Can I Scrap Old Farm Equipment? 

Do you have old farm equipment? We buy scrap metal for cash, if you're near Burns Harbor, IN, call today!

Can I Scrap Old Farm Equipment? 

For individuals involved in the agricultural industry such as farmers, farm equipment is essential but what do you do when it is no longer needed? Fortunately, there exists a viable solution that involves the disposal of old farm equipment. Scrap Metal Services can remove equipment from the premises while also providing the farmer with the opportunity to generate additional revenue. We will provide an overview of the fundamentals of scrapping old farm equipment and how the team at Scrap Metal Services, LLC can assist in this regard. Also refer to our service for steel mill services to get an overview of scrapping basics. 

Scrapping old farm equipment entails the process of dismantling or breaking down equipment that has surpassed its lifespan or is no longer in operation. The process commences with the farmer assessing the equipment and determining its value. Subsequently, the farmer can then connect with a reputable scrap metal service such as Scrap Metal Services, LLC, which specializes in the recycling and repurposing of various metals. Upon contacting such a service, the farmer can arrange for the collection and transport of the equipment from their location to the service provider’s facility.

Once the equipment has arrived at the facility, the scrap metal service provider proceeds with the deconstruction of the equipment, separating the various metals and materials to maximize their value. The service provider then recycles or repurposes the metals and materials, contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing waste and decreasing the reliance on mining for new metals.

By opting to scrap their old farm equipment, farmers can free up space on their property, dispose of equipment that no longer serves a purpose, and generate additional revenue. Furthermore, by selecting a reliable scrap metal service provider like Scrap Metal Services, LLC, farmers can rest assured that their equipment will be handled safely, efficiently, and responsibly.

Old red tractor to be scrapped for recycling

Why Sell Old Farm Equipment For Scrap Metal Recycling?

The average farmer or agricultural producer likely has a number of old machines and equipment on their property, including tractors, broken combines, beaten-up plows, and more. If you haven’t prioritized thinking about a solution for this equipment, now’s the time. By recycling your old farm equipment, you’ll realize the following benefits—

  • Cash in your pocket. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we provide cash for scrap metal. What’s more, we handle 100 percent of the process and logistics, so you don’t have to worry about anything. We can transport the old equipment, handle weighing and dismantling, metal separation, and more. 
  • More space on your property, reduced liability. Keeping old farm equipment on your property isn’t doing you any favors. Not only may it be an eyesore, but it also takes up valuable space that could be used for something else. In some cases, old farm equipment may even present a hazard and therefore be a liability.
  • Support for the local economy + environmental sustainability. Recycling metal locally helps to support local jobs and the local economy, something we all benefit from. Recycling metal is also the environmentally responsible and sustainable thing to do, as it helps to conserve resources. As more farmers feel the impacts of climate change, sustainability is more important than ever. 


Scrap old farm equipment

How To Scrap Old Farm Equipment.

Recycling your old farm equipment is easy with Scrap Metal Services, LLC! All you need to do to get started is to give us a call or send us a message telling us a little bit more about the old farm equipment and machinery that’s ready for scrapping. From there, we can come out to your location and assess the equipment. If it’s a great option for recycling, we’ll handle all transportation and logistics. We are more than happy to pick up your heaviest farm scrap metal. Of course, you’re always welcome to bring in scrap to our location for processing. 

To learn more about scrapping your old farm equipment with our leading scrap metal recycler, call us today. We work across state lines and provide transportation services nationally. Reach us today by phone or online to get started.

Rusty farm equipment for scrapping

Environmental Benefits of Recycling Steel 

Metal scrap pile at business site for Metal Recycling Service Illinois

Environmental Benefits of Recycling Steel 

Whether you’re an individual with scrap metal or steel on your property, or a business owner who’s trying to find an effective solution for steel scrap management, it’s important that you know about the environmental benefits of recycling steel. While most people know that steel recycling supports the local economy and helps to support local jobs—and that they can get paid for their scrap metal—few understand that recycling steel is also a more sustainable option. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we are proud to be a global leader in scrap metal recycling, and we are committed to maximizing our sustainability impacts and minimizing our footprint. Here’s what you should know about the environmental benefits of steel recycling—if you have any questions or want to recycle your (steel) metal products, call us directly today.

