A Smart Guide for Mid-Michigan Scrappers
Whether you’re a contractor with leftover materials, a farmer clearing out equipment, or a homeowner with a pile of metal junk, knowing what scrap yards take—and what they don’t—is the first step to turning clutter into cash.
At Fair Salvage Company, with locations in Clare, Chase, and Montcalm, we make it easy to recycle metal responsibly while getting paid fairly. This guide will walk you through the most commonly accepted materials, what’s usually rejected, and how to prepare your load to maximize scrap metal value.
What Scrap Yards Take: A Quick Breakdown
Most scrap yards—Fair Salvage included—primarily accept metal-based items, with pricing based on weight, metal type, and condition. Here’s a general list of what you can expect to recycle and earn cash for:
“For tools, just use a magnet. If the magnet sticks, it’s steel. If it doesn’t stick, it’s worth more—aluminum, copper, brass.”
— Jon Fair, President of Fair Salvage Company
To see live metal pricing, check out our regularly updated Scrap Pricing Page.
What Scrap Yards Don’t Take (And Why)
Safety and compliance matter. At Fair Salvage, we follow strict environmental guidelines. Here’s a quick list of prohibited materials:
❌ Commonly Rejected Items
- Tires (on or off rims)
- Non-lead-acid batteries
- Trash or construction debris (e.g., wood, drywall)
- Materials containing asbestos
- Radioactive items or medical waste
- Fluorescent light ballasts with PCBs
- Mercury or sealed chemicals
- Items with excessive concrete or plastic attached
Looking for used car parts instead? We don’t sell parts—but you can learn more about that in our blog: Looking for Used Auto Parts Near Me?
Always contact your local yard before your visit to confirm your load meets requirements.
Don’t Just Guess—Call Ahead and Be Ready
Before loading your trailer or truck, give us a quick call or use the Request a Quote form online. We’ll walk you through:
- Current pricing for your metals
- Documentation requirements (e.g., car titles)
- Special handling instructions for large loads
- Whether your materials qualify for our On-Site Scrap Container Program
Pro Tip: Prepare Like a Pro to Get Paid More
Smart scrappers know that a little prep work = better payouts. Here’s how:
- Separate ferrous from non-ferrous metals using a magnet.
- Strip insulation off copper wiring when possible.
- Drain fluids from engines and tanks.
- Bundle similar materials together for faster unloading.
“Stainless steel can always be recycled into more stainless steel. Unlike plastic, where you lose material quality each time you recycle, metals don’t degrade—we just melt them down and reuse them.”
— Jon Fair
Customer Spotlight: From Farm Clutter to Fast Cash
One Mid-Michigan farmer came to Fair Salvage with rusted gates, old tractor parts, and scrap fencing. With help from our team, he sorted the load, used our container service, and earned over $2,000 in a weekend—while clearing valuable storage space.
This is the kind of win-win our team loves to deliver. Whether you’re a first-timer or a weekly scrapper, we’ll help you scrap smarter and earn bigger.
Final Tip: Use the On-Site Scrap Container Program for Big Loads
Contractors, builders, and ag businesses: save time and maximize efficiency by scheduling one of our scrap containers (9 to 60 yards). You fill it—we haul it—and you get paid quickly with no guesswork. Learn more about the process in our Recycling Services page.
Ready to Recycle and Earn?
If you’re still wondering what scrap yards take, Fair Salvage Company is your go-to guide. With real-time pricing, friendly service, and transparent policies, we’re proud to be Mid-Michigan’s trusted scrap yard.
👉 Request a Quote today and let’s turn your scrap into value.