Which Metals Can I Recycle?

If you are interested in joining the thousands of other Hoosiers out there in the metal recycling initiative, you might be asking yourself where and how to get started. A common introductory question about metal recycling is simply, “which metals can and cannot be recycled?” Well, all metal is 100% recyclable, which means anything containing or made of metal can be recycled in some manner.

Continue reading to get some ideas of where you can find potential metal commodities to take to your local recycling center.

Metal Recycling Center
Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal can be reprocessed over and over again, indefinitely, making it a highly beneficial element to recycle. Furthermore, you get paid for recycling metal, so not only are you doing something positive for the planet, you are also profiting yourself!

Types of Metal to Recycle:

    ♻ Iron
    ♻ Steel
    ♻ Carbon Steel
    ♻ Alloy Steel
    ♻ Stainless Steel
    ♻ Tool Steel
    ♻ HSLA
    ♻ Aluminum
    ♻ Copper
    ♻ Nickle
    ♻ Titanium
    ♻ Tungsten
    ♻ Brass
    ♻ Precious Metals
    ♻ Chromium
    ♻ Lead
    ♻ Tin
    ♻ Beryllium
    ♻ Zinc
    ♻ Mercury
    ♻ Bismuth
    ♻ Selenium
    ♻ Indium
    ♻ Germanium
    ♻ Cadmium
    ♻ Cerium
    ♻ Magnesium
    ♻ Super Alloys

Ideas for Recyclable Scrap Metal:

🏠 HOME – Foods cans, aluminum foil, bake ware, coffee cans, jewelry, copper items, metal cutlery, paint cans, aerosol spray cans, and more.

🏢 OFFICE – Electronics, laptops, computers, modems, fax machines, copiers, vending machines, HVAC equipment, microwaves, answering machines, keyboards, phones, remote controls, video recording devices, video surveillance, navigation equipment, speakers, circuit boards, electric wiring, paperclips, staples, and more.

🏙 COMMUNITY – Construction site scrap, scrap metal, cars, boats, motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, go-karts, auto parts, steel beams, bulk hardware, and more.

HAZARDOUS ITEMS – Refrigerators, air conditioners, car batteries, standard batteries, button batteries, rechargeable batteries, and any other type of battery should be collected and recycled at a local facility.

Getting Started

How do you find a trusted metal recycling center in Indianapolis that will pay you the most for your scrap metal? Simply trust the same metal recycling leaders that all other Hoosiers have for decades: Zore’s Recycling!

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle metal in Indianapolis, Indiana. Not only has Zore’s Inc. been a family owned and operated company for over 75 years, we pay cash on the spot for your metal commodities. We accept cans, sheet metal, appliances, vehicles, auto parts, equipment, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

Is it Easy to Recycle Metal in Indianapolis?

If you have a cargo of scrap metal on your hands, you should be pleased knowing you’ll will soon be able to turn a profit and relieve yourself of unwanted junk. The first step to recycling metal is taking inventory of the commodities you have to sell. Keep in mind that the larger the freight, the more profit it will render because the price of scrap metal is calculated by weight. However, these prices are always changing, and fluctuate depending on a number of factors.

If the concern of inconvenience is holding you back from getting into the metal recycling industry, you will be pleased to learn that it has never been easier! Continue below to learn which metals can be recycled, how to get started, and who to call for the highest payouts in Indianapolis!

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700
Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Advantages of Metal Recycling

There are numerous advantages to scrap metal recycling. Cash returns, reusing old goods, and protecting the environment are examples of how recycling metal and other materials can be beneficial.  There are various types of alloys that can be reprocessed, so finding some to turn in can be easy.  Take some time to learn about these metals if you plan to do some recycling soon. 

