Scrap Metal Removal & Disposal

Paint cans must either be empty or contain paint that is completely dried before they can be disposed of in the trash or recycled for scrap metal. If you need to empty the paint out of a paint can, don’t just pour it in the trash or down the drain. Many different types of paint contain chemicals that are toxic to the environment. Wet paint can easily seep into the soil and pollute the groundwater, so it’s important to dry it before trying to dispose of it.

To dry out a small amount of paint, remove the lid from your paint can and leave it open in a warm, dry spot. You can use an absorbent material, like cat litter or sawdust, to help dry it out faster. To speed up the drying process, use a stick and periodically stir the mixture.

Metal is easily recycled, and should not be thrown out with the trash. Since metal doesn’t decompose, bulky steel items like refrigerators, ovens and grills will sit in a landfill for thousands of years, polluting the soil and groundwater.

Everyday metal items, like aluminum, tin and steel cans, can easily be tossed out in your curbside recycling bin. Make sure you thoroughly rinse them out before tossing them to keep away unwanted pests.

Other types of scrap metal, including home renovation waste, broken appliances, grills and old tools, can also be recycled by taking them to your local recycling center or scrap yard. Many recycling facilities pay for scrap metal by weight, so make sure to inquire with them about the current market value.

If you don’t have the time or energy to haul your own scrap metal, but still want the most responsible disposal method, a nationwide junk removal company like LoadUp can lighten your load. We’ll come pick up your scrap metal and anything else you need removed, and haul it away for a fair price. We always try to find the best possible methods of disposal for all of your unwanted junk, including recycling, whenever possible.

Many types of metal can be recycled for money. For a common metal like steel, you’ll get between 32 – 40 cents per pound. Recycling your aluminum cans and bottles will get you between 32 – 38 cents per pound. Precious metals like copper are more valuable than common metals, and can pay as much as $2 per pound.

Most scrap yards have weight minimums for accepting scrap metal, since they do pay by the pound. There are certain recycling requirements for different types of metal, so make sure to contact your local recycling facility before loading and hauling large amounts of metal to the scrap yard.

Certain metals like lead, mercury and uranium, are classified as hazardous waste and cannot be recycled. Getting rid of items that contain toxic metals – including some types of furniture, appliances and electronics – can be difficult. These items can’t just be thrown out with the trash or placed in your curbside recycling bin.

If you have an item that contains non-recyclable metal, the junk removal pros at LoadUp can help! We’re experts in finding the best disposal methods for all items, including ones that contain hazardous metals. As an eco-friendly company, we will always try to keep as much of your unwanted stuff out of the landfill as possible.