Industry Insights for the Scrap Metal Industry

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The scrap metal and scrap metal recycling industries are a very important part of U.S. revenue and economic wellbeing, generating billions of dollars every year and providing numerous jobs. Of course, like all industries, year-over-year changes and fluctuations in the market are common. Here are some industry insights for the scrap metal industry for 2018 that are important to know if you work in the scrap metal industry, or are a scrap metal buyer or seller–

Who Are We Talking About When We Say “Scrap Metal Industry?”

When we use the term “scrap metal industry,” we are talking about numerous different players. These key players include:

  • Steel and iron recyclers;
  • Aluminum scrap recyclers;
  • Lead scrap recyclers;
  • Copper scrap recyclers; and
  • Other nonferrous scrap recyclers.

In addition to recyclers, all those involved in the collection and processing of ferrous and nonferrous materials are counted, too.

Revenue Is Slightly Down

According to IBISWorld, over the past five years, the scrap metal industry has declined ever so slightly – 2.3 percent to be exact. As such, U.S.-based scrap metal revenue generated approximately $39 billion in 2018. In addition to the slight revenue decrease compared to previous years, the number of scrap metal businesses has also decreased by .9 percent, and the number of scrap metal employees has decreased by .6 percent.

What’s Expected for the Industry?

It can be difficult to make accurate predictions about the industry – a change can be preceded by a political move, bad weather, or numerous other unexpected circumstances. That being said, some forecasts for the future include:

  • The price of steel is expected to fall slightly, which could threaten the scrap recycling industry. When prices for steel are lower, there is less demand for scrap recycling.
  • However, the industry could also experience a boom in the future, at least in the United States. This is because China buys a lot of American recycled steel products, and as the GDP of China is expected to increase, so are the country’s building and development needs, increasing the demand for steel.

Contact Scrap Metal Services, LLC Today to Learn More

If you have questions about scrap trends or scrap recycling or want to get fair market value when selling your scrap, call our team at Scrap Metal Services, LLC today. We are a leader in the scrap recycling industry and have years of experience behind us. Reach us at 708-730-1400 today or send us a message to learn more.

What Are Nonferrous Materials and How Are They Processed?

examples of nonferrous metals that can be recycled with an experienced metal recycling company

Most metal recycling operations focus on the recycling and processing of ferrous materials. However, nonferrous materials are important too and are desired by parties in numerous different industries. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we manage both ferrous and nonferrous metal processing.

What Does Nonferrous Mean?

Nonferrous materials are those materials that do not contain iron – on the contrary, ferrous materials are materials that do contain iron. There is a long list of valuable nonferrous materials, including:

  • Aluminum;
  • Nickel;
  • Zinc;
  • Tin;
  • Copper;
  • Lead;
  • Brass; and
  • Titanium.

What’s more, the metals that we think of as “precious metals,” like gold and silver, are also nonferrous. There are also numerous rare metals, like cobalt, that are nonferrous in nature.

What Do We Use Nonferrous Materials for?

Nonferrous materials are used in the iron and steel industries, and for the manufacture of consumer goods and more. They are desirable because they are flexible and lightweight, and may contain other properties, such as resistance to corrosion. Because these materials do not contain iron, they are not magnetic. This can be desirable for certain manufacturing jobs and other projects.

How Are Nonferrous Materials Processed and Recycled?

The recycling of nonferrous materials is critical; recycling is an economically viable option for most materials (i.e. aluminum) and is also environmentally sound. The process of recycling nonferrous materials starts with sorting – different materials types must be properly sorted in order to be processed correctly. It is critical that any non-recyclable materials, like plastic, are removed. The second step of the process is baling, where the nonferrous materials are compacted into large blocks. This makes their transportation easier.

After sorting and baling, shearing, or cutting, of the nonferrous materials is the next step. This is done using high-grade machinery. From there, ferrous and nonferrous materials are further sorted and separated, typically using magnetic forces. Finally, nonferrous materials will be melted and shaped.

We’re a Trusted Metal Recycler Near You

At Scrap Metal Services, Inc., we have been in the metal recycling industry for more than a decade, and are a worldwide leader in scrap processing. We specialize in metal recovery and the processing of both ferrous and nonferrous materials and are ready to help your company meet its recycling goals today.

To learn more about the process of recycling nonferrous materials, please call us today at 708-730-1400 or send us a message using the intake form on our website.

How Will Tariffs Affect Metal Prices?

tariff graphic concept for how changes in tariff will affect price of metal, contact a reputable scrap metal recycler

How Will Tariffs Affect Metal Prices?

