying your scrap metal. If you are a scrapper constantly bringing in larger amounts of materials, one of the important questions is how they measure the tons at their scales.
Suggested Reading: Why Do Scrap Yards Have Steel Minimums?
Different Types of Scrap Weight Measurements
Within the iScrap App community, we have several discussions about how scrap yards buy metals by the tons and why there are some things to keep in mind. If you are hauling a lot of steel or other metals in your trucks from jobs you are working on, you should probably know the difference between tons and measurements in your yard. Below are the definitions for various types of tons and measurements for scrap metal:
- Pound—This weight measurement is commonly used across North America for scrap metal. Scrap prices found online and through the iScrap App are usually priced this way.
- Net Ton/Short Ton – A net ton is the US measurement for 2,000 pounds (907.18 kg). In the US, this measurement is not used too often in scrap metal but can be used for non-ferrous metals.
- Gross Ton/Long Ton/Imperial Ton—In the US, a gross ton equals 2,240 pounds (1,016.05 kg) and is often used in scrap metal. Scrap prices for steel and iron are frequently measured in gross tons.
- Metric Ton – A metric ton is used in most other countries outside the US, which is 1,000 kg (2,204.6 pounds). Canada and other international countries often use this for scrap metal weight.
Kinds of Scrap Metal Scales
When preparing scrap metal for a local scrap yard, be sure to know how the material is measured. One thing to always keep in mind is how your material is weighed and the different measurements on your receipts. We also suggest looking for scale certifications from the state on the scales at your yard or asking the manager to see a copy to ensure the scales are calibrated correctly.
- Truck Scales—Some scrap yards have truck scales that will weigh your vehicle when you arrive and when you leave. This method is most common for ferrous (steel/iron) materials for tons of materials.
- Floor Scales—Other scrap yards have smaller free-standing scales, usually inside or in bays, that weigh your materials. They typically use containers, racks, and dumpsters for this purpose.
- Mobile Scales—These are often common in cities, but some scrap yards have scales on trucks. We suggest always being aware and leary of mobile scales like this. When trucks drive around and hit bumps or take sharp turns, these scales inside can become uncalibrated, directly affecting your profits. So, be conscious of how much weight you have before relying on these scales.
Whether you are bringing tons of materials or only a few pounds of materials to your scrap yard, it’s essential and a good idea to know how scrap yards measure your scrap. Knowing how much weight a ton of material is that you’re selling is essential. Be sure to ask your scrap yard to ensure you are on the same page.
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