If you’ve ever looked at a pile of old appliances, wires, or tools and thought, “Is any of this worth something?” — the answer is yes! Welcome to the world of scrap metal recycling. At Sutter Metals, with locations in Tacoma, Centralia, and Lacey, WA, we make it easy for you to turn your scrap into cash. But before you head to one of our yards, there’s one key step that can make a big difference in what you earn: separating your scrap metal.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to separate scrap metal, why it matters, and how you can get the most value for your materials.
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Why Separating Scrap Metal Matters
Taking the time to separate your scrap metal before bringing it to our yard pays off in more ways than one. First and foremost, it can increase your payout—clean, sorted scrap is often more valuable than mixed or dirty loads, which may be downgraded. It also helps speed up the recycling process. When your materials are already organized, we can weigh and process them much faster, meaning less waiting for you.
And let’s not forget the environmental benefits. Properly sorted metals are easier to recycle efficiently, helping conserve natural resources and reduce energy use.
How to Separate Scrap Metal: 5 Steps
Now that you understand the benefits, let’s break down exactly how to separate your scrap metal. It doesn’t take a lot of tools or experience—just a bit of know-how and some preparation. By following these simple steps, you’ll be ready to maximize the value of your scrap and streamline your drop-off experience at Sutter Metals.
Step 1: Gather Your Scrap
Before you can sort it, you need to collect it! Common sources of scrap metal include:
- Old appliances (washers, dryers, microwaves)
- Automotive parts (batteries, wheels, engines. We can also take the whole car!)
- Construction materials (copper piping, rebar, aluminum siding)
- Wires and cables
- Tools, lawn equipment, and even household items like pots and pans
Don’t worry if your items are rusty or a bit dirty—we can still recycle them. However, clean materials are typically worth more, so wash them off if possible.
Step 2: Identify Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous Metals
The first major separation to make is between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Ferrous Metals
- Contain iron
- Magnetic
- Typical examples: steel, iron, cast iron
Non-Ferrous Metals
- Do not contain iron
- Not magnetic
- More valuable than ferrous metals
- Common examples: copper, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, lead
Pro Tip: Use a magnet to make this step easy. If the magnet sticks, it’s ferrous. If not, it’s non-ferrous.
Step 3: Sort Non-Ferrous Metals by Type
Non-ferrous metals tend to bring in more cash, so it pays to sort them properly. Here are some of the common types of non-ferrous metals you can recycle.
- Copper is one of the most valuable scrap metals and is often found in plumbing pipes, wires, and motors. It usually appears reddish-brown when clean.
- Aluminum is lightweight and has a dull silver color. You can find it in things like siding, window frames, gutters, and soda cans.
- Brass has a distinctive yellow-gold color and is commonly found in plumbing fixtures, keys, and decorative items.
- Cast iron is very heavy, brittle, and has a dark, rough surface. It’s commonly found in old tubs, radiators, and cookware.
- Lead is heavy and soft with a dull gray finish. You’ll often find it in car batteries or older plumbing pipes.
When in doubt, ask our team! We’re always happy to help identify mystery metals.
Step 4: Remove Non-Metal Attachments
Many items have plastic, rubber, wood, or other non-metal materials attached. While we can still accept these items, you’ll get a better price if you remove these attachments beforehand. For example:
- Strip insulation off wires (use a wire stripper)
- Take rubber off old lawnmower wheels
- Remove plastic housings from appliances
The cleaner your scrap, the more it’s worth! However, depending on how much scrap you have, the price difference isn’t always worth the time it takes to take things apart. You can always call ahead for advice on whether this step is worth the effort for your items.
Step 5: Bundle or Containerize for Transport
Organize your sorted metals into separate bins, boxes, or bags. Label them if needed, and keep similar metals together. This makes it easier for both you and our crew when you arrive at our yard.
If you have a large load, consider calling ahead to schedule a drop-off or pickup. We offer container services for commercial and industrial clients as well.
Bonus Tip: Keep Safety in Mind
Scrap metal can have sharp edges and is often heavy. Always wear gloves, boots, and eye protection when sorting and transporting scrap. If you’re dealing with electronic waste, batteries, or hazardous materials, ask us how to handle them safely.
What Sutter Metals Accepts
At Sutter Metals, we recycle a wide range of materials. Here are just a few:
- Aluminum (sheet, cans, extrusions)
- Copper (bare bright, #1, #2, insulated wire)
- Steel and iron
- Brass
- Stainless steel
- Electronics
- Junk cars
Get Started Today
Learning how to separate scrap metal isn’t just for professionals—anyone can do it with a little practice and the right knowledge. It’s a simple way to make a difference for the environment and earn a little extra cash along the way. So, take a few minutes to sort it out next time you’re ready to haul in your scrap. Your wallet (and the planet) will thank you!
Whether you’re a homeowner cleaning out the garage or a contractor with leftover materials, we’re here to help you recycle responsibly and get paid for it. With convenient locations in Tacoma, Centralia, and Lacey, WA, Sutter Metals is your go-to partner for scrap metal recycling in the South Sound region.
Bring your separated scrap to us and let our friendly team do the rest. Got questions? We’re only a phone call away and always happy to help!