Interesting Facts About Ferrous and Nonferrous Metal Recycling

Posted on January 18, 2022 by gardencity

Metal recycling is an excellent initiative that can be accomplished by just about anyone and with very few resources. If you are interested in getting started with a scrap metal recycling program, whether at home or for the business, it helps to start with an understanding of ferrous and nonferrous metal materials. After all, these metals will be the basis of everything you select for recycling.

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about ferrous and nonferrous metal recycling, including the types of metals that fit within these categories, where to recycle metal in your town, and the various benefits that come along with the entire endeavor.

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The Difference Between Nonferrous and Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals, or ferric metals, are distinctive from nonferrous metals because they contain iron; nonferrous metals do not contain iron. The word ferrous actually translates to iron, giving you an easy way to remember this difference. Although metals are not immediately distinguishable as ferrous or nonferrous simply by sight, there is a very simple way to make the determination. All you need is a strong magnet!

That’s right; ferrous metals, or metals that contain traces of iron, are magnetic. Iron and steel are not magnetic, and most ferrous metal objects contain both iron and steel. If the magnet sticks, the metal object contains traces of iron. In some cases, the concentration of iron is too weak to attract a magnet, so additional equipment would be necessary in determining its true composition. Look below to learn some examples of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and their common applications.

Types of Ferric and Non-Ferric Metals

Ferrous metal contains iron, but they can also contain other metals, making it an alloy. Common ferrous metal alloys include cast iron, wrought iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, and mild steel. Common nonferrous metals are copper, aluminum, lead, chromium, titanium, cobalt, brass, zinc, nickel, and precious metals.

Nonferrous Metal Recycling

Because nonferrous metals are lower in volume than ferrous metals, it may seem like they are worth less, but in fact, they are worth more in most cases. Nonferrous metals generally have a higher value per pound compared to steel and iron metals. For this reason, they tend to make up the majority of the metal recycled in the country.

Here in the United States, on an annual basis, research suggests that nonferrous metal recycling centers process an average of:

▶ 1.3 Million Tons of Lead Scrap
▶ 1.5 Million Tons of Copper Scrap
▶ 2.5 Million Tons of Aluminum Scrap
▶ 300 Tons of Zinc Scrap

Why Recycle Metal?

Whether ferrous or nonferrous, all metal should be recycled. Both categories of metal are 100% recyclable and can be reprocessing over and over again. This has many environmental and economic advantages. Not only does metal recycling help us preserve our planet’s natural resources by reducing our need to mine for new ores, but it also reduces air pollution generated by the metal refining process, decrease waste in landfills, boost our local and global economies, creates employment opportunities, promotes energy savings, and even puts cash in your wallet!

How does metal recycling pay off with real cash? Just choose a responsible and professional metal recycling center in Indiana to sell your scrap metal to! Contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to speak with a professional scrap metal buyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accept all scrap metal and metal commodities, including junk cars.

The Standard Indiana Scrap Metal Recycling Process

Posted on September 15, 2021 by gardencity

Metal recycling is an important part of preserving energy and natural resources, as well as, reducing harmful carbon emissions and the need to mine for new resources. Metal is a highly valuable element because it serves infinite roles in our society and even our health. It can be reused and reprocessed over and over again, making it incredibly valuable and easy to recycle.

Continue reading to learn the basic process of metal recycling so that you can better understand the importance, necessity, and value of the overall enterprise.

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The State Method of Recycling Scrap Metal

There are various ways metal is recycled in Indiana, as it depends mostly on the personal preferences and methods of individual Indianapolis metal recycling centers, as well as various other factors, like available technology, state ordinances, and more. However, the basic process can be broken down into 7 primary steps.

➀ Collection – Metal cannot be recycled unless it is first collected. Scrap metal can be handed over to scrap yards, junk car buyers, metal processing centers, and more. Once collected, the individual center chooses their own method of reprocessing.

➁ Categorization – Once metal is collected, the center must sort and organize the metal into categories. Usually, nonferrous and ferrous metals are separated, and then precious or high-value metals are further separated.

