Scrap Metal Recycling | How Scrap Metal Yard Works?
Ever wondered what happens to the piles of old metal junk from industries or houses? Where does it all go? It seems like a mystery. But the process is simpler than you think.
Scrap metal yards hold all that waste, process them carefully and convert them to valuable parts. They are the backbone of the scrap metal recycling industry. Helping to protect the environment and economy with waste reduction.
In this blog post by West Coast Metals. We’ll explain exactly how a scrap metal yard operates and why it’s an important part of the scrap metal industry.
If you’re in Perth and have scrap metal lying around. West Coast Metals is your go-to local scrapyard. We make recycling simple and help you get cash for your scrap in Perth.
Let’s get started.
What is a Scrap Metal Yard?
A scrap metal yard is a facility where unwanted metal items are collected, processed, and recycled into reusable materials.
These salvage yards play a huge role in the scrap metal recycling industry.
They accept scrap from all kinds of sources. Be it a homeowner cleaning out their garage or a company getting rid of industrial waste. Then sort it in various categories and sell to the manufacturers who turn it into new products.
The main purpose of scrap metal yards is to make sure valuable metals, like copper, aluminium, and steel, don’t go to waste. Instead, they are recycled and reused. This helps save natural resources & keeping the environment clean.
Unlike the average landfill or rubbish dump, scrap metal yards are highly organised. With strict processes for sorting, cleaning, and preparing different types of metals. Let’s get into the details of their operation.
How a Scrap Metal Yard Works? 6 Steps
A scrap metal collecting business gathers the metal from different sources. Then it processes it and deliver to a scrap metal dealer for resale.
These steps sketch out the scrap metal recycling process at scrapyards.
1. Collection or Drop-Off
The process starts when scrap metal arrives at the yard. It can be anything from your broken washing machine to industrial waste. The yard accepts it all.
Some yards even offer metal collection services. They send trucks to pick up metal from homes or construction sites.
2. Weighing & Identification
When you arrive at the yard, your scrap is weighed on industrial scales.
For certain metals like copper, you’ll need to provide ID and a utility bill. It is to comply with Western Australia’s scrap metal laws.
3. Sorting
The yard workers then sort it into different categories of scrap metal, such as ferrous or non-ferrous metals.
Magnets are used to separate magnetic metals from more valuable non-magnetic ones.
4. Grading and Pricing
Your scrap is graded according to the value of its components. The pricing is decided on the basis of weight, condition, metal type & market trends.
Different metals have different values. E.g. Aluminium fetches a lower price than copper.
5. Processing the Metal
Afterwards, the metal is cleaned and processed.
This can involve cutting or shredding it into smaller pieces. Processing makes it easier to handle and melt down later in the recycling process.
6. Metal Recycling and Reuse
Once processed, the metal is melted down to create new products.
This recycled metal is then sold to manufacturers. So, it can be used in anything from cars and appliances to building materials.
Wondering what kinds of metals can be taken to a scrap metal yard? Read on.
Types of Metals You Can Recycle at a Scrap Metal Yard
Here’s a quick list of metals accepted by scrap metal recyclers Perth and around the world.
- Copper: Found in electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, and electronics.
- Brass: Commonly found in fittings, valves, and musical instruments.
- Aluminium: Found in beverage cans, window frames, and car parts.
- Stainless Steel: Used in construction, appliances, and machinery.
- Lead: Found in car batteries and old pipes (require careful handling).
Learn more about: Your Premier Scrap Metal Recyclers Perth | What We Buy
Then they sort them all into different categories.
Scrap Metals Categories
Metals are sorted into the following categories at the scrapyards.
Category | Description | Examples | Value |
Ferrous Metals | Metals that contain iron, making them magnetic. | Steel beams, cast iron, car parts, washing machines | Lower Value |
Non-Ferrous Metals | Metals that don’t contain iron. Lightweight & non-magnetic. | Copper pipes, aluminium window frames, brass taps, stainless steel | Higher Value |
Electronic Scrap | Old electronics with small amounts of precious metals. | Computers, Mobile phones, Circuit boards, Kitchen appliances | Very High Value |
Almost all machinery & appliances got covered in these categories. So, a scrapyard helps you get rid of everything from old car parts to unused electronics.
