Are Rusty Metals Recyclable?

Do you have rusty metals that you want to recycle? If so, you might have so many questions about how to recycle such metals. To answer all these questions, we have gathered some information. Throughout this article, we will go through what rust is, how it forms, whether rusted metals are valued less by scrap metal facilities, tips to recycle rusted metals, and how M&M Recycling can help. So, let’s start learning.

What Is Rust and How Does It Form?

There are two main requirements of rust: iron and oxygen from moisture or water. When oxygen combines with the external surface of any iron, over time, it can cause a reaction, causing the metal to appear reddish brown. Rusting can only be seen in iron, such as steel. You can’t see this chemical reaction in aluminum. Thankfully, rust can easily be removed using household products like baking soda, vinegar, and other chemicals.

Is Rusted Metal Worth Less When It Comes to Scrap Metal Recycling?

A common question asked by scrap metal recycling services is whether rusts affect the value of the metal. The answer to this question is it depends. If you take any metal to a qualified scrap metal buyer, they will look at the value of a metal by two qualities: weight and quality.

• Weight Matters: The value is mainly determined by the weight of the metal. So, having rust on the external surface doesn’t affect the value in terms of weight.
• Quality Counts: Having rusty metals does not automatically make your metals less valuable. However, a facility may offer lower prices due to the external surface being slightly damaged. The price won’t be affected significantly.

Tips to Recycle Rusted Metals

If you have recently seen your metals getting rusty, you might want to get rid of them immediately. Before taking any action right away, here are a few tips to recycle your rusted metals:

• Most people are inclined towards fixing the rust. However, this is the wrong approach. The first thing you have to ensure is its prevention. Coat your metals and put them in dry areas. You can try covering each of them with Vaseline or nail varnish.
• If you don’t like the rusty look and you think that it will decrease the value of your metals, you can try removing it by yourself. Use lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda, and make sure not to damage it any further. Call M&M Recycling to learn more.
• If you have heavily rusted metals and don’t know what to do with them, call a professional scrap metal company today.

M&M Recycling

Are you looking for a professional scrap metal company that can recycle your heavily rusted metals? If so, you will want to call M&M Recycling. Being one of the top-paying scrap metal buyers in Atlanta, we are dedicated to providing quality services to our community. Call us today to learn more about us and our services or learn more about the most valuable types of metals.