Tariffs, including what they are and how they work, can be complicated to understand. What’s more, if you are employed or run a business in an industry that relies heavily on metal, you may be wondering how tariffs will affect metal prices. Here’s a brief overview of what you need to know-

What Are Tariffs?

Tariffs refer to a type of tax that is paid on an import or export to the United States. The tariffs imposed under President Trump specifically impose a tax on imports to the United States, which is assessed at the border (of course, in response, other countries enacted a tariff on imports to their own countries from the United States).
The basic idea behind a tariff is this: because it increases the cost of the good to be imported, the cost should act as a deterrent, urging Americans to purchase locally-manufactured items instead of imported ones. While this is a nice idea, in theory, the problem is that the vast majority of goods in the United States are made overseas, or at the very least, contain parts that are manufactured overseas.

What Do Tariffs Mean for Metal Prices?

The tariffs that were enacted by the Trump administration a few months ago have meant that metal prices have increased. To be sure, in January, the cost of Ingot Premium aluminum was 10 cents a pound, and by mid-March (after Trump had announced the 10 percent tariff on aluminum), the price had jumped to 20 cents a pound. Steel underwent a similar price hike – in January, the cost of hot-rolled coil was $661 per short ton, and in March, the price had increased to $836.

When Will Tariffs End?

If you’re in an industry that relies on the import of metals, you may be curious about when the tariffs will end. The answer is unclear, but as of September 2018, Trump has said that he’s considered more tariffs, not fewer. As a leader who strongly believes that imports hurt America, he’s been vehement in his conviction that tariffs will make America a stronger country and global leader.

Recycling Scrap Metal Can Help

While no one can avoid tariffs, and your business may be forced to import and pay high taxes on your imports as such, recycling scrap metal can help. The recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous materials like steel and aluminum reduces the need for additional imports from other countries, is good for the environment, and can be economically beneficial for companies.

We Can Help

To learn more about how we can manage your scrap metal processing and recycling needs, please call us today at 708-730-1400 or send our team a message today. We are a leader in the scrap recycling industry.

Environmental and Economical Benefits of Scrap Metal Recycling

sustainability concept for metal recycling work with our scrap metal company in Illinois

Environmental and Economical Benefits of Scrap Metal Recycling

Recycling scrap metal rather than taking it to the landfill is the just smart thing to do, period. In fact, not only can recycling be great for the earth–after all, recycling limits the amount of natural resources that have to be extracted and utilized–but it also has numerous economic benefits, too. Consider some of these environmental and economic benefits of scrap metal recycling–

Recycling Saves Natural Resources

One of the most pressing reasons why our team at Scrap Metal Services, LLC is passionate about recycling is that recycling saves natural resources. There is only a limited amount of metal ore found on the planet, and once we’ve extracted it, it’s gone. What’s more, extraction practices are harmful, energy-intensive, costly, and destroy habitat and pollute the air and water. Soil, plants, animals, water, and air are all tainted when we mine for metal ore – recycling is a better option.

Recycling Keeps Harmful Toxins Out of Landfills

Many metal-containing items that are recycled contain dangerous toxins, such as lead and mercury. When these materials are processed in the property facility type, these toxins can be separated and properly disposed of. Unfortunately, these materials–and the toxins they contain–often make their way into landfills, where the toxins then contaminate our soil and water. This can have a major disruptive effect on wildlife and the earth, as well as human health.

Recycling Generates Export Sales

Recycling scrap metal is good for the economy and generates billions of dollars in export sales every year. This means that through recycling of metal, America remains more competitive on the global scale.

Recycling Employs People

The recycling industry, including the scrap metal recycling industry, is one of the top employers in the country, providing jobs for tens of thousands of workers on an annual basis. In fact, according to Ecocycle.org, recycling and reuse creates at least nine times more jobs than does sending materials to landfills and incinerators, and up to as many as 30 times more jobs!

Do the Smart Thing for the Earth, the Country, and Your Business

By recycling your scrap metal, you can be an active participant in helping the environment, supporting American jobs, and even improving your own business’ economic situation – at Scrap Metal Services, Inc., we pay top dollar for your scrap!

To learn more about how we can help and why you should work with our scrap recycling team, please call us at 708-730-1400 today, or send us a message directly.