Recyclable Metals

There are many types of metals that can be recycled and reused, all of which are grouped into two different categorizations: non-ferrous and ferrous. Non-ferrous metals do not contain any iron; whereas, ferrous metals do. See our blog, “A Comparison of Ferrous and Nonferrous Metals” to learn more about these two vital metal classifications. It is important to explore the facilities that buy scraps of metal in your area, and what types they accept for cash.  Some facilities do not offer iron alloy reprocessing services.  It all depends on the company and their intentions.

Non-iron alloys are the most popular to recycle because they are easy to haul in, and easy for the company to reuse.  Some examples of such metals include aluminum, copper, tin lead, zinc, nickel, and titanium. Even some alloys, such as brass, are categorized as non-ferrous.  Some commodities that are made up from these minerals include batteries, soda cans, catalytic converters, compressors, and car wheels. The most popular recycled ferrous metal is steel, which is a carbon-containing iron alloy.

Metal Recycling Tips

If you want to do your part and begin recycling within your community, the best place to start is right at home. Keep in mind the things you often use in your home already that are made of metal that can be recycled. Items such as soda cans, appliances, tools, tin foil, jewelry, and batteries are common metal goods people use every day. See our blog, “Where to Look for Sellable Scrap Metal in Your Home” to learn more examples.

When completing this years’ spring cleaning checklist, think about these types of materials you would normally consider trash, and recycle them instead.  If you have large appliances you want to get rid of or trash, such as washer and dryers or lawn mowers, call a local recycling center and see if they offer pick up services.  This way you are still doing your part for the environment, without even breaking a sweat!

If you wish to recycle ferrous metals, such as steel, make sure you call ahead to ask a scrap yard if they recycle these kinds of materials.  Some metal salvaging companies will accept prepared and unprepared steel; while others do not have the market to accept steel and iron alloys.

Once you figure out that recycling scrap metal can be easy, there is no end to the environmental contribution you can offer.  There is no need to throw away old appliances, junk cars, pop cans, and other alloy commodities when they can all be reprocessed and reused.  Just like all recycling, scrap metal recycling is infinitely beneficial to our planet.

How to Recycle Metal in Indianapolis

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle scrap metal and make some fast money at the same time. We are a professional Indianapolis scrap metal recycling center that accepts and recycles all metals in any condition. Best of all, we pay cash on the spot for them! Recycle all sorts of stuff, including sheet metal and beams, cars, boats, construction equipment, power tools, old electronics, and more! Request a free estimate, today.

The 7 Steps to Metal Recycling

Recycling metal is a vital initiative that every person on Earth should take part in; not only because it helps to preserve our natural resources and reduce the need to mine for new ores, but also because it protects our planet from harmful emissions created by the entire mining and manufacturing enterprise. If you would like to do your part to help our environments sustain healthy stasis for centuries to come, start by creating a simple recycling routine at home or in the office. Collect soda cans, soup cans, food cans, and all other everyday scrap metal commodities, even broken appliances and tools, and then take your collection to a local metal recycling drop off location or scrap yard. You will be helping the environment and making some cash at the same time!

In the meantime, you may be more motivated by learning just how metal is recycled from start to finish. It happens in various ways all over the world, but here in the U.S., most metal refining is done in 7 steps. Continue reading to learn them all right now!

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700
Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Step ❶ – Collection

Metal scraps are collected, from soda cans and food cans, to sheet metal, plumbing materials, construction materials, power tools, farming equipment, machinery, electronics, appliances, junk cars, auto parts, and more.

Step ❷ – Sorting

As scrap materials come in to the recycling center, they are separated from the mixed scrap metal stream and sorted according to the type, weight, and color. Typically, this step is automated, and implemented using sensors and magnets.

Step ❸ – Processing

Once metals are separated into categories, they are shredded for processing. This makes metal melt faster using less energy. You see, small shredded metal material retains a higher surface-to-volume ratio.

Step ❹ – Melting

Shredded scrap metal will then be placed into a large furnace for melting. Centers have separate furnaces designated and designed to melt down particular types of metal. Depending on various factors, the actual time metal takes to melt will range from a few minutes to a few hours.