➂ Processing – Once the metal is categorized and sorted, it can be moved into processing. This is when metal is shredded, sheeted, or broken down to size to make the melting process more efficient.

➃ Liquefying – After metal is processed, it can be melting down. The liquefying stage involves various large industrial furnaces that produces intense levels of heat that melt metal quickly. Each furnace is assigned a particular type of metal in order to keep the reprocessed product as pure as possible.

➄ Refinement – Once melted, the metal must be decontaminated and cleaned. The purification process is important because it allows the final product to be higher quality and purer. Electrolysis is generally the typical method used for purifying metal.

➅ Solidifying – Once everything is melted and purified, the products are transferred via conveyor belt to cool and solidify. In most cases, the metal is formed into bars (or sheets) during this step of the process.

➆ Distribution – After metal has completed the process of being recycled, it is ready for redistribution. Recycled metal can be used in infinite applications, including construction, farming, art, education, and more.

How to Recycle Metal in Indianapolis

If you are interested in recycling metal, contact your trusted Indianapolis IN scrap metal recycling center for advice on how to get started. All metal can be recycled, including nonferrous, ferrous, and precious metals. Easy metals to find for recycling include steel, iron, copper, and aluminum, so they are a great starting place for someone new to metal recycling.

Keep in mind that cars, trucks, and all other types of motorized equipment, such as tractors, dozers, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters, and forklifts, all contain high amounts of lucrative metal. Appliances, electronics, jewelry, gym equipment, auto parts, sheet metal, plumbing components, and power tools are more examples of items that contain decent amounts of recyclable metal.

Are you trying to decide which Central Indiana scrap metal recycling center is the most trusted choice? Just contact Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 for the highest standards of professionalism, and the highest payouts for metal recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Should Also Enjoy:

What Does Ferrous Mean?
How to Look for Scrap Metal Around the House
Top 2 Technologies Used to Determine Metal Composition

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5 Fundamental Categories of Metal

Posted on July 26, 2019 by gardencity

If you are entering into the world of scrap metal recycling, it will help to learn which metals you will likely come by and how their particular properties can affect your overall profit. Although there are various kinds of metals and metal alloys, most can fit into one of five basic categories. The top five fundamental categories arguably include ferrous, nonferrous, precious, base, and noble metals.

Continue reading to learn some facts about each category, as well as, how to get started with earning money for your scrap metal.

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❶ Ferrous Metals

The word “ferrous” translates to “of iron”, so ferrous metals are those that contain iron. Iron retains magnetic properties, which means that magnets will attract to commodities that are primarily comprised of iron. However in some cases, the concentration of iron is too weak to attract a magnet, so additional equipment would be necessary in determining its true composition. The most common types of ferrous metals include wrought iron, cast iron, mild steel, carbon steel, and stainless steel.

❷ Nonferrous Metals

In contrast to ferrous metal, non-ferrous metals do not contain any iron content. If a magnet does not attract to an item, you can safely assume that it is nonferrous. Common types of nonferrous metals include copper, aluminum, lead, nickel, zinc, and brass.

❸ Precious Metals

Precious metals can be either ferrous or nonferrous, as they are any metal that retains high economic value and is a rare, naturally-occurring element. Common precious metals include gold and silver, but others high in value include platinum, zirconium, tungsten, cobalt, ruthenium, palladium, iridium, osmium, and rhodium.

❹ Noble Metals

Noble metals are still a debated category, as they are not always well-defined. However, for those who side with the categorization, noble metals are best defined as those that filled electron d-band. Under this definition, examples of noble metals would include gold, silver, and copper. Others suggest noble metals are those that resists oxidation and corrosion in moist air, which would exclude copper, but add in certain precious metals, like rhodium, palladium, ruthenium, osmium, and iridium.

❺ Base Metals

Base metals are metals that cannot, and are not, noble nor precious. In fact, a base metal is the opposite of a noble metal. On the other hand, silver could be an exception to this rule since it is sometimes used as a base metal for gold and platinum coatings. See our blog, “What are Base Metals?” to learn more about this category of metal.

