Scrap metal recycling is the recovery and processing of recyclable metal materials from end-of-life products and structures. This recycling allows these materials to be reintroduced as raw materials into the production of new goods. Most people aren’t familiar with how to access scrap metal recycling in their community.
If you have old soda cans, cars, cooking pans, computer wire, car batteries, appliances, aluminum siding, or anything else lying around, here’s what you should know about reliable scrap metal pickup in Long Beach, CA.
How Does Scrap Metal Recycling Work?
When you think of scrap metal, you probably think of junk you can’t use. However, modern technology has made it possible for this scrap metal to be recycled and repurposed into new products. This both reduces the environmental and social impacts of mining and conserves limited landfill space. Another great aspect of most metals is that they can be recycled indefinitely without any impact on quality. This is not the case for plastic which cannot be constantly recycled.
Options for Scrap Metal Disposal
There are several options for recycling scrap metal. The most readily available include:
- Curbside pick-up
This is by far the easiest option for scrap metal pickup and the one Junk King specializes in. If you have a bunch of scrap metal at your home or business in Long Beach, CA, then you’ll want to schedule a reliable scrap metal pickup. A professional service is experienced in transporting scrap metal both efficiently and safely.
Although some city-operated solid waste authorities will collect scrap metal on special collection days, this isn’t typical. Never leave out scrap metal (especially those with scrap metal edges) as it can easily injure sanitation workers.
Below, we’ll touch on more details of how to responsibly dispose of scrap metals with curbside pick-up service.
- Scrapyards
Scrapyards can be a good option if you prefer to make your donation on-site. Scrap yards often accept donations from both individuals and companies. However, it’s worth remembering that a scrap yard may require a minimum amount of metal for recycling. Check with them to see if you meet their requirements before visiting to drop off your items.
You’ll also need a government-issued ID to verify your identity. Facilities require identification to prevent the collection of stolen materials. If possible, you should also remove non-metal components of your donation items before drop-off.
- Mail-in
Mail-in options are available and may be a good option if you have precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum on hand. However, these high-value shipments should include tracking and insurance. They also often require a signature.
- Donations to support artists and craftspeople
There may be specific programs in your area that allow you to donate scrap metals in your area to artists or craftspeople to use for their projects. These exchange programs are focused on the idea of providing low-cost and reusable art supplies to the community.
Responsibly Disposing of Scrap Metal
Metal is a non-renewable resource. There’s limited ore available to humans over any reasonable geologic time scale. This is important to realize because if scrap metal isn’t properly recycled or reused, then it can drive demand for mining. Mining is a notoriously unsustainable practice that can contaminate waterways, cause landslides, and lead to deforestation. When scrap metal is recycled in licensed facilities, it can improve public health and reduce air pollution.
When you schedule a curbside junk removal service, you simply put eligible items in a designated spot at the day and time of the pickup. That’s it! Here are the top types of scrap metals you should consider for junk removal:
- Appliances: toasters, washers, dryers, refrigerators
- Aluminum cans
- Lead-acid batteries: rechargeable batteries like car batteries
- E-Waste: any electronic waste like cell phones or computers
Items not accepted include:
- Radioactive metals: Radioactive metals are too dangerous for the average scrap yard to handle. These metals (i.e., plutonium and uranium) can be found in common consumer products) like smoke alarms, luminous watches, clocks, and old TVs.
- Toxic metals: Items that are containing mercury will not be accepted as they pose a health hazard.
- Public property: Items owned by the federal, state, and local government — metal signage, guard rails, streetlights, etc. — will not be accepted. This is to avoid illegal activity that may incentivize people stealing and turning in these items for money.
- Containers with residue: Paint cans, motor oil cans, pots, pans, and propane gas cannot be accepted because they are often treated with harmful chemicals.
The Benefits of Junk Removal and Metal Recycling
- It keeps hazardous waste out of landfills – Metals take hundreds (if not thousands) of years to break down into elements small enough to return to Earth. Depending on the metal, they can even leach into the water and soil over time. By disposing of items through scrap metal pickup in Long Beach, CA, you ensure that they’re disposed of safely and recycled for future use.
- It saves energy – Recycling scrap metal required far less energy than the production of new metals from raw materials. When you recycle a single aluminum can, you save enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for almost four hours.
- It allows you to stay organized – Do you have scrap metal items piling up in your garage that you don’t know what to do with? You can’t put these items out on the curb…you need specialized junk removal! Scheduling a junk removal service to take your items for metal recycling can help you clear out items you don’t need and stay organized.
- It gives items a new home – You may not use particular items, but it doesn’t mean they’re worthless! Artists, crafters, teachers, or other individuals could find what you consider “junk” to be valuable in their field. Donating items to be repurposed is a great way to live sustainably.
Why Choose Junk King for Junk Removal
Do you need scrap metal pickup and junk removal in Long Beach, CA? We’re reliable, insured, and customer-forward. We offer an easy, convenient, sustainable, and no-contact junk removal method in your area.
Junk King Long Beach offers the most reliable, efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly furniture disposal service for residents and business owners in the Long Beach area. We are the pioneers of recycling-based junk removal and can help you reduce your environmental footprint by ensuring that your junk gets every opportunity to be recycled, upcycled, or donated. Give us a call at 1-888-888-JUNK, or book online today!