Fastest Ways to Sort Your Scrap for the Highest Payout

• Start by Separating Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

Ferrous metals contain iron and are magnetic, such as steel and cast iron. Non-ferrous metals like copper, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel are more valuable and should always be kept separate. A magnet test makes this step quick: if it sticks, it’s ferrous. Keep these categories separate to prevent lower-priced metals from dragging down your overall payout.

• Sort Non-Ferrous Metals by Type

Once non-ferrous metals are separated, sort them further by material. Copper, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel each have different price points. Copper, for example, is one of the highest-paying scrap metals, especially when clean and free of attachments. Aluminum should be separated into categories such as clean aluminum, cast aluminum, and aluminum with steel attachments. The more specific your sorting, the better the price you’ll receive.

• Remove Non-Metal Attachments Quickly

Plastic, rubber, glass, and wood attached to scrap metal can reduce its value. Take a few extra minutes to remove insulation from copper wire, plastic handles from tools, or rubber hoses from metal fittings. This doesn’t need to be perfect, but even partial cleanup can move your scrap into a higher-paying category. Use basic tools like wire cutters, pliers, and screwdrivers to speed up this process.

• Keep Clean and Dirty Scrap Separate

Scrap yards pay more for clean scrap, which refers to metal that’s free of oil, grease, paint, or excessive corrosion. Appliances, automotive parts, and machinery should be drained of fluids when possible. Even wiping off heavy grease can make a difference.

• Organize as You Collect

The fastest sorting happens before you ever reach the scrap yard. Use labeled bins, buckets, or pallets to separate materials as you collect them. For example, have one container for copper, another for aluminum, and another for steel. This eliminates the need to re-sort later and allows you to unload quickly, which many yards appreciate.

• Learn Local Scrap Categories and Prices

Each scrap metal buyer may classify materials slightly differently. Take a few minutes to learn how your local yard grades scrap and what materials pay the most. Knowing the difference between bare bright copper, #1 copper, and #2 copper can directly impact your payout. When you know what buyers are looking for, you can sort more efficiently and confidently.

• Weigh and Bundle When Possible

Bundling similar materials together and having a rough idea of weight can also speed up the process. Neatly sorted and bundled scrap is easier to inspect and weigh, which results in faster service and more accurate pricing.

Just Scrap It: Trusted Scrap Metal Buyers

Looking for top-paying scrap metal buyers? Get in touch with the team at Just Scrap It. We are a local scrap metal company that’s committed to turning unwanted metal and other recyclable items into cash. Not only do we offer top dollar for scrap metal, but we also recycle all recyclable items with a focus on sustainability. We’ve simplified the pickup process and payment to make it easy for homeowners and businesses to turn recyclable items into cash. Simply contact us for an accurate quote, and we’ll help you schedule a pickup at a time that suits you. After we’ve received the scrap metal, you’ll get paid instantly.