Looking for a Scrap Metal Buyer in Indiana?

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. We buy and recycle any and all scrap metal and metal-containing commodities, regardless of condition. Whether it is covered in rust or not, we will accept anything with metal, including appliances, vehicles, auto parts, farm equipment, construction equipment and materials, boats, watercrafts, scooters, motorcycles, RVs, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Choose Garden City Iron & Metal for the Highest Scrap Metal Profit in Indiana

Posted on July 11, 2019 by gardencity

Garden City Iron & Metal is your “One-Stop Shop” for scrap metal recycling service in Indiana! With direct sells, free pickup, and easy off-loading, there is no easier or more convenient way to sell your scrap metal for cash on the spot. Best of all, we pay the highest reimbursements for scrap metal material and commodities in the state!

Continue below to learn exactly why you should choose us for the best profit you can find for your scrap metal in Indiana.

Indianapolis Scrap Metal Buyers 1-888-586-5322

An All-in-One Scrap Metal Campus

Garden City Iron & Metal is truly a one stop shop for all your metal recycling needs in Central Indiana. As an integral part of the local recycling community, Garden City Iron & Metal is different from our competition because we retain state-of-the-art technologies and a deep dedication to environmental wellness. With these incredible attributes, we are able to divert thousands of pounds of scrap metal waste from landfills each year. You too can be a part of that initiative and positively impact the balance of national trade and resource sustainability by recycling scrap metal and junk metal commodities!

Comprehensive Recycling Services

Garden City Iron & Metal provides a wide range of metal recycling services, including junk car buying, auto recycling, car part recycling, and much more. Our professional metal recyclers take all types and grades of metal, including iron, steel, copper, nickel, titanium, brass, aluminum, and even precious metals like gold, platinum, and silver. And best of all, we pay CASH ON THE SPOT for it all!

We use a concentrated, systematic approach and advanced technologies to ensure you receive an accurate estimate in accordance with the current market prices for metal, including our innovative, state-certified electronic scales, and extensive, hands-on knowledge of the current metals market. We really can offer the best price for your scrap metal and metal waste.

Our Company Mission

As a locally-owned and operated business, we take great pride in being a part of the local scrap metal recycling industry. Our scrap metal recycling services divert hundreds of pounds of metal waste each year, thus helping to reduce landfills and support the initiative to maintain a healthy balance of trade and resource sustainability in the United States. Our commitment to this meaningful enterprise is just as strong as our commitment to providing outstanding service for our clientele. You can trust our metal scrappers and junk car buyers to deliver the highest standards of integrity and professionalism when it comes to purchasing your scrap metal.

How to Get Started

Our certified scrap metal buyers are based out of Indianapolis, but we serve all of Central Indiana. And, we make the process simple. All you have to do is request a free quote and come to our complex for weight evaluation and payment! Contact us anytime at 1-888-586-5322 to get started, today! You can also submit an email from our Indianapolis scrap metal website!

Why are Scrap Metal Prices Lower This Year?

Posted on June 24, 2019 by gardencity

If you sold some scrap metal last year for more than what you just sold some scrap metal for this year, there is a good reason why your profits are less. Continue reading to learn some possible causes for the drop in the scrap metal market, as well as, where you can still get a fair payout for your scrap here in Indiana.

Fluctuating Scrap Metal Prices

Back in the day, China’s economy was in the midst of rapid economic growth, which put steel, copper, aluminum and other metals in high demand. As a supplier of such metals, the U.S. was doing well in their own national metal markets. More currently, China’s growth has slowed down, which subsequently has caused the price of scrap metal to plummet over the last few years.

But China’s economy is not the only reason why scrap metal prices have dropped in the last 2 years. Other factors, such as time, market demand, and stock exchange price also affect how the values of scrap metal change. For this reason, what you would have been paid for your scrap metal years ago is much less now, in 2019.

How to Get the Most for Your Scrap Metal

To make sure you get the fairest deal for your scrap metal, be sure to choose a reputable scrapper in your city. There are many places that will take your scrap metal, and most even pay cash, but it is important to choose a trustworthy and experienced company that specializes in salvaging scrap metal.

