Recognizing Metal in Waste? This Could Be Worth Money
There’s a good chance you have value sitting in your garage or shed
An old bicycle. Leftover cables from a renovation. A set of rims collecting dust in the garage. Chances are, you have more than just junk lying around.
Many everyday items contain metal. And metal can often be handed in for cash at De Leeuw Metalen. The only question is: how do you recognize what has value?
Good news: you don’t need to be an expert. With a few simple tips, you’ll already know what to look for.
Recognizing Iron and Steel
This is the type of metal you’ll come across most often. Think of heavier items in and around the house.
Often found in:
bicycles, fences, tools, nails, shelving, garden furniture, radiators and appliances.
How to recognize it:
- a magnet sticks to it
- heavy material
- usually grey in color
- can rust
Could be worth money:
old bikes, metal constructions, tools, white goods and loose iron parts.
Recognizing Aluminum
Lightweight, strong and widely used. Aluminum is more common in your home than you might think.
Often found in:
rims, ladders, window frames, pans, profiles and cans.
How to recognize it:
- very lightweight
- silver-grey color
- does not rust
- non-magnetic
Could be worth money:
rims, frames, ladders, pans and loose aluminum parts.
Recognizing Copper
Copper is one of the best-known metals when it comes to value. You’ll often find it in cables and pipes.
Often found in:
power cables, pipes, electric motors, old installations and appliances.
How to recognize it:
- reddish-brown color
- heavy in the hand
- non-magnetic
- sometimes develops a green layer over time
Could be worth money:
copper pipes, cables, electric motors and other copper-containing materials.
Recognizing Brass
Brass is often mistaken for gold because of its color, but it is mainly used in plumbing and fittings.
Often found in:
taps, connectors, locks, door handles and fittings.
How to recognize it:
- golden-yellow color
- solid material
- non-magnetic
- shines nicely when cleaned
Could be worth money:
old taps, connectors, locks and brass parts.
Not sure? Just bring it with you
Not sure what you have? No problem. That’s what we’re here for. At De Leeuw Metalen, we’ll take a look with you and tell you straight away what you can hand in.
So if your shed is full, your garage has been cleared out or you have leftover materials from a renovation, don’t throw them away.
Hand in your metal at De Leeuw Metalen
What’s in your way could still be worth money. Bring your metal to De Leeuw Metalen and turn old materials into valuable raw resources.
Quick, honest and often worth more than you think. Visit us at Scheepvaartweg 7 in Nijmegen.