Turn Old Equipment into Income: Smart Farm Scrap Metal Recycling Tips
On every Michigan farm, there’s one thing that’s almost guaranteed—scrap metal piles up. Between worn-out machinery, broken fencing, and outdated equipment, most farms have materials that could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars sitting idle in a barn or field.
At Fair Salvage Company, we help farmers across Mid-Michigan turn that clutter into cash through efficient, honest, and transparent recycling services. Whether you’re cleaning up your property or getting ready for a new season, these farm scrap metal recycling tips will help you get the most value for your materials.
Why Farm Scrap Recycling Matters
Farmers are natural recyclers. Every piece of metal—whether from a tractor, barn, or silo—can be given a second life when recycled correctly. Recycling doesn’t just generate revenue; it also supports Michigan’s agricultural and manufacturing ecosystem.
When you recycle with Fair Salvage, you’re not only helping the environment but also contributing to the circular economy—where waste becomes a resource.
If you haven’t already, take a look at our in-depth blog on the topic: Farm Scrap Metal Recycling: How to Recycle Equipment and Materials. It’s a great starting point for understanding how agricultural scrap can work for you.
1. Know What Farm Equipment Can Be Recycled
From small hand tools to large machinery, nearly everything made of metal can be recycled for cash. Farmers often underestimate how valuable old or broken items can be.
Here’s a short list of common farm materials we regularly see at our Clare, Chase, and Montcalm yards:
- Tractors and Combine Parts – Engines, frames, transmissions, and radiators contain high-value metals like steel and aluminum.
- Fencing and Gates – Worn-out fencing, wire, and posts are recyclable steel.
- Barn Roofing and Siding – Corrugated metal roofing and old sheet metal siding are valuable, especially when clean and rust-free.
- Irrigation Systems – Aluminum and brass components can fetch strong prices.
- Miscellaneous Tools and Scrap – Anything metal that’s broken or outdated can add to your load.
“We get everything from broken balers to entire trailer loads of scrap farm tools. Every piece has value if you handle it right.”
— Jon Fair, Fair Salvage Company
2. Prepare Your Scrap Before You Bring It In
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to maximizing your scrap’s value. Sorting and cleaning your materials not only saves time at the yard but also ensures you get the highest payout.
Here are a few farm scrap metal recycling tips to follow before you load up:
- Separate Metals by Type: Sort steel, copper, aluminum, and brass into separate piles. Mixed loads are usually priced lower.
- Remove Non-Metal Attachments: Take off plastic, rubber, or wood components—clean metal weighs more and earns more.
- Drain Fluids Safely: Before bringing in equipment, drain oil, fuel, and hydraulic fluids in compliance with environmental regulations.
- Cut Down Large Pieces: Large sections of machinery or equipment can be trimmed down for easier transport and faster processing.
If you’re not sure what’s worth cleaning or separating, our team can help when you arrive. Learn more about our recycling services to see how we handle each type of metal.
3. Organize Your Scrap for Efficiency
Farmers who stay organized get better results—and scrap recycling is no exception. Establishing a system for how and where you collect your scrap can make each trip more efficient and profitable.
Many farmers create a designated “scrap zone” on their property where equipment and materials are collected throughout the year. When the pile grows, it’s time for a haul.
For large or ongoing volumes, Fair Salvage offers an On-Site Scrap Container Program, which allows you to:
- Schedule pickups directly from your farm
- Choose container sizes between 9 and 60 yards
- Get guaranteed pickup within 48 hours
- Maintain clear, safe farm operations year-round
You can read more about how the program works in this blog: On-Site Scrap Container Program.
This program is especially useful during harvest and clean-up seasons when time is tight, and efficiency matters most.
4. Monitor Scrap Metal Prices Regularly
Metal prices fluctuate based on supply, demand, and global market conditions. Knowing when to sell can significantly affect your total return.
At Fair Salvage, we’re proud to offer transparent, real-time pricing through our “No Secrets Program.” You can always find the latest updates for our Clare, Chase, and Montcalm locations on our pricing page.
Our staff is also available to walk you through current trends and help you decide the best time to bring in your materials.
“Farmers appreciate that we’re upfront about pricing—it builds trust. We post our prices, we stick to them, and we help you make smart timing decisions.”
— Jon Fair
A Success Story from Mid-Michigan
A dairy farmer from Clare had years’ worth of broken gates, fencing, and machinery cluttering his lot. Instead of calling a junk hauler, he reached out to Fair Salvage.
Our team delivered a 40-yard container, picked it up within 48 hours of his call, and paid him based on transparent, current market rates. The farmer not only cleared space for new equipment but also earned over $1,800—money he reinvested into repairs for his barn.
That’s the power of smart, local recycling.
Recycling Farm Scrap Helps Everyone
When Michigan farmers recycle scrap metal, the benefits go far beyond their property line:
- Supports Local Mills and Manufacturers: Your recycled metal fuels Michigan’s industrial economy.
- Protects the Environment: Recycling metal uses significantly less energy than mining new materials.
- Keeps Farms Safe and Organized: Reducing clutter lowers risks of injury and fire.
At Fair Salvage, we believe that a clean farm is a productive one—and we’re proud to play a part in helping you keep it that way.
Ready to Turn Your Scrap into Cash?
Fair Salvage Company is Mid-Michigan’s trusted partner for farm scrap metal recycling. We provide fair prices, fast turnaround, and friendly service at all three of our family-owned locations in Clare, Chase, and Montcalm, MI.
📍 Find your nearest yard on our locations page.
💲 Check current rates on our pricing page.
♻ Explore our recycling services to learn how we handle your materials safely and efficiently.
Don’t let valuable metal sit in your fields or barns any longer—turn it into profit today.