Steel Can Be Recycled Again, and Again, and Again…

One of the things that makes steel such a sustainable metal is that it can be recycled not just once, not just twice, but multiple times throughout its lifetime. Indeed, steel can be recycled over and over again without losing the strength and durability for which it’s known. This means that it can be used in a variety of industries for numerous applications without its quality being compromised. When steel is recycled like this, the need for new metal mining is significantly reduced.

Recycling Steel Reduces New Mining Projects

When steel is recycled and becomes part of the circular economy, there is less of a demand for new steel products; on the other hand, if steel is thrown away and sent to the landfill, there is less steel in the economy, and therefore more steel is required to strike a balance. When new steel is required and it cannot be obtained through steel recycling, it must be mined. Mining can be incredibly destructive to the natural environment and natural habitats, result in the extraction and use of natural resources, lead to the release of toxins and pollutants, use large amounts of energy and water, and can be associated with labor violations in some cases. 

Recycling Steel Conserves Natural Resources, Water, and Energy

It would be untrue to say that steel recycling has zero carbon footprint or that it doesn’t use any energy or fossil fuels; it does. However, the amount of energy, fossil fuels, water, and natural resources that are used to recycle steel products is less than the amount of those same resources used to mine new steel. Keeping steel in circulation, then, is a more sustainable option that supports planetary health.

Learn More About Steel Recycling Today

To learn more about scrap metal recycling and steel recycling, please call Scrap Metal Services, LLC. We are a leader in steel recycling and look forward to working with you!

How Are Scrap Metal Prices Determined? 

Collecting Scrap Metal Becuse Prices Are Increasing and Fluctuating

How Are Scrap Metal Prices Determined? 

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we buy and sell scrap metal. We always pay fair market value for the metal that we buy, and always keep our prices competitive when selling. This begs the question, though: How are scrap metal prices determined? 

There are numerous factors that impact the price of scrap metal, outlined below. If you have questions about scrap metal pricing or how you can buy or sell metal with Scrap Metal Services, LLC, please reach out to us directly today.

Factors that Impact Scrap Metal Prices

Scrap metal prices are impacted by more than just a single factor; instead, there are a handful of details that can raise or lower metal prices. These include:

  • International trading and global politics. International relationships and politics can influence metal prices, in large part because such relationships may influence who’s selling to whom and how sellers are setting their prices. For example, tensions between China—which is a large player in the global metal markets—could impact prices. 
  • Season. The seasons and the time of year can impact the markets, as consumer behaviors may shift depending on the weather, holidays, etc., raising or lowering demand. 
  • Location. When metal has to travel long distances before being sold, transportation and handling fees can increase the price. On the contrary, when metal is sold near the ports or at the location of manufacture,  it tends to be less expensive. 
  • Quantity and quality. When the quantity of available metal is low, the price tends to go up; similarly, the amount of scrap that a scrap yard intakes can influence prices. Additionally, the quality of metal also impacts prices, with higher-quality metals typically being priced higher. 
  • Industry demand. When there is a large demand for certain metal types, prices of that metal tend to go up, especially if supply is low. This is the basic economic theory of supply and demand. 
  • Market prices. Finally, within a scrap yard or metal distribution center, global market prices for metal can impact for how much a smaller supplier is selling metal.

Call Scrap Metal Services, LLC Today

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we always keep our prices fair and reasonable and always pay top dollar for the scrap that we buy. If you have metal that you want to sell, or if you need to buy finished metal products, we can help. Learn more about our scrap metal recycling services, our brokerage and trading services, and our scrap yard by calling us directly or sending us a message at your convenience. We look forward to working with you!

Ferrous vs. Nonferrous Metals

Ferrous and Nonferrous material needs to be sorted correctly for safety

Ferrous vs. Nonferrous Metals

Whether your company produces scrap metal and you have questions about metal separation and pricing, or if you’re in the market to buy or sell metals, it’s important to understand the basic differences between ferrous and nonferrous materials. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we not only process both types of metals, but can answer all of your questions about metal types. 

