There’s no denying that all of us need to be doing our part to waste less and recycle more. At Sutter Metals, it’s our mission to make that goal not only attainable, but advantageous to individuals and businesses who undertake it.
While the rules and results of recycling things like plastic and cardboard may seem constantly changing, there is one material that is always an effective recycling choice: metal. This blog will give you the 101 on Tacoma metal recycling for your junk cars, old appliances, tin cans, and more.
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The Tacoma Metal Recycling 101 Guide
Metal is one of the most effective materials to recycle. Almost all types of metal can be recycled, and most of them can be recycled indefinitely. That means there is no reason for us to ever throw away metal. Not only because we’re throwing away something valuable, but because metal in landfills is extremely harmful. It can take hundreds of years for metals to decompose, during which time they release toxins that hurt vegetation and wildlife.
Recycling metal doesn’t just benefit the planet–it can benefit your pocket! In addition to being one of the easiest materials to recycle, metal is also one of the most valuable. That’s why Sutter Metals makes Tacoma metal recycling both convenient and lucrative. Let’s talk about recycling different types of metals from various items.
Vehicles
Fortunately, around 95% of vehicles in the U.S. are scrapped and recycled. Let’s keep that positive number going! Your “junk vehicle” isn’t junk at all–it’s full of valuable metals and components. The majority of a vehicle’s parts and pieces can be reused or recycled. Components like the engine, radiator, doors, and wheels might be sold and resused, while other materials are shredded or melted down to create new products. The metal body of the car, the glass windshields, the rubber tires, and the palstic dashboard–these are all recyclable!
To recycle an old vehicle at Sutter Metals, you can either bring it to one of our facilities or have us tow it. Then, we’ll give you the best price for its components and materials. Simply fill out our vehicle valuation form to get an estimate of its worth and learn more about our services!
Appliances
Many household appliances can and should be recycled. Things like your toaster, refrigerator, and hairdryer still have value for their materials after they’ve stopped working. These appliances often contain useful metals, and the plastic may be recyclable too.
Sutter Metals can recycle many types of appliances, and for those we can’t, try exploring other resources from Earth911. Here’s a general list of common appliances that can be recycled:
- Kitchen appliances: toasters, air friers, microwaves, mixers
- Personal care devices: hair styling tools, electric toothbrushes
- Large appliances: washing machines, ovens, refrigerators
- Power tools: drills, electric saws, sewing machines
- Lawn tools and machinery: weed eaters, lawnmowers, leaf blowers
- Exercise equipment: ellipticals, stationary bikes, treadmills
Containers and Cans
Many of our favorite foods and beverages come in metal containers! Soup cans and soda cans are perhaps the most common example. You can recycle these cans in your blue recycling bin at home, or you can bring your collection of aluminum cans to Sutter Metals to earn some spare change. Keep in mind that the lids of cans can’t usually be recycled.
Electronics
In 2022, 5.3 billion phones were thrown away. That’s enough to make a 31,000 foot tall pile if we stacked them on top of each other. Why are we throwing so many valuable electronics into landfills? You can recycle your old smartphones, laptops, and other devices!
Sutter Metals offers easy recycling services for many electronics, often known as e-scrap. Aside from the devices themselves, you can also recycle components and accessories like hard drives, cables, and remotes. Larger devices like TVs and game consoles are also recyclable.
Fixtures
You probably don’t think twice about the various fixtures around your house, until it’s time to replace them and you wonder…what should I do with these? The answer is, recycle them. Plumbing fixtures like pipes and faucets are often made of valuable, recyclable metals.
Wiring
Similar to fixtures, wiring is an often-overlooked recyclable resource. Copper wire is common in electrical parts and cabling, and copper is highly sought after. #1 Copper and Bright Copper are both common wiring materials that you can make money off of when you recycle!
Other
There are so many items in your house and car that contain stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals and can probably be recycled. Before you throw anything away, consider what it’s made of, and do a little research to see if it’s recyclable. Chances are good it is! Here are a handful of miscellaneous items that may be recyclable for metal and other materials:
- Musical instruments
- Batteries
- Heating and cooling systems
- Utensils and tools
- Construction materials
- Aluminum siding, doors, and windows
- Shell brass
Convenient Tacoma Metal Recycling at Sutter Metals
Whatever metal items you have that you can no longer use, they’re likely recyclable and maybe even valuable. Sutter Metals accepts a wide variety of scrap and offers convenient Tacoma metal recycling services. You can bring your scrap to us, have us tow your old vehicles, or partner with us for convenient drop-bins at your workplace.
If you’re not sure whether something is recyclable, just give us a call! We’d be happy to answer any questions and give you an estimated value for your items.