For dumpster, container and large loads please call 404-234-9401 and 404-964-5124.
For dumpster, container, and large loads please call 404-234-9401 and 404-964-5124.

For dumpster, container, and large loads please call

Scrap Metal Recycling

770-819-9006

404-627-1070

Sell Your Scrap Metal Today
From Old Appliances to Construction Waste: What Can Be Recycled?

From Old Appliances to Construction Waste: What Can Be Recycled?

When you look around a garage, backyard, or job site, it’s easy to see how quickly things pile up. But what looks like a mess is actually a collection of materials that still have a lot of value. At M&M Recycling, we’ve seen every kind of load come through, from small home cleanouts to full demolition hauls. The question that keeps coming up is, "What can actually be recycled, and what belongs in the landfill?" The answer matters for your wallet, your property, and the environment. Let’s take a closer look at what can be salvaged, how to sort it, and where a good scrap metal buyer or scrap metal company fits in.

Household Appliances

Old appliances take up space fast. A refrigerator or washer might seem useless if it stops working, but much of that weight is made up of valuable metals like steel, aluminum, and copper. The materials can be reused again and again without losing quality. Instead of leaving an old appliance to rust, it’s smarter to have it recycled. Remove any remaining fluids or electronic parts before recycling. Bring the appliance to a scrap metal facility that handles large items. The team there will separate the materials, melt the metal, and send it off to be made into something new. Steel and aluminum from old machines are used in everything from cars to building supports. Many appliances also have copper wiring and electric motors that can be reclaimed. Copper, in particular, holds a strong resale value. A professional scrap metal buyer can determine which parts are worth separating and which are better recycled as a whole unit. If you’re working through a home renovation or rental turnover, clearing out appliances through a local yard can save space and earn a small return.

Construction and Demolition Waste

Construction sites produce huge amounts of material that rarely need to be thrown away. Metal beams, rebar, pipes, and fixtures all fall under scrap metal recycling. Many contractors already separate these materials on-site, but even smaller remodel projects can add up to a surprising pile of valuable scrap. A trusted scrap metal company can keep the process compliant with environmental standards. Recycling construction waste also keeps job sites cleaner and safer. Piles of discarded metal can cause tripping hazards and slow down progress. Clearing materials out early keeps the workspace efficient and organized.

Vehicles, Machinery, and Industrial Scrap

Old cars, tractors, and heavy machinery still hold plenty of usable metal. Even if the engine no longer runs, the frame and parts are worth recycling. Steel panels, aluminum sections, copper wiring, and catalytic converters can all be recovered. Farms and work sites also create scrap from fencing, irrigation systems, tools, and pipe. All of it can be recycled and returned to use in new products. It’s worth setting up a recycling routine with a local yard to save time while keeping your operation clean. If you run a business with frequent scrap output, having a relationship with a scrap metal recycling yard can pay off. Whether you've got a full truckload of steel beams or a collection of copper fittings, reliable recycling practices keep materials in circulation instead of wasting away.

Everyday Items That Belong in the Recycling Pile

It’s not only big-ticket items that make a difference. Everyday household waste can include a surprising range of recyclable materials. Before putting something in the trash, take a closer look.

  • Metal Cans and Containers: Aluminum and steel cans go straight to recycling. So do food tins, jar lids, and even some baking trays.
  • Wiring and Cords: Electrical cords, extension cables, and phone chargers contain copper inside. Strip them or drop them off for processing.
  • Tools and Hardware: Old nails, bolts, and broken tools are recyclable. Collect them in a small bin until it’s worth a trip to a scrap metal buyer.
  • Electronics: Computers, phones, and small appliances contain circuit boards and metals that should never go in the landfill. Drop them off at an e-waste collection center or a qualified recycler.

Sorting at home saves time later. Keep a small area for recyclable metals, one for general recycling, and one for landfill waste. Over time, you’ll start to recognize which materials hold value and which don’t. Once you have a decent pile, a scrap metal company can help turn that clutter into cash.

The Real Value of Recycling Scrap

Recycling is an environmental responsibility, but it’s also practical resource management. Every piece of metal that goes back into production reduces the need for raw mining and manufacturing. That means less energy use and fewer emissions. For households and contractors, it also means fewer dump fees and a cleaner property. Think about the difference between paying for disposal and being paid for your materials. A short drive to a local recycler can turn an old water heater or pile of rebar into quick cash. Small hauls add up. Just sort your materials, keep them dry and free from debris, and bring them to a facility that handles mixed loads. The staff will weigh and process everything safely.

Do You Have Metal to Recycle?

M&M Recycling handles everything from small household drop-offs to industrial truckloads of scrap, and we treat every customer with the same respect. When you come to us, you get fair weights, honest rates, and great service from people who care about doing things right. Our scrap metal company is built on trust, community, and sustainability. Recycling should be simple and worthwhile, whether you’re clearing out an old garage, running a construction site, or cleaning up a shop. If you have old appliances, leftover metal, or construction debris ready to go, bring them in today and earn some extra cash while you’re at it.