What Are Ferrous Materials?

Ferrous materials are iron-containing metals. Because of this, ferrous materials have their own distinctive properties that affect what the metals are both used for. Because of the iron in them, most ferrous materials are magnetic, making them useful in electrical applications. Another thing to consider is that the majority of ferrous metals have a higher carbon content, which makes them more durable, but also makes them more likely to rust, with some exceptions. Common ferrous metals include steel, carbon steel, cast iron, and wrought iron. 

What Are Nonferrous Materials?

Nonferrous metals are simply those metals that do not contain any appreciable amount of iron. The primary advantage of nonferrous materials is that they are more flexible and malleable than their ferrous counterparts. Because they don’t contain any iron, they’re also more resistant to corrosion and rust. Common nonferrous metals include zinc, tin, aluminum, lead, and copper. 

FAQs About Ferrous and Nonferrous Materials

Consider the following answers to frequently asked questions we hear about ferrous and nonferrous materials–

  • Do I need to separate materials before recycling? If you are bringing metals to a scrap recycling center or scrap yard, you may wonder whether you need to separate materials before arrival. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, you do not need to separate your ferrous and nonferrous materials, nor do you need to weigh materials in advance. We can handle this at our facility.
  • Why should I recycle metal products? Recycling both ferrous and nonferrous materials is an important part of being an environmental steward and a responsible citizen. Recycling metals helps to reduce the need for new metal mining, keeps materials out of the landfill, conserves energy, and supports the local economy.

Learn More By Calling Scrap Metal Services, LLC Directly Today

If you have more questions about ferrous vs. nonferrous metals, what we buy, what we sell, or how to start recycling your scrap metal, call our team at Scrap Metal Services, LLC directly today. We are happy to answer your questions and look forward to working together.

What Happens to Scrap Metal After It’s Recycled? 

A pile of bronze scrap metal representing how our Indiana scrap metal recycling center can help you manage your scrap.

What Happens to Scrap Metal After It's Recycled? 

Most people know that recycling is really important. Recycling saves water and energy, prevents materials from being disposed of into the landfill, and keeps materials in circulation so that they can be used again. Recycling also helps to create and sustain local jobs. 

But while you may know that recycling is important, you may be unsure about what actually happens to scrap metal once it’s recycled. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we can answer all of your questions about the scrap metal recycling process and even offer recycled metal products for sale at our location. 

The Scrap Metal Recycling Process

First, it’s important to understand what happens when scrap metal is recycled — what does the process look like?

When you bring in scrap metal to a recycling facility for processing, the first thing that will happen is that the metal will be separated into ferrous (iron-containing) and non-ferrous (non-iron-containing) materials. Then it will be weighed. You’ll then be paid cash for the drop-off!

After metal is separated and weighed, it will be cleaned and sorted according to type (aluminum, steel, etc.). Then, the metal will be melted and tested for purity and contaminants. 

Finally, the metal will be cooled and shaped. 

What Happens After It’s Recycled?

Once metal has been cooled and shaped, the recycling process is complete! The metal will be shaped into usable metal products, like plates, coils, billets, tubing, alloys, sheets, cast iron, pipes, and more. Purchasing recycled metal is usually less expensive and also a great way to support the recycling process!

Choose Scrap Metal Services, LLC for All of Your Metal Processing Needs

If you have scrap metal on your property in the form of raw scrap, equipment, machinery, or other metal-containing materials, you can sell your scrap metal to us for cash. We will responsibly recycle your scrap metal.

If you need to buy ferrous and non-ferrous materials post-processing, we can help with that, too. Visit our facility to view our inventory and get the products that you need. 

We work with individuals as well as businesses in a variety of industries, including steel service centers and much more. 

To learn more about our services, scrap metal recycling, and what happens to scrap metal after it’s recycled, call our team directly today or send us a message online at your convenience. We are here to serve you.

How Companies that Buy Scrap Metal Are Improving the Environment

A hand holding up a recycling symbol with greenery in the background representing how our Chicago scrap metal recycling center can help the environment.