Contact a local Indianapolis scrap metal buyer who has been in business for many years and retains a good-standing reputation among past clientele. They are likely to do the best business in terms of flexibility, convenience, honesty, and profitability.

Once you have chosen a reputable scrap metal recycler, just follow call the office and request a free, over-the-phone estimate. Upon accepting their offer, schedule a time for them to pick up your materials. They should come right to you and pay you on the spot. If they cannot do this for you, they are probably not the most established or thriving company in your area.

If you are unsure about accepting the offer, ask them for their location details and a time to have your items assessed on-site. They should have innovative weight scales to provide accurate measurements. You will need to drive your materials to them in this case.

Where to Begin

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to sell scrap metal for cash in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and more. Request a free estimate for your scrap metal, today.

What are Base Metals?

Posted on June 7, 2019 by gardencity

Base metals are basically any common metal that is not a noble metal nor precious metal. Still confused? Not to worry; continue reading to learn what all of these terms mean, as well as, some examples of each.

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Base Metals

As mentioned, a base metal is any common metal that cannot be categorized as noble or precious. Silver may be an exception to this rule, as it is sometimes used as a base metal for gold and platinum coatings. Furthermore, they are generally the most readily available and inexpensive metals. Base metals are also more prone to corrosion, oxidation, and tarnishing. Examples of base metals include lead, copper, tin, aluminum, and zinc. Brass and bronze are alloys of these metals, making them base metals as well.

Another interesting fact about the properties of base metals is that they produce hydrogen gas when diluted with hydrochloric acid. This practice is primarily used for galvanizing applications.

Base metals have a second definition as being the primary metallic element in an alloy. For instance, the base metal of bronze is copper. Similarly, the term base metal can take on the definition as the metal core underlying a coating. For example, steel may be the base metal of galvanized steel. And as mentioned, silver is sometimes coated in gold or rhodium, making it the base metal of those commodities.

Precious and Noble Metals

Precious metals are rare, naturally-occurring elemental metals with high economic value. Throughout history, they were used as currency. Even today, there are still sold and traded as investments, as well as, among private buyers and sellers. Examples include gold, silver, platinum, tungsten, zirconium, cobalt, palladium, rhodium, osmium, and iridium.

Noble metals are a grouping of metals that resist oxidation and corrosion in moist or humid air. Common examples in order of increasing atomic number include ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium, platinum, and gold. However, there are multiple “list” for noble metals, as some contain mercury while other may include rhenium. Some lists include gold, silver and copper, but leave out all others.

How to Profit From Scrap Metal in Indiana

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to sell scrap metal in Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for all metal and metal commodities, including vehicles, car parts, appliances, construction equipment, farming equipment, and much more! Collect all the scrap metal you can, and then sell it to us for the highest profit in town! Request a free estimate or information, today.

Three Common Categories of Metal Sensing Processes

Posted on May 28, 2019 by gardencity

There are three common categories of metal sensing processes, all of which effectively improve metal recovery rates. Continue reading to learn more about metal sensing processes, including where to get the highest profit for your scrap metal findings.

Metal sensing is used to identify and sort ferrous and non-ferrous metal among recycled scrap. Various process are used to perform this job, from crane-operated magnets and Eddy Current Separation, to highly-advanced sensors, infrared scans, and more. But when it comes to more challenging metals to sense and collect, such as gold, copper, palladium, platinum, and other valuable metals like lead and silver, more advanced and sophisticated technological methods are needed.

In large-scale metal recycling and reprocessing operations, the three primary process types for metal sensing precious and highly-valuable metals include hydrometallurgy, biotechnology, and pyrometallurgy. Here is a brief description of each metal sensing process:

? HYDROMETALLURGY

Hydrometallurgy is mostly applied in the field of extractive metallurgy, which involves using aqueous (a solution in which the solvent is water) chemistry in order to recover metals from their ores, as well as, concentrates and residual materials. This process of metal sensing is further broken down into three categories, which include Leaching, Solution Concentration and Purification, and Metal or Metal Compound Recovery. In fact, a metal chemical processing technique that compliments hydrometallurgy is pyrometallurgy, which you will learn more about below.

