Cashing in on Scrap Metal in Your Home

If you’re looking to make some extra cash, your home could be a treasure trove of valuable metals hiding in plain sight. Many everyday items contain scrap metal that can be sold to scrap metal specialists such as Taroni’s of Birmingham. Before you throw away broken items, consider this list of surprising scrap metal sources around your house that could earn you money.

Old Electronics

One of the most common but under appreciated sources of scrap metal is old electronics. Items like computers, phones, tablets, and other gadgets contain small amounts of precious metals like gold, silver, and copper, particularly in their circuit boards and wiring. While the amount of metal in each device is small, when collected in bulk, the value adds up. Don’t forget about older electronics such as DVD players, and even printers.

Copper Wiring and Cables

Copper is one of the most valuable metals, and it’s likely that your home contains a lot more of it than you realise. Old electrical wiring, extension cords, and even unused internet cables can be stripped for copper. If you’re undertaking any kind of home renovation project that involves replacing or upgrading electrical systems, don’t throw away the old wires.

Kitchen Appliances

Your kitchen is full of appliances that may be past their prime, but they’re still worth something for their metal content. Old refrigerators, microwaves, stoves, and dishwashers contain steel, copper, and aluminium that can be sold as scrap. For example, the coils in an old fridge contain valuable copper, and many modern kitchen appliances are made from stainless steel or aluminium, which have a good scrap value. Even smaller kitchen gadgets like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers can yield scrap-worthy materials when they’re no longer functional.

Plumbing Fixtures

Many older homes still have copper plumbing pipes, and if you’re in the process of replacing them with newer materials, don’t forget that the old pipes are worth money. Copper is a high value metal, and even short sections of pipe can add up quickly. Old brass shower heads and plumbing fittings also have scrap value.

Garage and Shed Tools

Your garage and shed are likely filled with metal items that you no longer use but might not realise are valuable. Old lawnmowers, garden tools, bicycles, and power tools all contain scrap metal. Lawnmowers, often have aluminium bodies, steel blades, and copper wiring in the motor. Bicycles, particularly older models with steel frames, can be scrapped for their metal parts. Power tools that no longer work are also a good source of scrap, especially if they contain motors with copper wiring.

Old Furniture and Fixtures

Many pieces of furniture and home fixtures contain hidden scrap metal. Metal bed frames, tables, chairs, and shelving units can all be sold for their steel, aluminium, or iron content. Even if the furniture is broken or rusted, the metal is still valuable as scrap. Don’t forget about light fixtures, chandeliers, and even old metal doorknobs and hinges.

Old Cars and Car Parts

If you have an old, non-working car sitting around, it might be worth more as scrap than trying to fix it. Aluminium rims, catalytic converters, and copper wiring within the engine are just a few examples of car parts with high scrap value. Even individual car parts, like old radiators or exhaust systems, can be sold for their metal content if the whole vehicle is not scrappable.