How to Dispose of Scrap Metal
Scrap metal is the one category on this list that's actually worth real money — old appliances, pipe, wiring, siding, and structural steel all have genuine resale value at the right facility.
1. Sell It
Scrap metal dealers pay by weight and by metal type — copper wire and pipe are worth significantly more than steel or aluminum. Separating metal types before hauling it in, rather than mixing everything together, generally gets a better price.
2. Donate It
Metal isn't a typical donation item the way lumber or fixtures are, since scrap yards already offer a straightforward cash option that most people prefer over donating it.
3. Recycle It
If selling isn't practical for the quantity you have, metal recycling centers accept it either way — most scrap yards ARE the recycling center. Search Earth911 for a metal recycler near you →.
4. Dispose of It
For a demolition or renovation generating mixed metal debris alongside everything else — not worth separately hauling to a scrap yard in small quantities — a standard dumpster still accepts it as part of normal construction debris.
NorthPoint's Construction Debris page covers sizing and pricing specifics for this exact material.
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