? PYROMETALLURGY

Also in the field of extractive metallurgy, pyrometallurgy is a metal sensing process that uses high heat to extract and purify metals. Applying extreme temperatures to metallurgical ores and concentrates promotes physical and chemical changes, which allows us to recover the valuable metals. This process of metal sensing can be grouped in one or more of the following categories: calcining, roasting, smelting, and refining.

? BIOTECHNOLOGY

Often referred to as bio-mining”, this process of metal sensing uses prokaryotes or fungi to extract valuable metals from ores. Why does this organic approach work? Because prokaryotes and fungi secrete organic compounds that bond ions and molecules to metal ions. Also because microorganisms use metals in the cell.

These processes allow such companies to retrieve and reuse higher quantities of metal in the scrap recycling industry, thus supporting the preservation of our planet’s natural resources, and reducing the need to mine for new ores.

Sell Scrap Metal for a High Profit in Indiana

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal and junk metal commodities in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for all junk appliances and electronics, including your old HVAC equipment! With our innovative, state-certified electronic scales, and our extensive, hands-on knowledge of the current metals market, we are able to deliver the best price for your scrap metal and metal waste!

A List of Transition Metals and Properties

Posted on February 20, 2019 by gardencity

If you look at the periodic table, you will notice that the largest group of elements are transition metals, which make up most of the center of the table. Below the main portion of the table, the two rows of lanthanides and actinides are distinct subsets of transition metals. So what are transition metals? What is their value? Whether you are a metal collector, seller, procurer, or simply a lover of knowledge, you would enjoying knowing these facts.

Continue reading to learn more about transition metals, including their various, notable properties.

Webster’s Dictionary defines a transition metal as, “any of various metallic elements (such as chromium, iron, and nickel) that have valence electrons in two shells instead of only one.” But there is a more comprehendible version of this definition. Also known as “transition elements”, transition metals are basically metals whose electrons of their atoms make the transition to filling the “d subshell” or “d sublevel orbital.” As a result, these are also known as “d-block elements.”

Excluding the list of lanthanides and actinides on the periodic table, here is a list of the transition elements:

Bohrium

Cadmium

Copernicium (presumably)

Chromium

Cobalt

Copper

Darmstadtium

Dubnium

Gold

Hafnium

Hassium

Iridium

Iron

Lanthanum

Manganese

Molybdenum

Mercury

Meitnerium

Niobium

Osmium

Palladium

Platinum

Rhenium

Rhodium

Roentgenium

Ruthenium

Rutherfordium

Scandium

Seaborgium

Silver

Tantalum

Technetium

Titanium

Tungsten

Vanadium

Yttrium

Zinc

Properties of Transition Elements

The most notable properties of transition metals are wide-ranging. They are great conductors of heat and electricity, and even retain high melting and boiling points. And although they are quite malleable, making them perfect for manufacturing, they are also hard, which gives them strength and durability. They are typically grayish in color, and can even retain a metallic, silvery sheen. But because they can form many compounds, they can be altered to various colors and hues.

Where to Sell Scrap Metal

1-888-586-5322

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to sell scrap metal for cash on the spot here in Indianapolis, Indiana. All you have to do is give us a call to request a free quote, and come to our complex for weight evaluation and payment! We offer the highest returns for scrap metal and metal commodities in Indiana, and accept all sorts of items, including cars, auto parts, appliances, construction equipment, and more. Contact us today to get started!

Check Out All the Metal Scrap We Buy in Indianapolis!

Posted on February 12, 2019 by gardencity

Here at Garden City Iron & Metal, our experienced scrap metal buyers are well-versed in the industry’s best practices and current market values for metal, as well as, equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies, which means that you can trust us for the highest and fairest offer in Central Indiana for your scrap metal!