What to Look for in a Trusted Scrap Recycling Partner

trusted steel mill scrap metal recycling company in Blue Island

What to Look for in a Trusted Scrap Recycling Partner

Regardless of the industry in which you work, if your business produces scrap, or if you are an individual who is in possession old farm equipment, or other types of scrap metal, scrap recycling is a must. To be sure, scrap recycling not only helps your business to maximize its profits but also clears up space and puts you or your business at the forefront of responsible recycling efforts.

But before you hire just any company to buy and process your scrap, you should know what to look for in a trusted scrap recycling partner. Here are some key characteristics of a trusted scrap metal services company:

Experience

Our team of professionals knows that when it comes to scrap recycling, experience makes a huge difference. This is because scrap management and processing is a large undertaking and one that can take years to effectively refine. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we have been providing scrap services for clients for over a decade, and have quickly grown to a worldwide leader in the scrap recycling industry.

Comprehensive Services

We provide myriad services for our industrial partners. These services include management of all logistics, transportation services, container recycling services, railcar dismantling, ship decommissioning, processing of ferrous and nonferrous materials, demolition services, and more. We are your one-stop-shop for all of your scrap metal recycling needs; you’ll never need to work with outside third parties.

Commitment to Worker Safety

Worker safety is at the forefront of our approach to scrap management and processing. We maintain written health and safety policies, always do business within OSHA compliance and federal regulations, and maintain accident reports and a thorough investigation process.

Commitment to the Earth

We know that improper scrap metal recycling and dismantling services can be hazardous for the earth and that our workers and our planet face risks ranging from asbestos exposure, radioactive material exposure, pollution exposure, and more. We believe that recycling is one step in the goal to be more sustainable. We recycle in the most planet-friendly way possible, always adhering to EPA guidelines and best practices.

Putting Clients First

Finally, you want to work with a company that puts you first. We listen to our clients, pay top dollar for scrap, and handle all logistics. Working with us is easy, and you’ll always be met with honesty and transparency.

Start Recycling Scrap Today

The right company will meet all of the above criteria. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we are ready to meet with you and learn more about your scrap recycling needs. Call us today at 708-730-1400 or send us a message using the form found on our website.

Why Farmers Should Recycle Scrap Metal

image of vintage tractor that can be recycling with leading scrap metal recycling company in IL

If You’re a Farmer with Scrap on Your Property, Recycling this Metal Is Responsible and Profitable

As the harvest season comes to a close for farmers throughout the United States, there is a satisfaction in reaping what was sown. And as you drive your last loads of produce and agricultural wares to the market for sale, keep in mind that you have another source of profit on your farm: scrap. To be sure, scrap metal from old farm equipment can be profitable, and recycling your scrap metal can yield cash that allows you to reinvest in your farm.

Sources of Scrap on the Farm

Your farm likely has myriad sources of scrap just waiting to be harvested! Some of the top sources of scrap on your farm include:
  • Old farm tools;
  • Tractors;
  • Combines;
  • Plows;
  • Extra repair metal;
  • Old storage sheds (metal containers) in need of replacement; and
  • Old vehicles.
Take a walk around your farm – if you see sources of metal that are no longer in use and are just sitting around collecting rust, call our team. We can help you meet your sustainable agricultural scrap recycling goals.

Top Reasons to Recycle Your Farm’s Scrap Metal

If you’re a farmer, you know the value of hard work, and chances are, you also know the value of a dollar. Which is why recycling any farm scrap you have can be a smart choice. Recycling your farm’s scrap metal can yield:
  • More space for ongoing projects;
  • A safer workplace for farmers;
  • Pride and comfort in the knowledge that you’re doing your part to help the earth through responsible recycling of metals, which cuts down on the need for new metal mining; and
  • More money in your pocket that you can reinvest in your farm – at Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we pay top dollar for your agricultural scrap metal.
In fact, there’s no reason not to recycle your farm’s scrap metal. And don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s just worthless junk! We process metal and extract all valuable materials, and manage ferrous and nonferrous metal processing.

We Handle All of Your Agricultural Scrap Recycling Needs

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, our team is competently able to handle all of your agricultural scrap recycling needs. We provide comprehensive services, including on-site dismantling and deconstruction. We can also provide containers for loading and shipping, and handle 100 percent of the logistics and transportation needs associated with this operation. To learn more about scrap recycling of farm equipment and why you should work with Scrap Metal Services, LLC, call us today at 708-730-1400 or send us a message telling us more about your recycling needs as a farmer. We look forward to partnering with you!

The Benefits of Recycling Scrap for Your Business

Scrap Metal and if you are looking for help with metal scrap recycling contact a great company in Burnham.

