We can all agree scrapping is an essential industry that promotes sustainability and provides a source of income for individuals who collect and sell various metal items. However, not all items are created equal when it comes to scrapping.
We listened to our faithful iScrap audience and users of our Facebook Group and compiled a list of things that scrappers can’t stand. We will go over if we think you should or shouldn’t scrap these items and why the article may be so hard to scrap in the first place. Conversely, if you’re considering scrapping, learn which items you might want to think twice about picking up.
The Pros & Cons of Scrapping Grills: Is It Worth Your Time?
Pros:
Grills, often made of steel or cast iron, may seem like a potential source of scrap metal income. It is worth scrapping a grill if it is made primarily of metal and free from excessive rust or contamination.
Cons:
The main issue with grills is that a large portion of the bulk of the item may be nonmetal. Think about the wood, plastic, and little bits of rubber attached to handles, latches, and doors. That does not even include oil or grease, which your yard may not like. This contamination not only makes the scrap less valuable but can also create a mess during transport.
Why Scrapping Grills Can Be a Hassle
Cleaning a grill to the level of cleanliness required by scrap yards can be a labor-intensive process. The effort required may not always justify the return, especially when compared to cleaner and more lucrative scrap items.
The Pros & Cons of Scrapping Refrigerators: Evaluating the Payoff
Pros:
Refrigerators, with their metal components like copper tubing and sealed units, might seem promising for scrap collectors as they have a lot of assorted material that is typically valuable to scrappers.
Cons:
One of the biggest obstacles when scrapping refrigerators is the presence of food contamination and the high amount of plastic and non-metallic components. Some yards may take these as is, but there may be a heavy downgrade in price. Many yards don’t want to chance any critters wandering into their yards, so they often avoid taking any material with food contaminants altogether.
Challenges in Scrapping Refrigerators
Apart from the laborious process of disassembling refrigerators and segregating their components, plastic and hazardous refrigerants can complicate recycling efforts. As a result, scrap yards may pay less for refrigerators than other metal items.
Suggested Reading: How Do You Scrap A Refrigerator?
The Pros & Cons of Scrapping Dishwashers: A Balanced Look
Pros:
Dishwashers are primarily made of stainless steel and/or aluminum. Once removed, The motors inside can also have a decent amount of copper. There may even be some brass fittings as well. All this makes up a fairly decent score on one scrap item.
Cons:
Food residue and plastic parts inside dishwashers can decrease their scrap value. Removing these contaminants is essential but can be time-consuming.
The Difficulties in Scrapping Dishwashers
Scraping dishwashers requires careful dismantling and cleaning. The presence of plastic components and food residue can be a deterrent for scrap collectors. The effort required to prepare dishwashers for recycling may outweigh the potential profit.
The Pros & Cons of Scrapping Bedsprings: Easy to Find but Hard to Profit?
Pros:
Easily sourced. Whether locally or in your extended surrounding area, people are always throwing out mattresses and bed frames, which means this is one of the easier finds for a scrapper. They are also relatively lightweight, making them an easier one-person job if you’re a solo scrapper.
Cons:
Bedsprings are often constructed with a wooden frame and lightweight springs. While they contain metal, the amount in each bedspring is relatively small, meaning you’d need a substantial quantity to make it worthwhile.
Why Bedsprings Aren’t the Best Scrap Choice
The lightweight nature of bedsprings means you must collect many to accumulate a significant amount of scrap metal. Additionally, the wooden frame can complicate recycling, making it less attractive to scrap collectors.
The Pros & Cons of Scrapping Barbed Wire and Fencing: Weighing the Risks
Pros:
Due to their metal content, barbed wire and fencing may seem attractive, as any material you collect is 100% “scrapable.”
Cons:
Collecting barbed wire and fencing can be hazardous. The sharp barbs can lead to injuries, and their lightweight nature means you need a considerable volume to make it worthwhile.
The Risks and Challenges of Scrapping Barbed Wire/Fencing
The safety risks of handling barbed wire and the effort required to bundle it up for transport can deter scrap collectors. Additionally, its lightweight nature takes up valuable space in a scrap collector’s vehicle.
The Pros & Cons of Scrapping Exercise Equipment: Heavy but Worth It?
Pros:
Exercise equipment may seem like a good source of metal scrap, as they are heavy and often contain Cast Iron or Stainless Steel.
Cons:
Items such as ellipticals often contain many plastic components. While they may be heavy, the plastic parts can decrease their overall scrap value.
Why Scrapping Exercise Equipment May Not Pay Off
The presence of plastic and the bulky nature of exercise equipment can make them less appealing for scrap collectors. The effort to separate the metal from non-metallic parts may not be worth the potential return.
Making Informed Choices in Scrapping: How to Maximize Time and Profit
Understanding the reasons behind these challenges can help you make informed decisions about what items to pick up for scrap, maximizing your time and potential profit in the recycling business.
