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.

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. 

3 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle

nonworking appliances that were sold for scrap to a Illinois scrap yard for recycling.

3 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle

Most home and business owners throughout the country are unaware of the vast number of things that can be recycled, choosing to throw away old and unusable items rather than bring them to a recycling center. Unfortunately, this leads to unnecessary waste that could be prevented.

Statistics show that Americans throw away enough aluminum every year to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet, and waste nearly one million pounds of materials per person per year. What’s more, despite representing just five percent of the world’s population, Americans generate 30 percent of the world’s garbage.

But you can do your part to recycle more and reduce waste. Here are four things that you didn’t know that you could recycle and that you shouldn’t just throw out–

1. Appliances

It’s not just small household appliances that can be recycled, but large ones, too. In fact, recycling your refrigerator, stove, air conditioner, and more is one of the best things that you can do for the earth. In fact, steel–which is the most recycled material in the U.S.–makes up 75 percent of the average appliance. What’s more, recycled home appliances account for about 10 percent of total recycled steel each year. If you’re recycling a product with fluorocarbons or chlorofluorocarbons, it’s important to work with a qualified recycler who knows how to dispose of these materials safely.

2. Whole Computers

Dumping your old computer in the landfill is an environmental hazard – computers contain up to eight pounds of lead, as well as other toxic materials that contribute to environmental contamination. That being said, you can drop off whole computers with a certified recycler who will salvage any recyclable materials and safely dispose of hazardous or toxic ones.

3. Electric Motors

Practically any piece of equipment or tool that uses electricity and has moving parts functions with the use of an electric motor. Motors can be brought to a scrap recycling center, which will separate salvageable materials, including the large amounts of copper wire that are found within most electric motors.

…And That’s Not All!

The list of recyclable materials is just a small handful of the everyday items that Americans often throw out, but could be recycling. At SMS, we are passionate about scrap recycling and want to take all of your sources of unwanted scrap metal. To learn more about our recycling process and other materials that we will buy from you, please contact us online or call one of our locations directly – we have offices throughout the country. You can reach our Burnham, Illinois location at 708-730-1400.

Who Benefits from Scrap Metal Recycling?

recycling metal concept for finding a good scrap metal recycling center near me.

Who Benefits from Scrap Metal Recycling?

The majority of home and business owners throughout the United States are quick to take their unwanted materials–many of which contain salvageable ferrous and nonferrous materials–to the dump. However, these individuals should be taking their unwanted items to a scrap recycling center, and for good reason: scrap metal recycling benefits everyone.

Why Is Recycling So Important?

The benefits of recycling are myriad. Three of the tops reasons that recycling matters include:

  • Recycling helps the planet. Whether you’re an environmentalist or not, there is no doubt that recycling keeps products out of the waste stream and mitigates the necessity of metal mining and new production. Indeed, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that in a single year, recycling and composting prevented 87.2 million tons of materials from being disposed of, preventing the release of about 186 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the air. That’s the equivalent of taking more than 39 million cars off the road for a year.
  • Recycling stimulates the economy. Recycling does more than just help the earth (and subsequently, the humans who inhabit it); it also stimulates the economy. A 2016 report concluded that for every 1,000 tons of materials collected and recycled, $76,030 in wages and $14,101 in tax revenues were generated.
  • Recycling creates jobs. Finally, recycling helps the economy and individuals by creating jobs for workers across the nation. One report found that the scrap metal industry generated over 150,000 direct jobs and 323,000 indirect jobs in a single year and that the overall U.S. recycling industry employed about 1.25 million people in a single year.

So Who’s Benefiting?

When asked who’s benefiting from scrap recycling, the answer is obvious: everyone! A strong economy, job creation, and reduced carbon dioxide in the environment are advantageous for everyone in the United States, regardless of where you live or what you do.

There’s Cash in it for You, Too

What’s more, when you choose to recycle your unwanted scrap materials with Scrap Metal Services, LLC, you’ll get more than the feel-good sensation that comes with knowing that you’re doing the ethical thing; we’ll also pay you top dollar for your scrap! This is an easy way to pad your pockets or add money to your business’s coffers.