Step ❺ – Purification

Metal refining centers want their final products to be high quality and free of impurities, which is why scrap metal is purified after the melting stage. Electrolysis is the most common and accepted method of metal purification in the recycling industry.

Step ❻ – Solidifying

During this stage, metals take a ride on a conveyor belt where they are shaped into bars or sheets, and cooled to a solid form. These forms are dependent on the type of metal and intended application. For instance, aluminum is formed into small sheets, while steel is typically formed into blocks.

Step ❼ – Transporting the Metal Bars

After the metals have cooled and solidified, they are ready to be transported to factories for re-use. Factories use reprocessed metals as raw materials, which uses substantially less energy to mine virgin materials.

Where to Recycle Metal in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700
Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle scrap metal for cash in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay top dollar for all metals, regardless of age or condition. We buy vehicles, equipment, sheet metal, electrical wiring, computers, auto parts, power tools, appliances, and much more. And we guarantee to pay you cash on the spot! Call 317-244-0700 to make fast cash, today!

Are Metal Tooth Fillings Recyclable?

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

When a person has a cavity, dentists perform a procedure that “fills” the decayed portion of the tooth in order to restore the tooth back to its normal function. The material used to create these “fillings” is called dental amalgam, but more commonly referred to as silver fillings. Although the term “silver” is used often to describe cavity fillings, silver is not the only metal that makes-up dental amalgam.

Amalgam is made from a combination of metals that have been used for this exact purpose for more than 100 years. Also called silver amalgam, the metals used to make them include mercury, silver, copper, and tin. In some cases, small traces of palladium, zinc, and indium are also used to manufacture dental amalgam.

Amalgam is Becoming Outdated

Now that there are new advances in technology in the dental industry, many people are choosing dental implant and filling options that are tooth-colored. This, along with the health concern of mercury on the rise, is making silver amalgam a thing of the past. So if you are one of the many people choosing to replace their silver fillings with tooth-colored fillings, you may be curious to know if your old fillings retain any value or can be recycled. Well, since all metal is recyclable, and dental amalgam tooth fillings are made from a variety of metal alloys, they are indeed recyclable!

All Metal Can Be Recycled

Metal and metal alloys are elements that can be cleaned, melted down, and reused over and over again, without losing strength or dependability. Common recyclable metals include copper, steel, aluminum, iron, brass, and tin. Even precious metals can be recycled, like gold, silver, zirconium, chromium, tungsten, and more. Many scrap metal recycling companies offer cash for scrap metal. However, you might not expect much profit out of a few tooth fillings. Items to recycle for cash include sheet metal, motorized vehicles, appliances, power tools, copper wiring, electronics, and construction equipment.

Zore’s Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle metal in Indianapolis, IN. We accept a wide variety of recyclable metal and commodities and pay cash on the spot for them! For larger items like vehicles, appliances, and motorized equipment, we will even provide free pick-up, towing, and haul-away services too! Call 317-244-0700 to learn how you can recycle metal for cash in Indianapolis, IN today.

The Top Three Most Recyclable Metals in Your Home

Indianapolis Copper Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Copper Recycling 317-244-0700

If you are getting ready to jump aboard the Eco-friendly train, a great place to start is recycling! Recycling is easy and does so much good for the environment by reducing landfill space, preserving our natural resources, and more. The best part about recycling is that it’s quick and effortless, so anyone can do it! All you need is a little preparation and recycling knowledge to get started. To begin, it is helpful to know what items can and should be recycled, and which of those items you have in your home.

The usual recyclable items include paper, plastic, and glass. But there is one other common recyclable material that many people overlook: metal! Metal can be recycled and reused over and over again, making it one of the best materials to recycle. There are several recycle metals found right in your home that you might not be aware of! Continue reading to learn what the top three most recyclable metals are in your home, as well as, examples of common goods made from them.

