So, you’ve got a bunch of unwanted scrap metal that you’re ready to have taken off your hands. The only problem is, you’ve noticed that some of the materials in your stash have begun to rust. This begs the question; is your rusted scrap metal still eligible for recycling? Will scrap metal dealers accept your materials? Or, are you going to have to kiss your plan of getting cash for scrap goodbye?
In this article, we’ll be addressing all these questions plus more. So, let’s delve a little deeper into whether or not rusted scrap metal is actually recyclable:
What Exactly is Rust?
Well, for a lot of people, specifically vehicle owners, it’s their worst nightmare. Rust is a form of oxidation which occurs when particular metals, such as iron and steel, have been exposed to oxygen and water for a certain period of time. If you were to keep metals in a totally dry environment, there would be no chance for rusting to occur. However, since the air that we breathe in also contains moisture in it, rust can occur even if you don’t add water straight into the mix. Of course, in this way, rusting would still occur at a much slower rate.
Is Rust Removable?
There are a lot of ways to prevent or remove rust. However, if left untreated, rust can eat away at the metal and seriously impair its strength and functionality. For this reason, it’s important to get on top of rust ASAP, so that you can prevent whatever structure it’s forming on from totally breaking down.
You can generally coat metals in order to prevent rust from forming. On the other hand, if rust has already begun to form, you can use household products such as baking soda, white vinegar or lemon juice to help remove it. Alternatively, you can purchase chemical rust removers specifically for the task.
Can Rusted Metal be Recycled?
Now, let’s get to answering the question that you came here asking; can rusted metal be recycled, or is it pretty much deemed useless after those reddish-brown spots start to show themselves? Well, you’ll be pleased to find that rusted metal actually can be recycled. However, there are a few things that you should know about the process.
Let’s consider the recycling process for rusted steel. During the process of steel recycling, the material is first shredded then melted to create new sheets of metal. After being melted, the metal undergoes a vital process called purification, which involves adding other elements such as carbon, so that it can bond with the oxygen and free the iron. This integral step is what works to remove rust, along with any other impurities that are tarnishing the material.
Will I Still Receive Cash for Scrap in Exchange for Rusted Metals?
If you’ve got some rusted metal amongst your stash of unwanted scrap metal, then fear not; most scrap metal recyclers will still gladly accept your materials and provide you with cash in exchange for your scrap. However, with that said, you should ensure to keep in mind that the quality of your scrap will play a large part in determining how much you actually get offered for it. A lot of scrap metal dealers will pay you by weight, so if a lot of your metal has been significantly eaten away by rust, it’s going to end up weighing less overall. Moreover, if you’ve only got severely rusted scrap metal to offer up, it may not even be worth recycling if the damage is that significant.
If you’ve got scrap metal to offer but you’re unsure if it’s recyclable, you can always contact Allied Metal Recyclers for help. Through using state-of-the-art technology during your scrap metal’s sample analysis, you can be sure that you’re always getting the best price in exchange for your unwanted scrap metal materials. Needless to say, you can always turn to us for fast and competitive scrap metal recycling that make you really feel as if you’re doing your bit for the environment.
To arrange your free sample analysis, contact Allied Metal Recyclers today!