Call Scrap Metal Services, LLC Today

To learn more about scrap metal recycling and how our company can serve you, please reach out to us directly. We have locations throughout the United States and provide comprehensive on-site and transportation services depending on your needs. Reach our Burnham, Illinois location by phone at 708-730-1400 or contact us by sending us a message directly. Our scrap metal recyclers are ready to serve you!

Metal Prices Are on the Rise – Recycle Your Scrap Today

dollar bills indicating an increase in price for scrap metal with scrap recycling center in your area.

Metal Prices Are on the Rise - Recycle Your Scrap Today

Metal prices throughout the world are on the rise, making scrap metal more valuable. If you’ve been thinking about recycling your scrap with a trusted scrap recycler near you, now’s the perfect time to do so. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we base our cash offers on current metal values; you can maximize your payment by recycling with us while prices are booming.

Ferrous and Nonferrous Market News

According to iScrap App, which tracks metal and scrap prices globally, as of February 28, 2019, the steel national average is up by $123.00 per ton, and the copper national average is up by $2.24 per pound. As steel and copper prices increase, it’s predicted that the value of some other metals will follow suit, too.

The trend isn’t limited to February of the current year; instead, data shows that steel (and other metal prices) have been continually increasing over the last year. In fact, the major categories of steel purchased by manufacturers and producers have increased between 18 – 25 percent over the past year.

While the higher metal prices can be damaging for U.S.-based manufacturers who rely on steel imports from other countries to do business, there is an upside: rising metal prices (and tariffs) are pushing companies that need metal for production needs to turn to U.S.-based metal processors. This, in turn, has a direct effect on scrap metal prices in the U.S., driving prices up as demand increases.

Sell Your Materials Today

It’s impossible to predict how tariffs and global steel prices will affect scrap metal prices in the future, but today, scrap metal prices are strong, and as such, it’s recommended that you sell scrap materials now while the market is robust. Note that big things are happening in terms of metal prices, as the United States and China are sketching the details of a deal to end the trade war.

Scrap Metal Services, LLC Is Ready to Buy from You

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we are passionate about scrap metal recycling. If you have ferrous or nonferrous materials and items on your property, including farm equipment, machinery, and more, we want to be of service. When you call our trusted scrap recyclers, we will manage all of the logistics associated with processing your scrap, including transportation, weighing, and metal separation. We not only are a trusted name a global leader in the scrap recycling industry, but we also pay top dollar in cash for your scrap.

To learn more, please contact us by phone or online today. We have locations nationally.

Factors that Affect Scrap Metal Prices

Price word cloud for scrap metal pricing trends when wanting to sell scrap metal.

Whether you’re a business owner that purchases scrap metal post-processing, or an individual or a business owner that sells your scrap metal for processing, understanding how scrap metal prices are set is important. Consider these primary factors that affect scrap metal prices in the United States, and feel free to reach out to one of our scrap yards or scrap mills for more questions about the current prices that we are offering to buy scrap metal–

Energy and Production Costs

Clearly, the costs of energy (and production) can have a large effect on the price of scrap metal. Energy costs include the costs of gas, oil, and other sources of electricity. When costs of processing are especially high, the price that is offered for scrap metal may drop in order to make up for the difference. That being said, if the costs associated with new metal mining are particularly high, this can make scrap metal and scrap recycling a more valuable endeavor.

Supply and Demand

One of the most basic economic theories that drives the price of scrap metal is that of supply and demand. This theory holds that the greater the supply of a product, the lower the price; the greater the demand, especially when supply is limited, the higher the price. When scrap metal is in low demand and high supply, scrap metal prices will be lower.

Price of New, Virgin Metals

Another element that can affect the price of scrap metal is the price of virgin metals – those that are newly mined and have not ever been used, recycled, or processed. When virgin metals are more expensive (which can be driven by energy and production costs and supply and demand), scrap metal becomes more valuable as an alternative to virgin products. On the other hand, when virgin metal prices drop, scrap metal becomes less essential, as industries can afford virgin metals instead.

Contact Scrap Metal Services, LLC for Fair Scrap Metal Pricing

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we always pay top dollar and fair market value for our customers’ scrap metal and are transparent in how our prices for scrap are determined. To learn more about our scrap pricing, what we buy and what we do not buy, and our locations throughout the United States, please reach out to us today.

We are a leader in the scrap recycling industry with a reputation of excellence, sustainable practices, and worker safety. Please call us today at 708-730-1400 or send us a message directly.