There are a number of businesses in different industries that can benefit from the process of recycling scrap, ranging from agricultural businesses to manufacturing companies and more. Recycling scrap is not only easy when you work with Scrap Metal Services, LLC, but also a great way to clean up your property, make some money, and do the earth some good. Consider these tops benefits of recycling scrap for your business–

The Cash Makes it All Worth It

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons for businesses to turn to scrap recycling is the fact that recycling your scrap yields business revenue. If you have old equipment on your property that is obsolete, taking up room, and super heavy (because it’s so dense with metal), you can be paid for that piece! At Scrap Metal Services, we take all scrap, ranging from old reapers and winnowing machines and more. We pay cash for scrap!

Your Property Could Use the Pick-Me-Up

Another benefit that you’ll get from recycling your scrap is a cleaner and more organized-looking property. Not only may this be a key part of attracting customers and doing good business, but it can also provide you with more physical space on your property for other business operations. After all, if you keep allowing scrap to pile up without recycling it, at some point you’re going to run out of space.

You’re Doing the Earth a Favor

If your business is trying to go green, recycling your scrap is one step in the right direction. As explained by U.S. Geological Survey, metals are important reusable resources and recycling them provides environmental and economic benefits, including reduced waste and improved energy savings. In a single year, the United States recycled 58.3 million metric tons of selected metals, the majority of which were iron and steel.

If you’re wondering why going green is good for your business, consider that in today’s competitive business market, customers are always looking for companies that stand out from the rest – prioritizing environmental responsibility may help you achieve that. Recycling may also help your business get the green certifications it’s striving for.

Learn More About Scrap Recycling from Scrap Metal Services, LLC

There are a number of benefits associated with recycling scrap but you can’t take advantage of these benefits without partnering with a trusted scrap recycler near you. At Scrap Metal Services, we provide a full range of scrap recycling services including the processing of ferrous and non-ferrous materials, railcar and ship and vessel dismantling, and management of all transportation and logistics.

To learn more about our scrap recycling services for your business, please reach out to us directly. We serve businesses in a variety of industries and serve companies throughout the United States. Reach us by sending us a message using the intake form on our website, or call our Burnham, Illinois location at 708-730-1400.

3 Industries Affected by Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

Long tubes of metal and if you need assistance with removing your metal recycling a national company in Burnham has a great reputation.

Nearly all businesses in the United States, as well as all consumers, rely on metals for a variety of purposes. Indeed, your home refrigerator or oven wouldn’t be what it is without metal.

There are countless industries that rely on the importation of metals in order to do business. Which is why the decision of the U.S. government to implement taxes on imported steel and aluminum could have a large effect on the following industries and the overall American economy–

Manufacturing Industry

Businesses in the manufacturing industry are likely to use the greatest quantities of metals. Manufacturing companies that are dependent upon steel, aluminum, and other metals include manufacturers of appliances, electronics, and airplanes.

Construction Industry

According to the same article cited above, there are a whopping 10.1 million Americans who are currently employed in the construction industry. As steel prices increase, the price of steel beams (which are integral to construction) will go up, making building a more expensive endeavor for construction companies nationwide.

Oil and Utility Industries

If you’re struggling to see the connection between the oil and utility industries and steel and aluminum importation, consider that both of the former industries rely on steel in order to manufacture pipelines. These pipelines are a critical piece of energy infrastructure. Of course, these industries also use steel and aluminum for the manufacture of wires and beams (and numerous other things), too.

How Much Do We Really Rely on Imported Steel?

Without the importation of steel and aluminum, the American economy simply would not function. To be sure, of the 100 million tons of steel used in the U.S., imports make up approximately one-third of that. Nearly two-thirds of aluminum used in the states is a result of imports.

What About Domestic Steel Production?

The pressure is on for domestic steel producers to close the import gap as prices for imported steel and aluminum that increase. Additionally, now more than ever before, the recycling and responsible processing of scrap metal are of vital importance.

For businesses that are affected by metal and scrap metal, having a trusted partner for processing and recycling services can provide peace of mind – Scrap Metal Services, LLC can help.

To learn more about our scrap processing and recycling services, please reach out to us today. You can reach our Burnham, Illinois location at 708-730-1400 or get in touch with us by sending us a message using the contact form found online.

Scrap Metal Tips for Businesses

Scrap metal car parts on the floor and if you need to rid your company's scrap metal find a great company in Burnham who can take it.

