Five pro tips on finding the best scrap metal processor, prices for your company's needs

Earlier this week, IndustryNet reported on the health of scrap metal companies in the U.S., with new data indicating the sector may be poised for a rebound. With so many scrap metal companies out there, it's a challenge to find one that meets your exact specifications.

When looking for a scrap metal recycler, many companies might assume the most important factor is the price they receive for scrap. Of course this is an important consideration, but there are several other things to think about before settling with scrap recycler -- which can ultimately affect your bottom line, including:

1. What types of metal does the scrap metal recycler process?

Companies that produce many different types of metal should find a company that can process it all. This may seem obvious, but it is important to note that some companies collect only specialty or common metals.

Other companies, like NH Kelman Scrap Recycling of Cohoes, New York, accept all ferrous (i.e. iron-containing) and non-ferrous (i.e. non-iron-containing) scrap metals. Manitoba Corporation of Lancaster, New York offers special services, such as dismantling medical and industrial equipment, including MRI and X-ray machines.

2. How is the final product packaged and how quickly can they package it?

Typically, scrap metal recyclers compress the materials and bale them to provide dense packaging. The faster a company can compress and bale the scrap metal, the more efficient a company's operation can be. A-Line Iron and Metals of Waterloo, Iowa can bale 12-16 tons of scrap metal per hour.

On the other hand, some companies choose to flake or chop scrap metal before packaging to allow for easier handling. Manitoba splits these processed scrap metals into smaller packages, like paper and cloth bags, and plastic or metal pails and drums.

3. Can they recycle scrap metal on site without interfering with site operations? 

Baling scrap metal in the facility where it is produced can compress inventory, free up space, and prevent the hassle of having to transport the material for baling elsewhere. A-Line provides custom, on site, metal crushing and baling services.

Using their portable baler, A-Line can crush, bale and load directly onto trucks at the same time, which saves their customers time and money.

4. Accuracy of measurement, consultation services

Companies should also consider the reliability and accuracy of scrap metal recyclers' scales for weighing scrap metal -- even a slight error in calibration could end up costing you. Also, checking whether or not they offer on-site consultation services, and the extent of their trucking, can save you time and money in the long run.

5. Sustainability considerations

Companies may also wish to consider working with a scrap metal recycler that prides itself on its commitment to sustainability or community relations.

Lee Iron & Metal Co., Inc. of Sanford, North Carolina is a family owned and operated business that uses the utmost care in ensuring that machine shop scraps never come into contact with the environment.

A & W Iron and Metal, Inc. of Kewaskum, Wisconsin is another such company dedicated to improving the health of the environment and  taking care of its community by providing children with school supplies and planting trees in nearby neighborhoods.

There are many different types of scrap metal recyclers in the U.S.; many of whom pride themselves on their ability to move to different locations to work with their clients on-site, have a committment to sustainability, and can work on your project fast. 

To connect with scrap metal companies throughout the United States, or for additional resources, start your free search on IndustryNet. Join the thousands of companies that rely on IndustryNet  to search for solid, accurate and current information on potential partners. 

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