What Scrap Metal Can Be Recycled at Fair Salvage?
If you’ve ever stared at a pile of old appliances, wires, or rusted-out equipment and thought, “Can I recycle this?”—you’re not alone. At Fair Salvage Company, one of the most common questions we hear is: what scrap metal can be recycled?
Whether you’re a homeowner clearing out the garage, a contractor cleaning up a jobsite, or a manufacturer managing scrap by the truckload, knowing what we accept—and how to bring it—can help you get paid faster and more fairly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- What types of scrap we take
- What materials are not accepted
- How to sort your load for the best results
Let’s turn that pile of “junk” into a payout—safely, efficiently, and responsibly.
A Quick Note on Fair Salvage’s Commitment to Community Recycling
Fair Salvage operates three family-owned scrap yards in Clare, Chase, and Montcalm, MI, serving contractors, farmers, manufacturers, and everyday recyclers across Mid-Michigan. With a focus on honest service and fair pricing, we’ve become a trusted name in scrap metal recycling in Central Michigan.
“We take steel, copper, aluminum, brass, batteries, appliances—basically anything metal. But we don’t take propane tanks unless they’re fully emptied and have the valve removed.”
— Jon Fair, President, Fair Salvage Company
We’re here to help you scrap smarter, safer, and with full confidence that you’re doing it right.
What Scrap Metal Can Be Recycled at Fair Salvage?
Here’s a breakdown of the most common items we accept at our yards. If it’s metal, there’s a good chance we’ll take it.
Ferrous Metals (magnet sticks to it)
- Steel and Iron
- Sheet iron
- Structural steel
- Rebar
- Car bodies (with title)
- Appliances
- Washers, dryers, stoves, and refrigerators (refrigerants must be properly removed)
- Machinery and Equipment
Non-Ferrous Metals (magnet doesn’t stick)
- Copper
- Bare bright
- #1 and #2 copper
- Insulated copper wire
- Aluminum
- Sheet, cast, extrusions
- Aluminum cans
- Siding, doors, wheels
- Brass
- Yellow brass
- Red brass
- Lead-Acid Batteries
- Stainless Steel
Additional Items
- Electric Motors
- Catalytic Converters (must meet purchasing guidelines)
- Radiators
- Wire and Cable
- Old Farm Equipment
Still unsure what counts? Our Recycling Services page offers more info on what we accept—and how to bring it.
What We Don’t Accept
Knowing what not to bring can save you time and hassle. Some items pose safety risks or regulatory issues and must be excluded from your load.
As outlined in our blog What Not to Bring to a Salvage Yard, we do not accept:
- Propane tanks (unless valve is fully removed)
- Ammunition or explosives
- Asbestos-containing materials
- Radioactive items
- Household garbage
- Paint cans, sealed drums, or any pressurized container
- Non-lead-acid batteries
- Tires
- Flammable liquids
“Safety always comes first. Closed containers like propane tanks can explode in shredders. If you’re not sure—ask first.”
— Jon Fair
How to Sort Your Scrap for Drop-Off
Sorting your scrap doesn’t just make our job easier—it gets you a better return.
“For manufacturers, keeping turnings separate is huge. A pile of steel turnings is worth less if it’s mixed with brass.”
— Jon Fair
Follow these tips before heading to the yard:
1. Separate by Metal Type
Keep copper, brass, aluminum, and steel in different containers or piles. If they’re mixed, we may have to buy at the lowest category price.
2. Use a Magnet
If it sticks—it’s ferrous (like steel or iron). If it doesn’t—it’s likely non-ferrous (and worth more).
3. Clean Off Contamination
Remove plastic, rubber, and wood attachments. These can reduce your payout or lead to rejection.
4. Label Bins or Buckets
Especially helpful for regular scrappers or businesses. A few markers and some prep go a long way.
Want more sorting tips? Check out this related post: Maximize the Value of Your Scrap Materials
A Real Story: From Farm Clutter to Cash
A Clare-area farmer recently brought in an old hay baler, some rusted panels, and buckets of wire that had been sitting behind his barn for years.
Instead of dumping everything on the trailer, he took time to sort and clean the load—aluminum panels here, copper wire there, old steel parts separated.
The result?
He walked away with over $750 and a much cleaner yard.
That’s the kind of win-win we love to see at Fair Salvage.
We Make It Easy—Three Locations Across Mid-Michigan
Ready to drop off your scrap? Visit one of our clean, organized yards in Clare, Chase, or Montcalm.
Use our Locations Page to find hours, addresses, and directions.
Before you come, you can:
- Check current Scrap Pricing
- Sign up for price list updates
- Read helpful how-to’s on our Fair Salvage Blog
Recycle Responsibly. Get Paid Fairly.
Whether it’s a one-time cleanout or an ongoing part of your business, scrap recycling is easier—and more profitable—when you partner with a trusted team.
At Fair Salvage, we’re proud to serve Michigan families, contractors, farmers, and manufacturers with fair prices, clear policies, and a no-secrets approach to scrap metal recycling.