Scrap Metal Tip 10

Avoid surprises: tips for your safety, dropping off scrap iron and other scrap metals, and getting the best return.

1. Safety First!

When you’re working with scrap metal and metal scraps, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Make sure you always use PPE (personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and protective footwear) when working with scrap metal. Your hands are also vulnerable: wear gloves. We’d be happy to send you a new pair of gloves free of charge. You’ll be given a safety vest when you enter the Krommenhoek Metals premises. It’s part of our Scrap Service!

2. Sorting scrap metal

Sorting scrap metal into separate categories always yields the best price. This applies whether you deliver the materials yourself or have Krommenhoek Metals pick up the batch from you. In most cases, it’s therefore best to sort the materials yourself beforehand. That way, you avoid separate sorting fees and get a higher return for your scrap iron and scrap metal.

3. Effective Use of Containers

Do you already have a scrap container on your property for depositing scrap metal, or are you considering having us deliver a free container? If you make the best possible use of the container’s capacity—for example, by sorting materials in advance and cutting them into smaller pieces—this will increase the final yield from the metals you deliver. Check out the tips in this list or contact us.

4. Certainty regarding the composition of scrap metal

Do you have a batch of scrap metal and are unsure what it’s made of? You can upload a photo of the scrap metal you’d like to sell via our website. We’ll carefully review the photo and provide an initial assessment. Depending on the batch, we may also be able to analyze the material for you first. Please ask our staff for more information.

5. What is the difference between stainless steel and iron?

Can't really tell the difference between stainless steel and scrap iron? Use a magnet! Scrap iron will stick to the magnet, but stainless steel won't. Simple but effective!

6. What is the difference between stainless steel and aluminum?

Aluminum and stainless steel look similar and, as a general rule, neither is magnetic. So a magnet won’t help you tell them apart. How can you tell the difference between aluminum and stainless steel? Stainless steel is heavier and often darker in color than aluminum.

7. How to Spot Differences in “Scrap Metal”?

There are also differences when it comes to “scrap metal.” Not only in terms of weight, but certainly also in terms of quality. We recommend sorting and delivering it separately, especially when dealing with large batches. Do you have any questions? Please contact us for more information.

8. Delivering “clean” copper will earn you more!

Would you like to sell cables with a high copper content? The best way to do this is to strip the cables first. Removing the protective materials surrounding the copper exposes the bare copper, which yields a significantly higher return. This is because there are no additional disposal costs.

9. Need to drain liquid from a tap? Rent a pallet box with a tap.

Turning and milling operations produce swarf or metal shavings. Is a liquid coolant used during these operations? We recommend using a pallet box with a drain valve to remove the liquid and ensure optimal collection of metal scraps. This allows you to drain the liquid neatly, which benefits both the environment and your profit margin. Krommenhoek Metals offers pallet boxes with a drain valve in various sizes. Please contact us for more information.

10. Bring in scrap metal that has been cut into small pieces

We always process scrap metal into compact batches. If possible, we recommend that you deliver your scrap metal cut into the shortest possible lengths. This helps avoid cutting costs, which we would otherwise have to charge you for. This way, you can increase the price you receive for your scrap metal.