How Farmers Can Turn Scrap Metal Into Cash During Harvest Season

Harvest season is a busy, expensive time on the farm. Equipment repairs, fuel costs, and labor expenses all add up quickly. But there’s one often-overlooked opportunity to offset some of those costs: farm scrap metal recycling.

At Fair Salvage Company, we help Mid-Michigan farmers turn unwanted scrap into usable income. From broken-down balers to piles of old fencing, there’s real value in the metal sitting on your property—and we’re here to help you unlock it.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What farm scrap metal can be recycled
  
  

• How to prepare scrap for drop-off or pickup
  
  

• How recycling during harvest can boost your bottom line
  
  

Why Farm Scrap Metal Recycling Matters

During the harvest season, every dollar counts. And while your focus is rightly on getting crops out of the field, now is also a great time to clear out scrap equipment, fencing, and machinery that’s no longer in use.

Recycling scrap metal is more than just a cleanup project—it’s a chance to:

• Create additional revenue during a high-expense season
  
  

• Free up valuable storage space in barns and sheds
  
  

• Maintain safety around your property by removing hazards
  
  

• Contribute to the circular economy through responsible recycling
  
  

“We regularly work with farmers during harvest. There’s usually a scrap pile that’s been sitting for years—and when we help clear it out, that metal turns into real money.”
— Jon Fair, President, Fair Salvage Company

What Scrap Metal Can Be Recycled on the Farm?

If it’s metal, we’ll likely take it. Here are some of the most common farm items we accept at Fair Salvage:

Recyclable Farm Scrap Items

• Old equipment: Plows, discs, cultivators, balers, combines, tillers
  
  

• Retired implements: Hay elevators, grain augers, sprayers, spreaders
  
  

• Steel fencing and gates
  
  

• Tractor parts and frames (title required for vehicle shells)
  
  

• Aluminum irrigation pipe
  
  

• Fuel tanks (emptied and cut open, no residue)
  
  

• Wire, cable, and electrical components
  
  

• Batteries (lead-acid only)
  
  

Not sure about your load? Visit our Recycling Services page for more information or give us a call before hauling.

What Can’t Be Recycled?

Safety and compliance are top priorities, so there are a few items we cannot accept:

• Propane tanks unless fully emptied and valve removed
  
  

• Asbestos or hazardous waste
  
  

• Sealed containers or drums
  
  

• Paint cans or chemical barrels
  
  

• Non-lead-acid batteries
  
  

• Tires or household garbage
  
  

These items can contaminate recycling loads or create safety risks. For a full list of what not to bring, refer to our resource What Not to Bring to a Salvage Yard.

How to Prepare Farm Scrap Metal for Drop-Off or Pickup

Taking a few simple steps to prepare your farm scrap can help you earn more, save time, and keep your visit efficient.

1. Sort Materials

• Separate ferrous (magnetic) metals from non-ferrous (non-magnetic) like copper and aluminum.
  
  

• Use buckets or bins for different metals.
  
  

2. Clean Off Debris

• Remove excessive dirt, plastic, and rubber.
  
  

• Cut off non-metal attachments when possible.
  
  

3. Drain and Prep Fluids

• Empty fuel, oil, or hydraulic fluids from machinery.
  
  

• Drain water from aluminum pipes and tanks.
  
  

4. Call Ahead for Larger Loads

If you have large equipment or a high-volume load, we may recommend our On-Site Scrap Container Program for pickup. We’ll deliver a container, you fill it, and we’ll handle the rest.

Real Story: Turning Farm Scrap Into Harvest Relief

A fourth-generation farmer near our Clare yard had a decades-old baler and two broken disc harrows sitting idle behind the barn. During harvest prep, he decided it was time to clean up. With the help of his son, they loaded up the scrap and brought it to Fair Salvage.

Because they sorted the materials and removed non-metal attachments, we were able to offer top pricing, and they walked away with $980—enough to cover the season’s fuel bill for the grain truck.

That’s the kind of value that adds up during a high-cost time of year.

Check Current Scrap Prices Before You Haul

Metal prices fluctuate with market conditions, so timing your scrap run wisely can increase your payout.

Visit our Scrap Pricing page for real-time rates or read our blog How Much is Scrap Metal Worth Per Pound Today? for insights on market trends.

For regular updates, sign up for our Fair Salvage Pricelist—we’ll send new rates straight to your inbox.

We Make It Easy to Recycle Farm Scrap

Fair Salvage operates three convenient locations in Clare, Chase, and Montcalm, Michigan. Each yard is clean, organized, and staffed with friendly professionals who can help you unload, weigh, and get paid—fast.

Find your nearest location here: Fair Salvage Locations

We welcome drop-offs from farmers across Central Michigan and are proud to offer dependable service to the agricultural community.

Put Your Scrap to Work This Harvest Season

You work hard during harvest—your scrap should too. By clearing out unused equipment and leftover materials, you can reclaim space, improve safety, and create a new source of income that supports your operation.

At Fair Salvage, we’re here to guide you through the process and help you get top value for your metal with honest pricing and reliable service.

Ready to Turn Farm Scrap Into Cash?

Request a Quote Today
Start the season with a clean yard and extra cash.
👉 https://fairsalvage.com/request-a-quote/