What Not to Bring to a Salvage Yard: Avoid These Costly Mistakes

Know What Items Your Local Salvage Yards Accept

Save yourself time, energy and possible disposal fees. 

When preparing to bring your scrap haul to Fair Salvage Company, it’s essential to know which items are best left behind. To save yourself time, energy, and potential disposal fees, understanding what materials the salvage yard cannot accept is crucial. From PCB-containing materials to radioactive substances, certain items pose environmental and safety concerns that prevent their acceptance. Additionally, items like tires, non-lead/acid batteries, and anything with excessive glass or dunnage should be excluded from your load. You may be asking what specifically not to bring to the scrap yard to ensure a smooth and efficient recycling experience.

Hazardous Materials to Avoid Bringing to the Scrap Yard

Recycling Scrap Metal with PCB Containing Material

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemical compounds previously used in various industrial and commercial applications, such as electrical equipment, sealants, and paints. Due to their environmental persistence and potential health risks, PCBs are now strictly regulated. Bringing PCB-containing materials to your local salvage yard is not advisable. Salvage yards are not equipped to handle or dispose of these toxic substances safely. 

Improper disposal of PCBs can lead to significant environmental contamination and legal penalties. If you suspect that your scrap materials contain PCBs, it’s crucial to consult with a specialized disposal service that can manage these hazardous materials responsibly. 

Recycling Scrap with Radioactive Material

Radioactive materials are strictly prohibited at salvage yards due to their potential to cause severe health and environmental hazards. 

Items such as certain industrial equipment, medical devices, or contaminated scrap metal can sometimes contain radioactive components. Handling and disposing of these materials require specialized facilities with the appropriate safety protocols and equipment. Bringing radioactive materials to your local salvage company poses significant risks, as these facilities are not equipped to process or store them safely. Improper disposal could lead to contamination, regulatory violations, and potential legal repercussions.  If you suspect that your scrap may include radioactive elements, it’s crucial to contact experts in hazardous waste disposal. Always prioritize safety and compliance by avoiding the inclusion of any potentially radioactive items in your scrap haul.

Recycling Scrap with Asbestos 

Asbestos, a once-common material in construction and manufacturing for its fire-resistant properties, is now known for its severe health implications, including lung disease and cancer. Due to these risks, asbestos-containing materials are not accepted at salvage yards, like Fair Salvage in mid-Michigan. Proper handling and disposal of asbestos require specialized procedures to prevent the release of harmful fibers into the air. It is crucial to exclude these materials from your scrap load if you encounter asbestos in your materials. Asbestos experts can ensure that the asbestos is handled and disposed of according to strict regulatory standards. Avoiding the inclusion of asbestos in your scrap haul not only aligns with legal requirements but also safeguards the health of workers and the environment. 

Non-Hazardous Items Not Accepted At Your Local Scrap Yard

Recycling Scrap Metal with Non-Lead/Acid Batteries

While batteries are a common part of electronic and automotive waste, it’s important to note that not all types are accepted at salvage yards. Specifically, non-lead/acid batteries, such as lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, or alkaline batteries, are not accepted. These types of batteries require specialized recycling processes due to their different chemical compositions and potential environmental impacts. 

Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, are typically accepted at local salvage yards as they are more straightforward to recycle and contain valuable materials. 

Proper disposal of non-lead/acid batteries ensures that harmful substances do not enter the environment and allows for the recovery of valuable materials. By directing non-lead/acid batteries to the appropriate facilities, you contribute to responsible waste management and recycling practices.

Recycling Scrap Metal with Tires and Rubber Products

Tires and rubber products, although non-hazardous, are not accepted at salvage yards, like Fair Salvage. These items require specific recycling processes distinct from metal recycling. Tires, for instance, are often recycled into crumb rubber or repurposed for various industrial applications, but this process takes place at specialized facilities.  Many Michigan regions offer drop-off sites or community collection events. By directing tires and rubber products to dedicated recycling centers or programs, you ensure they are processed correctly and sustainably. This approach supports efficient recycling operations and helps maintain the focus on metal recovery at salvage yards.