Metal Recycling

The three most recyclable types of metal in your home are copper, steel, and aluminum. Anything made from or containing either of these metals, and more, can be recycled and reused. Even if something is covered in a bunch of plastic, if it contains metal inside, it is a good candidate for recycling. Just be sure you are recycling the right items at the right places. Items that are made just of metal, like food cans, can be dropped off at your local recycling pickup station or other designated neighborhood recycling drop-offs. Whereas, larger items or items that contain metal inside should be taken to a metal recycling center for scrapping; including appliances, car parts, and more.

Recyclable Items Containing Copper, Steel, or Aluminum:

• Major Appliances
• Minor Appliances
• Stereos and Radios
• Electrical Wiring
• Food Cans
• Soda Cans
• Power Tools
• Ladders
• Scrap Metal
• Scooters
• Bicycles
• Jungle Gyms/Swing Sets
• Automotive Parts
• Junk Cars
• Window Frames
• Doors
• Computers/Laptops
• Plumbing Pipes
• Bathroom Fixtures
• Sinks
• Metal Railings
• Circuit Boards
• Cell Phones
• And More

Recycle Metal in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle metal in Indianapolis. We are a professional scrap metal recycling center that has served the Hoosier community for over 75 years. We accept and recycle all metals, in any condition, and pay cash on the spot for them! Recycle junk cars, boats, construction equipment, power tools, old electronics, and more for an instant profit. We provide the most honest and fair quotes for scrap metal, based on current market prices. Call 317-244-0700 for information about scrap metal recycling services in Indianapolis, IN today.

Which Metals are Magnetic?

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metals can be put into one of two categories: Ferrous and non-ferrous metal. Ferrous metals are those that contain traces of iron. In fact, the term “ferrous” literally means “of or contain iron.” And with this being said, you can correctly assume that “non-ferrous” means there is no iron content present within a metal. We mention these facts because it helps to remember which metals are magnetic and which are not. You see, there are numerous types of metal that have magnetic properties, so long as they contain one or more of the metals listed below.

Magnetic Metals

• Iron
• Cobalt
• Nickel
• An Alloy or Mixture of Any One of the Above Metals

So this means that any metal that contains iron, cobalt, nickel, or a metal mixture that contains one of the three, is a ferrous metal, and also, magnetic. These metals are “ferromagnetic” or “ferrimagnetic” materials. Their magnetic capabilities and properties are strong enough for them to be considered ferromagnetic. A naturally-occurring magnetic mineral, used in the early days of compass manufacturing, is called lodestone. It is the only natural magnet.

Even electromagnetism, which sends electrical currents through coils, uses ferromagnetic materials to produce magnetic fields. For example, coils are often wrapped around steel or other ferromagnetic material. These coils are only magnetic when an electrical current is sent through them. The steel center allows for a stronger magnetic field. This technology is used prevalently in engines and turbines, as well as, a means to produce electricity.

It is important to preserve our natural resources the best we can, and metal recycling is a great way to achieve this! Magnetic metals, just like all other metals, are 100% recyclable. They can be smelted, melted, or reused in various industries all over the world. Contact a local scrap metal recycling center for details about recycling magnetic, ferrous, non-ferrous metals, and metal commodities (i.e. cars, appliances, electronics, etc.) in your neighborhood. You might even be able to pocket some cash for it!

Zore’s Metal Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 for information about our metal recycling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer cash on the spot for scrap metal, junk cars, appliances, power tools, construction equipment, sheet metal, precious metal, and much more! We also offer free towing and haul-away services for junk car recycling! Call 317-244-0700 today to recycle metal in Indianapolis, IN.

