The Importance of Trust and Transparency in Metal Recycling

Let’s be honest: when you sell scrap metal, it can easily get a little “sketchy”. Maybe you’re not sure if the prices are fair, or you’re left wondering whether the scale is accurate. And let’s face it, long wait times and unclear payouts don’t help the situation.

Here’s the thing: metal recycling doesn’t have to be like that. At Richmond Steel, we keep it straightforward: accurate scales, transparent pricing, and a process that respects your time. When you go to sell scrap metal, it should be easy, fair, and worth your while.

Trust Begins with Accurate Scales and Honest Practices

When you’re selling scrap metal, trust is everything. After all, if you can’t rely on the scale or the pricing, how do you know you’re getting a fair deal?

We decided talking about trust isn’t enough, so we made sure there’s no room left for doubt. At Richmond Steel, our scales are certified for trade, meaning they’re regularly tested and verified for accuracy by authorized service providers accredited by Measurement Canada.

Here’s the kicker: when you bring in your scrap metal, you can watch the weighing process yourself. No mystery, no guessing—just complete transparency.

Transparency in Scrap Metal Prices: Know What You’re Getting

Let’s talk numbers. One of the biggest frustrations when you sell scrap metal is feeling like the pricing doesn’t add up. How much are you actually getting paid? How do scrap metal prices compare to market rates? Too often, the answers are unclear and that’s a problem—especially when some scape metals are way more valuable.

At Richmond Steel, we break down exactly what you’re getting and explain the “spread”, the difference between market rates and the prices we pay.

No hidden fees, no vague explanations. Just straightforward, competitive rates.

Making the Process Easy: Fast, Efficient, and Hassle-Free

We know your time is valuable, whether you’re running a small business, working in the trades, or just dropping off a load of scrap metal after clearing out your garage. The last thing you need is to deal with long wait times or a confusing process.

That’s why we’ve designed our yard to make your visit as smooth as possible. At Richmond Steel, we offer:

Drive-through scales: No need to leave your vehicle—just drive on, weigh in, and get moving.
Accurate estimates: You won’t be stuck waiting for your numbers; we make sure to provide accurate numbers quickly.
Fast payouts: Choose from cash or cheque, whichever works best for you.

For small businesses and tradespeople hustling to stay profitable, we even offer perks like SMS alerts for promotional rates and regular updates to help you plan your drop-offs strategically.

When you’re working hard to maximize your return, every little bit helps.

Supporting a Wide Range of Businesses and Customers

At Richmond Steel, we’re not just here for one type of customer—we’ve built our services to work for everyone. Whether you’re a tradesperson dropping off leftover materials from a job site, a small business managing scrap as part of your operations, or just someone clearing out their garage, we’ve got you covered.

Some of the industries we serve include:

Construction: Reliable scrap metal recycling for job site leftovers like rebar, steel beams, and more.
Manufacturing: Streamlined recycling for regular scrap materials like off-cuts and production waste.
Auto Shops: Drop off old frames, parts, and other materials quickly and efficiently.

And if you’re someone just looking to sell scrap metal for some extra cash, you’re just as welcome. At Richmond Steel, we treat every customer with the same level of respect and transparency, no matter how big or small the drop-off.

Conclusion: Your Trusted Partner for Scrap Metal Recycling

Selling scrap metal doesn’t have to feel uncertain or frustrating. At Richmond Steel, we’ve spent over 50 years building a reputation for trust and transparency—because we believe that every customer deserves a fair deal.

From certified scales to straightforward pricing and efficient service, everything we do is designed to make your experience smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re a business owner, tradesperson, or just someone with a load of scrap metal to sell, you can count on us to deliver competitive rates and honest practices every time.

Ready to get started?

Contact Richmond Steel today and see for yourself how easy, fair, and rewarding metal recycling can be.

A Scrap Metal Recycling Guide For Plumbing Contractors

Let’s be real, plumbing jobs can leave behind a ton of leftovers. Old copper pipes, rusted fittings, busted fixtures… it all adds up fast.

But here’s the thing: those scraps aren’t just junk. They’re money waiting to happen. That’s the magic of scrap metal recycling.

If you’re not recycling your scrap, you’re leaving cash on the table—this guide is here to change that.

We’ll show you where to find the hidden value in your leftovers, how to stay on top of scrap prices, and why teaming up with pros like Richmond Steel Recycling makes your life way easier.

Scrap Metal Recycling: What Can Plumbing Contractors Recycle?

If you’re a plumbing contractor, you’re probably dealing with scrap metal on the daily—why not make the most of it?

Some of the most valuable materials to recycle include:

Here’s the trick: know the difference between ferrous metals (like steel and iron, usually heavier and magnetic) and non-ferrous metals (like copper and brass, lighter and higher-value). The better you can sort your metals, the better your payout.

Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals—like steel and iron—account for most of the scrap volume from sites. These metals tend to demand a lower price and are typically purchased by the ton.