How Companies that Buy Scrap Metal Are Improving the Environment

In 2021, environmental ills are a serious threat. Not only are greenhouse gases contributing to climate change–which could have devastating effects for the planet as a whole and everyone on it–but countries are also struggling with finding a solution to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, polluted air and water, a loss of biodiversity, and more. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we know that there’s no single panacea to this looming problem, but we are passionate about doing our part to help. We firmly believe that scrap metal recycling and buying scrap metal (as opposed to new metal products) can help the environment. Here’s how–

Recycled Metal Reduced the Need for New Metal Mining

New metal mining is an incredibly extractive and destructive practice that can lead to water pollution, loss of habitat, emissions, energy and water loss, and more. What’s more, metal is a nonrenewable resource. By recycling metal, on the other hand, the need for new metal mining is reduced.

Recycling Keeps Materials Out of the Landfill

Most people don’t think twice about putting something in the trash, but the reality is that the lack of land for new landfills is something that must be taken seriously. Not only is there not enough space in landfills, but landfills emit large levels of greenhouse gasses and are a source of toxic pollutants. By diverting materials away from the landfill–by recycling and purchasing recycled goods instead–you’re doing the earth a favor.

Recycling Takes Less Energy and Water

Finally, not only will you help to reduce emissions and conserve habitat, as well as keep materials out of the landfill, by choosing recycling metals over new metals, but you’ll also help to conserve both energy and water, too. 

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, We Do it Right

Part of being a conscious consumer is not only purchasing recycled metal when it’s available, but purchasing it from a supplier that’s committed to doing their part, too. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, our sustainability initiatives matter to us, and we are committed to being green. To learn more about some of our sustainability initiatives and what we’re doing to reduce our footprint, please feel free to reach out to us directly today.  

In the meantime, you can learn more about selling metal to us or buying metal from us by calling our center, visiting our location in person, or sending us a message using the intake form on our website. We look forward to working together.

What to Expect from Scrap Metal Prices in 2021

A pile of scrap metal representing how our Chicago non-ferrous processing services can benefit your business.

What to Expect from Scrap Metal Prices in 2021

For businesses that rely on metal for production and manufacturing, as well as those who sell scrap metal or process scrap metal, metal prices can have a big impact on the business’s bottom line. While it’s impossible to say for sure what 2021 will hold in terms of scrap metal prices, here’s a quick overview of some of the predictions. To stay in the know about metal prices, or to ask any questions about metal prices or scrap metal processing, reach out to our team at Scrap Metal Services, LLC today.

Supply Chain Holes Expected to Push Prices Higher

According to an article published in Recycling Today, metal prices may very well climb in 2021, at least during the first half of the year. This is likely to be fueled by holes in the supply chain caused by the pandemic and the pending widespread vaccination, both of which are expected to weigh heavily on the supply side of the metal market. On the demand side, global economic recovery is likely to influence and drive demand, creating a gap between supply and demand that drives metal prices upward. 

Additionally, towards the start of the new year in the midst of winter weather, prices are also supposed to be a little bit higher as a direct result of the challenges of moving metal in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. Transportation is often hampered during the coldest months of the year, which impacts ports worldwide. 

Metal Prices Predicted to Stay Strong Over Next Few Years

Recycling Today isn’t the only one that believes that metal prices will remain high over the next year, and perhaps even longer; iScrap App also predicts that “copper prices and other metals are going to be strong over the next few years.” This prediction is based on an increase in the demand for commodities in the past few weeks – a prediction that is expected to last into the future. The coming vaccine also indicates that markets are likely to remain strong. Oil prices have also increased recently, which suggests that there will be a rebound in most markets moving into the new year. Both ferrous and non-ferrous metal prices are anticipated to increase in 2021 and demand is likely to continue to rise.

Scrap Metal Services, LLC: Meeting Your Metal Processing Needs

The fact that metal prices are on the rise means that it’s a good time to sell your scrap metal. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we pay cash for your metal and handle all weighing, separation, and processing on-site. To learn more about selling to us or to ask a question about metal pricing or scrap metal recycling, reach out to us today.