Implementing a scrap recycling plan for your business can increase business revenue, help you to do your part to be green, and reduce the amount of waste you have on your property, as well as free up space in the process. But before you start recycling your scrap, there are few important things to know. Here are some scrap metal tips and information for businesses–

Tips and Things to Know About Recycling Scrap

In order to make the most of your scrap metal recycling operation, be sure to follow the following tips and make the most of the below information about scrap recycling–

  • Know how to get the best prices. It’s likely that the biggest reason you’re interested in scrap recycling is that recycling your scrap can yield profits. But if you don’t know how to get the best price for your scrap, you’re missing out on a big opportunity. The first step is to find a trusted and experienced scrap recycler with a good reputation. From there, you may be able to maximize your profits by sorting scrap yourself (organized by type), waiting until you have a full load to call for pick up, or/and delivering scrap yourself.
  • Know what you can recycle (and why you should). Another important part of smart scrap recycling is knowing what you can recycle, and why recycling is so important. The good news is that you can recycle both ferrous and non-ferrous materials, which means you shouldn’t be tossing any metal without getting it checked out by a scrap processor first.
  • Try the magnet test. If you’re handling the sorting of ferrous vs. non-ferrous materials on your own, you may be wondering how exactly you can tell the difference between these two materials types. One of the easiest ways is to use a magnet. If the magnet sticks, it’s probably ferrous!
  • Avoid scrap businesses with a bad reputation. One of the most important things when recycling scrap is to ensure that you partner with a scrap recycling company with a good reputation; working with a business that’s inexperienced or has terrible client reviews may end up costing you time and money. Do your homework to find a trusted company.
  • Consider working with a trusted scrap recycler that offers on-site scrap management. Finally, you should consider working with a scrap processing company that offers on-site scrap management. This means that all of your scrap will be sorted, loaded, processed, etc. on site, which can be extremely convenient for your company, especially if you’re constantly generating a large amount of scrap. A company that offers on-site scrap management services and transportation and logistics services is ideal.

Learn More About Our Scrap Recycling Operation Today

At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we have been in business for over a decade, and have quickly risen to one of the global leaders in scrap processing. Offering a multitude of scrap services, we want to be your go-to company for all of your scrap processing needs.

To learn more about our services, please contact our Burnham, Illinois location today at 708-730-1400, or contact us online at your convenience.

Responsible Recycling: Know What Materials Not to Scrap

Plastic, glass, metal and paper recycle bins and look to a renown company in Burnham who can help you with all your scrap metal recycling needs.

As a business that generates scrap metal, there is money to be made in recycling that scrap (not to mention good to be done). But before you create your scrap pile and call in a trusted scrap processor like Scrap Metal Services, LLC, it’s important to know some dos and don’ts of scrap recycling, including what materials should not go into your scrap pile. Here’s a look into what you need to know–

Things to Never Put In Your Scrap Pile

If you sort your scrap properly from the beginning and make sure non-scrapable materials stay out of your scrap pile, you can save money and time later on. Things to never put in your scrap pile include:

  • Plastics;
  • Oils;
  • Hazardous materials;
  • Electronic waste; and
  • Paper and cardboard.

While these things shouldn’t be put in your scrap pile for scrap processing (scrap processing is designed only for ferrous and non-ferrous materials), these items can and should be recycled in the majority of cases. Talk to your local recycling company, or contact Scrap Metal Services, LLC for hazardous waste processing.

Others Tips for Smart Scrap Recycling

In addition to recycling responsibly by removing non-scrap materials from your scrap recycling pile, other tips for smart scrap recycling include:

 

  • Get top dollar by letting scrap accumulate. Rather than taking small piles of scrap as your scrap accumulates, you’ll typically get more money if you wait until you have a big pile. A scrap processor is likely to give you a better deal for a bigger scrap pile, and if you’re having the scrap picked up, you’ll save the company money on transportation costs too.

 

 

  • Sort your own scrap. While a company will surely be willing and able to sort scrap for you, you may be able to save money by sorting scrap on your own. This is based purely on the fact that sorting scrap means more labor for a company, and therefore a more significant charge.

 

Choose the Right Scrap Processing Company for Your Business

Another important thing that you should focus on is choosing the right scrap recycling partner for your business. At Scrap Metal Services, LLC, we are a leader in the scrap processing industry and have more than a decade of experience behind us. To learn more about our scrap processing services and why we make a great partner, contact us today by sending us a message online, or by calling us at 708-730-1400. We look forward to working with you!