What Services Do Scrap Metal Yards Provide?
Scrap metal yards offer a range of helpful services. Here’s what you can expect:
Scrap Collection Services
Many yards offer scrap collection services. So, if you have a large amount of scrap but no way to transport it. They’ll come pick it up for you.
Scrap Metal Recycling Services
Some yards handle all recycling on-site. They offer services like depollution, which involves safely removing hazardous materials (like old batteries) before recycling the metal.
Metal and Machinery Sales
Scrap yards often sell reusable parts and metals. If you’re looking for affordable car parts or other machinery. A scrap metal yard can be a great place to find them at a low price.
Don’t know where they are located? Read on to find out.
Where Are Scrap Metal Yards Located?
Most Scrap Metal Yards are located in urban or suburban industrial zones. Away from residential areas, because the work involves heavy machinery and bulk materials. But within easy access for everyone to recycle their scrap metal.
They are always proximal to factories or automotive. Providing an easy access to tradesmen and construction dealers. Along with reduced CO2 emissions into the wider environment.
Let’s move toward the benefits offered by them.
Benefits of Scrap Metal Recycling | Why is it Important?
Recycling metal offers both economic and environmental benefits. Let’s break down why the scrap metal recycling industry is essential:
1. Environmental Benefits
Metal recycling is an eco-friendly practice. Because it uses about 75% less energy than making new metal from raw materials. The recycling process reduces the need for mining. Serving the ecosystem, saving energy, and reducing the gas emissions.
Learn more about: Scrap Metal Recycling Perth – An Eco-Friendly Practice
2. Economic Benefits
For individuals, businesses, and industries. Scrap metal yard allows you to get cash for your scrap, making it a profitable scrap opportunity. For the economy, the scrap metal recycling industry works with businesses across multiple sectors.
It supplies the manufacturing, construction, and tech industries.
3. Conserving Natural Resources
When metal is recycled, it reduces the need to extract new raw materials from the earth. Conserving resources & cutting down the waste in landfills. Recycling one ton of steel saves over:
- 2,500 pounds of iron ore
- 1,400 pounds of coal
- 120 pounds of limestone
Learn more: Benefits of Waste Audit for Your Business
Who Can Benefit from Scrap Metal Yards?
The scrap metal yard mainly works with industries like:
- Construction
- Demolition
- Automotive
- Manufacturers
- Local governments & cleaning authorities
But anyone can bring in scrap metal and get paid for it. Scrap metal recyclers Perth can keep your worksite clear of unwanted metal waste. Plus, it can turn your scrap into cash. So, you can enjoy profits and keep your operations eco-friendly.
Learn more about: How Metal Recycling Helps Your Business | Top Benefits
Why Choose West Coast Metals for Scrap Metal Recycling?
If you’re in WA, you should choose West Coast Metals for your scrap metal recycling. Here are some reasons why:
1. Wide Range of Metal Recycling
We accept a variety of metals including copper, aluminium, brass, stainless steel, and iron. No matter what type of scrap metal you have, we can help you recycle it responsibly.
2. Environmentally Friendly Practices
We aim to promote sustainability and eco-conscious recycling. Our methods not only meet industry standards. But also have reduced carbon emissions & environmental impact.
3. Convenient and Accessible Services
Our facility is conveniently located in Perth, and is accessible for everyone. If you can’t bring the scrap to us. Our scrap metal pick-up services can collect it from your location.
4. Make a Positive Impact by Recycling
We believe in the power of recycling to make a lasting difference on the planet. We’re dedicated to making a positive impact & contributing toward a greener future.
5. Advanced Machinery
Our scrapyard in Perth is equipped with advanced machinery to process and recycle each metal efficiently. We follow the highest standards in the industry.
6. Competitive and Transparent Pricing
We offer fair rates based on market value for all types of scrap metal. Our transparent pricing approach means you’ll always know exactly what your items are worth.
Learn more about: Scrap Metal Prices | Scrap Metal Dealer WA
Are you looking for scrap metal recycling in Perth?
Contact West Coast Metals and get the best cash for your scrap metal.
Join us to head towards a cleaner, greener, and wealthy future.