Beginner Tips for Scrap Metal Recycling

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with old appliances, broken tools, or even that junk car sitting in your driveway, scrap metal recycling is the answer. Not only does it help clear space in your home or business, but it also puts extra cash in your pocket. 

At Long Island Metals in Deer Park, NY, we’ve been helping Long Islanders turn scrap into profit for decades. Here’s everything beginners need to know to get started with scrap metal recycling.

What is Scrap Metal Recycling?

Scrap metal recycling is the process of collecting and repurposing metals that would otherwise be thrown away. Instead of ending up in a landfill, these metals are processed and reused in manufacturing, construction, and countless other industries. This makes recycling both eco-friendly and profitable.

Types of Scrap Metal We Accept

At Long Island Metals, we accept a wide variety of scrap metals, both ferrous and non-ferrous.

• Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic. Common examples include steel, light iron, rotors, and drums.
• Non-ferrous metals don’t contain iron and often bring higher payouts. These include:
  • Copper (bare bright, tubing, wire)
  • Aluminum (rims, siding, extrusion, cans, sheets)
  • Brass (red pipe, yellow pipe, radiators, misc. brass)
  • Stainless Steel (304, 316)

In addition to these categories, we also accept heavy equipment and junk cars, making it simple for both homeowners and businesses to recycle responsibly and profitably.

How to Prepare Your Scrap for Recycling

To get the most value for your scrap, it’s important to prepare it properly:

1. Sort Your Metals – Separate ferrous from non-ferrous materials. A simple magnet test can help.
2. Remove Non-Metal Parts – Remove plastic, rubber, or wood attached to your metal.
3. Keep it Clean – Cleaner metals (free of excessive rust, paint, or residue) often pay more.

Why Choose Long Island Metals?

When you bring your scrap to Long Island Metals, you’re working with a family-owned business serving the community since the 1970s. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Fast and fair payouts based on weight and type of material.
• Convenient services, including roll-off container drop-offs and scrap pickup.
• Eco-friendly recycling practices that keep Long Island cleaner and greener.

Turn Scrap into Cash the Easy Way With Long Island Metals

Scrap metal recycling is one of the simplest ways to earn money while helping the environment. Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor, or business owner, Long Island Metals in Deer Park, NY, is here to make the process easy, reliable, and rewarding.

Contact us today on our website or at (631) 940-7555 to learn more about what we accept, schedule a pickup, or bring your scrap directly to our yard.