Profitable Steel Recycling

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Did you know that steel is the NUMBER ONE most recycled metal in the world? It’s true; steel is one of the most widely used and reused metals on Earth. Countless products and commodities contain some degree of steel. When it comes to metal, there are several different grades and alloys; all with separate monetary values and worth. Cast iron, sheet metal, carbon steel, stainless steel, construction steel, and more are just a few examples to mention. Continue reading to learn about different types of steel, and what their current market values are.

Recyclable Steel Alloys

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is more and more prevalent in modern homes and properties. Stainless steel appliances are all the rage for today’s homes and commercial kitchens. Stainless steel is very shiny and smooth, and worth about five times more than regular steel.

Cast Iron

Cast iron is highly advantageous for its extremely low melting point, castability, resistance to deformation, fluidity, and resistance to wear and tear. It is widely used as an engineering material to build pipes, machines, and automotive parts. You can even find cast iron skillets for cooking. Cast iron engine blocks and machine tools are highly lucrative to sell to an Indianapolis scrap metal recycling center.

Construction Steel

Construction steel is used in the construction industry for its durability and longevity qualities. I-beams, piping, tubing, and more are all constructed with this kind of steel. It is worth more bare and unpainted, however, most scrap metal buyers will still offer a fair price for it, either way.

Sheet Metal

Sheet metal is one of the most common forms of recyclable metal. So many household items and more are made with sheet metal. Cars, shelving, furniture, and even soup cans are made from sheet metal like aluminum and tin. Although sheet metal rates are among the lowest out of all recyclable metals, they will always render a worthwhile profit, nonetheless.

Zore’s Recycling

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 for more information about scrap metal prices and steel recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer the most honest and most fair returns for scrap steel and other kinds of metal. We accept junk cars, copper wiring, e-waste, old appliances, sheet metal, soda cans, construction equipment, machinery, motorcycles, and so much more. If its made with metal, we pay cash for it on the spot! Call 317-244-0700 to recycle steel in Indianapolis, IN today.

Test Your Recycling Knowledge!

Metal Recycling Quiz

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Metal Recycling Center 317-244-0700

Take the metal recycling quiz and test your knowledge on recyclable metals and commodities. Learn some new and interesting facts along the way! Get started by reading through the list of trivia questions, and match your answers to the answer chart at the bottom of the quiz. Good Luck and Have Fun!

Question #1

What Type of Metal is a Soda Can Made From?

a. Metal
b. Tin
c. Aluminum
d. Iron

Question #2

Non-Ferrous Metals Do Not Contain Which Metal?

a. Lead
b. Iron
c. Alloy
d. Cobalt

Question #3

Metal Recycling Reduces Air Pollution and CO2 Emissions.

a. True
b. False

Question #4

What Types of Metal Can Be Recycled?

a. Steel
b. Ferrous Metals
c. Non-Ferrous Metals
d. All of the Above

Question #5

Non-Ferrous Metal Can Be Recycled Over and Over Again, Infinitely.

a. True
b. False

Question #6

Which Metal is a Precious Metal?

a. Gold
b. Rubies
c. Wrought Iron
d. All of the Above

Question #7

What is a Metal Alloy?

a. A Metal that Does Not Contain Copper
b. A Mixture of Elements that Form a Metal-Like Substance
c. A Ferrous Metal
d. A Metal Used for Combining Other Metals

Question #8

Which Metal is an Alloy?

a. Tin
b. Copper
c. Zinc
d. Bronze

Question #9

Which Metal is a Good Conductor of Electricity?

a. Bismuth
b. Pewter
c. Copper
d. Iron

Question #10

Which Metal is Resistant to Corrosion?

a. Steel
b. Gold
c. Copper
d. Tungsten

Let’s See How You Did!

Answer Key: 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d, 5-a, 6-a, 7-b, 8-d, 9-c, 10-b

Indianapolis Metal Recycling Services

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 for more information about metal recycling services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are friendly and knowledgeable scrap metal contractors that pay cash for valuable metal! Recycle metal in Indianapolis today by calling 317-244-0700 and learning more about getting started!