Best of all, we offer free haul away services for larger commodities, such as appliances and vehicles. With just a lift of a finger, you can get rid of obtrusive junk and make a decent profit, all at the same time. Take a look below at all the items and scrap metals we pay cash on the spot for!

Scrap Metal and Metal Items We Buy:

GENERAL METALS:

Aluminum
Copper
Lead
Nickel
Stainless Steel Alloys
Precious Metals
Tin
Titanium
Zinc
And More

HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS:

Brass Fixtures
Aluminum Foil
Aluminum Siding
Christmas Lights
Copper Wire
Aluminum Windows
Plumping Pipes
Computer Motherboards
Car Batteries
And More

INDUSTRY SCRAP:

Automotive
Appliances
Manufacturing
Fabrication
Aircraft
High Temperature Alloy
Electrician
Plumber
HVAC
Construction
Demolition
And More

INDUSTRIAL SCRAP:

Punch Press Scrap (Punchings)
Skeleton Plate
Machine Shop Scrap
Borings and Turnings
Insulated Cooper
Cooper Pipes
Air Conditioners
AC / Condenser Coils
Aluminum Siding
And More

How to Sell Scrap Metal in Central Indiana

Our certified scrap metal buyers are based out of Indianapolis, but we serve all of Central Indiana. Best of all, we make the entire process as convenient as possible for all our clients! Contact us anytime to request a free, over-the-phone quote for your scrap metal, or you can visit our complex to have your scrap electronically weighed and analyzed.

In addition to ultramodern machinery, our skilled Indianapolis scrap metal buyers use their knowledge and hands-on experience to ensure your material is weighed, graded, and assessed accurately. These resources and processes will give us an accurate indication of just how much your scrap metal is worth. Then, we pay you cash on the spot, so be sure to bring a big enough wallet!

Get Started Today

Garden City Iron and Metal 1-888-586-5322

Call Garden City Iron & Metal at 1-888-586-5322 to recycle scrap metal and junk metal commodities in Central and Southern Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as, junk cars, automotive parts, appliances, construction equipment, motorized farming equipment, and much more! Get rid of your junk and make some fast cash at the same time.

Important Scrap Metal Terms and Definitions

Posted on January 23, 2019 by gardencity

If you are preparing to enter the world of metal scrapping, you would do well to learn some important metal terms to better understand the average worth of your junk when it comes time to sell it off to a scrap metal buyer. Continue reading to do just that!

Scrap Metal Terms You Need to Know:

Scrap Metal – Scrap metal is any metal commodity or material that has been junked.

Metal Recycling – Metal recycling is the process of reusing metal to make new metal commodities and resources.

Metal Reprocessing – Metal reprocessing is the process of dismantling and melting down scrap metal, and making it into something new.

Ferrous Metal – Ferrous metal is any metal that contains iron. Since iron is magnetic, you can use a magnet to test whether or not a metal is ferrous.

Non-Ferrous Metal – Non-ferrous metal is any metal that DOES NOT contain iron. This means that a magnet would not stick.

Precious Metals – Precious metals are metals that are naturally-occurring and have high economic value, such as gold, silver, platinum, and titanium.

Noble Metal – Nobles metals can be both precious and non-precious, depending on how you look at them. See our article, “A Comparison of Precious Metals and Noble Metals” to understand more about noble metals.

Red Metals – Red metals are copper-based, and include brass, bronze, BeCu, and tellurium copper.

Heavy Metals – Although an official scientific definition for heavy metal doesn’t exist, most authorities suggest they are metals that are dense and usually toxic at low concentrations. Examples of common metals that are toxic and have high density include lead, mercury, and bismuth.

XRF Analyzer – An XRF analyzer is a very expensive piece of technology that reads the metal values within a commodity. They are often used at metal recycling and scrap metal centers to assess metal volume and values.

Electronic Platform Scales – Electronic platform scales are another type of technology used as reputable scrap metal centers. They are used to weigh large cargoes, such as vehicles, equipment, and more.

Scrap Metal Buyer – A professional who specializes in purchasing and reprocessing scrap metal from those who wish to sell their junk.

Where to Get Paid for Scrap Metal

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