Recycling Railway Tracks Without Permission

Rail scrap, including tracks and other railway materials, is typically not accepted at salvage yards without explicit written permission from the railroad authorities. 

This restriction is due to the ownership and regulatory considerations associated with railway materials. Railroads own these materials, and unauthorized possession or recycling could lead to legal issues. If you have access to rail scrap, securing proper documentation and approval from the railroad company is essential before proceeding with disposal or recycling. This ensures compliance with legal requirements and helps prevent potential disputes or penalties. If you cannot obtain the necessary permissions, consider consulting with the railroad company for proper disposal guidance. By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to responsible recycling practices and respect the legal frameworks governing rail materials. 

Electronic and Other Miscellaneous Items Not Accepted at Salvage Yards

Scrap Metal with Mercury Containing Material

Mercury-containing materials, often found in items like thermometers, thermostats, fluorescent light bulbs, and some electronic devices, pose significant environmental and health risks if not disposed of properly. 

Salvage yards, including Fair Salvage, do not accept Mercury containing items due to the complexity and danger of handling. 

When mercury is released into the environment, it can contaminate air and water, posing risks to wildlife and humans. Proper disposal involves taking these materials to specialized facilities equipped to manage hazardous substances safely. By directing mercury-containing materials to the appropriate channels, you play a part in promoting safe and responsible recycling and disposal practices.

Recycling Scrap Televisions and Old Computer Monitors

Televisions and computer monitors, particularly older models with cathode ray tubes (CRTs), are not accepted at local salvage yards due to their complex composition and potential environmental hazards. 

Items that contain materials such as leaded glass and other hazardous components require specialized recycling processes. Improper disposal can lead to significant environmental pollution and health risks. Instead of bringing these items to a salvage yard, consider utilizing electronics recycling programs that are equipped to handle them safely. By directing televisions and computer monitors to the correct recycling facilities, you contribute to reducing electronic waste and supporting sustainable recycling practices. This approach helps protect the environment and promotes the efficient recovery of electronic materials.

Recycling Scrap with Excessive Dunnage

Scrap loads containing excessive dunnage—such as plastic, trash, concrete, or dirt—are not suitable for salvage yards like Fair Salvage Company. Dunnage refers to non-metal materials that often accompany scrap loads but do not contribute to the recycling value. When scrap is cluttered with these unwanted materials, it complicates the sorting and processing stages, increasing labor and disposal costs. 

Salvage yards prioritize clean, pure scrap metal to maximize efficiency and value recovery. Before bringing your scrap to a salvage yard, take the time to separate and remove any dunnage. 

This ensures a streamlined recycling process and prevents potential additional fees for cleaning or disposal. By delivering clean scrap, you not only enhance the efficiency of recycling operations but also align with best practices for sustainable waste management. This approach helps maintain the focus on metal recovery and supports the smooth operation of salvage facilities.

With Best Recycling Practices, Get the Best Scrap Prices Near You

Fair Salvage Can Offer You Top Scrap Prices near Clare, Chase, and Montcalm, MI  

In conclusion, when you’re ready to tackle your scrap metal recycling needs in mid-Michigan, look no further than Fair Salvage Company. Known for offering the best scrap prices for copper, aluminum, iron, steel, old farm equipment, and junk cars, Fair Salvage is your go-to choice for responsible and profitable recycling. By choosing Fair Salvage, you join a community committed to environmental sustainability and efficient recycling practices. Whether you’re clearing out an old barn or disposing of a junk car, the dedicated team at Fair Salvage ensures that your experience is both rewarding and environmentally conscious. So bring your acceptable scrap items to Fair Salvage, where you’ll benefit from top dollar returns and the peace of mind that comes with responsible recycling. Have more questions on what items Fair Salvage accepts?