Ridding Your Shop Of Scrap Metal

Working with new, used, and antique cars, your mechanic shop is likely to generate large amounts of old parts and scrap metal. You might fix up the parts for sale yourself, but the scrap metal could build up inside your shop or out in the back. Before there's an eyesore out there or the scraps encroach on your workspace, handle scrap with roll-off dumpsters. How?

1 - Get a Permit

Roll-off containers for scraps tend to be bigger than an individual vehicle or many piles of metal. It's likely to be noticed by other commercial or industrial neighbors who could contact permit office staff about the containers. If you aren't already facing fees for free-standing piles of metal, don't tempt fate by ignoring any permission requirements large roll-offs could be subject to. Scrapyard staffers and municipal offices can set you straight on actions needed.

2 - Decide on Size

Roll-off size depends on volume size. If you just want to clear away unsightly scrap piles periodically, bigger containers are logical because of the buildup that's happened. However, if you're just hoping to clear scraps that accumulate each week, smaller containers are sensible. Being unsure only means that enlisting scrapyard staffers will help or better determine the footage your shop needs.

3 - Clear Space

Scrap metal isn't the only material inside or outside the shop. Clear what's possible to move and look for low-lying branches or wires to be addressed. Roll-offs need a lot of surface area to be lowered, filled and reloaded onto their individual trailers. 

4 - Know Unaccepted Items

While scrap metal of all kinds is generally sought out by salvage or scrapyards, if you're thinking of dumping other objects or materials, know that they do have always name the specific objects and materials they refuse. They may refuse tires and batteries, for example. Roll-offs shouldn't be treated like regular trash cans. Ask so you don't create additional problems or work for your own workers.

5 - Separate Metals

If you're knowledgeable about the steel, lead, aluminum, and copper components that you'll be parting with, you should separate them. A scrapyard will usually accept huge loads of unsorted scraps and pay for the lot. However, if you're able to sort types and keep them apart, you can negotiate payment according to the weight and value of the aluminum or other materials.

Scrap metal from mechanic shops like yours can be ultimately repurposed and recycled. Call some yards and make roll-off plans so your space is cleared and others can use those scraps. For more information, get in touch with a company like Sikora Metals.