Non-ferrous Metals
More conductive metals—such as copper, aluminum, and brass—are often used in pipes, fittings, fixtures, and valves. They are more valuable and are purchased by the pound.

building contractor checking the pipes at a construction site

Where to Find Scrap Metal on Job Sites

Scrap metal isn’t always obvious, but once you know where to look, you’ll start spotting value everywhere. Here are the hot spots plumbing contractors should check:

Residential Projects

Renovations and replacements are gold mines for scrap metal recycling. Old pipes, brass fixtures, and even water heaters can pile up quickly on residential job sites. Copper pipes and fittings, in particular, are highly valuable, while steel sinks and bathtubs may not seem glamorous but add significant weight to your scrap haul. Even outdated faucets and valves—often made of brass—can bring in a solid return at the recycler.

Commercial Sites

Larger-scale commercial projects often generate even more valuable scrap. Industrial-grade piping, HVAC components, and heavy-duty fixtures are just a few examples. Air conditioning units, for instance, are packed with copper and aluminum, while large-diameter steel pipes add weight and value. Don’t forget about kitchen and restroom fixtures in office spaces, often made from recyclable metals like stainless steel.

Demolition Jobs

Demolition sites are treasure troves for scrap metal recycling. You’ll find old boilers, radiators, structural steel beams, and even electrical wiring. Copper wiring, in particular, can bring in top dollar. The variety of scrap materials at demolition sites means these projects offer a huge opportunity to maximize returns—if you’re prepared to sort and recycle responsibly.

Pro Tip: Always bring a magnet to the job site. A quick swipe will tell you if a piece is ferrous (sticks) or non-ferrous (doesn’t stick). Sorting your metals on-site not only saves time but also ensures you get the best payouts when you visit the recycler.

Keeping Up with Scrap Prices

Scrap prices can feel like a moving target. They fluctuate based on market demand, material type, and even global trends. For plumbing contractors, this means staying informed is key to getting the best return for your materials.

Recyclers like Richmond Steel Recycling make this process easier by offering competitive and transparent pricing. Using certified trade scales, we ensure accurate weights for your scrap, so you’re never left guessing. Plus, with real-time insights into market trends, you’ll always know you’re getting a fair deal.

Richmond Steel offers SMS alert options for exclusive promotions on certain metals—you’ll always get the best bang for your buck!

Copper, for example, is one of the most valuable metals in plumbing, but its price can vary depending on demand. The same goes for brass fixtures or steel components. Knowing when to sell and partnering with a recycler who pays attention to these details can make a big difference in your bottom line.

Why Partner with a Trusted Recycler?

Scrap metal recycling isn’t just about getting rid of leftovers—it’s about turning them into profit. And to do that efficiently, you need a partner who simplifies the process and maximizes your returns. That’s where Richmond Steel Recycling shines.

Yard Drop-Off: Quick and Convenient

For plumbing contractors, we’ve streamlined the yard drop-off process to make recycling scrap a breeze.

Drive-Through Scales: Forget unloading and reloading—just pull up, have your scrap weighed without leaving your vehicle, and get on with your day.
Competitive Rates: Our certified trade scales and real-time pricing ensure you’re paid fairly for every pound of metal, whether it’s ferrous or non-ferrous.
Flexible Payouts: Choose between cash or cheque for fast, accurate payment that works with your preferences.

With multiple locations across British Columbia and Alberta, our drop-off service is designed to save you time while delivering top-notch results.

Bin Rentals: Scrap Collection Made Easy

When you’re managing larger projects, hauling scrap off-site yourself isn’t always practical. That’s where Richmond Steel’s bin rental service comes in.

Flexible Bin Sizes: From compact bins for residential projects to industrial-sized containers for demolition jobs, we’ve got a bin for every job. Our experts can help you choose the perfect size to avoid overpaying for unused space.
Prompt Pickup and Delivery: Timing is everything on a job site. Our reliable drop-off and pickup schedules keep your project moving without delays.
Efficient Scrap Management: Having a dedicated bin on-site keeps your workspace organized, eliminates clutter, and ensures no valuable scrap gets left behind.

Whether you’re cleaning up after a job or prepping for demolition, renting a bin makes recycling seamless and stress-free.

Baling: Big Projects, No Problem

For larger-scale jobs with significant scrap metal, Richmond Steel’s mobile baling services are a game-changer.

On-Site Service: We bring baling equipment directly to your location, compressing bulky scrap into manageable, transportable bales.
Efficient Logistics: Save time and transportation costs by reducing the volume of your scrap on-site.
Tailored Solutions: Our team works with you to create a baling strategy that fits your project’s needs, whether it’s demolition debris or large quantities of industrial scrap.

Tips to Maximize Returns on Scrap Metal

Make every pound of scrap count with these quick tips:

Sort Your Metals: Separate ferrous (steel, iron) from non-ferrous (copper, brass). Non-ferrous fetches higher prices.
Use a Scrap Bin on-Site: Stay organized and avoid tossing valuable metals. Richmond Steel’s bins make this easy.
Strip Wiring: Copper wiring is worth more when stripped—take the extra step for higher payouts.
Watch Scrap Prices: Market rates fluctuate. Stay informed with Richmond Steel’s real-time pricing and alerts.

The Bottom Line: Turn Scrap into Cash with Richmond Steel Recycling

Scrap metal recycling isn’t just smart—it’s profitable. Richmond Steel Recycling makes it easy with convenient drop-off locations, bin rentals, and mobile baling services.

Get competitive scrap prices, transparent weighing, and expert support to maximize your returns.

Turn your scraps into cash today—contact Richmond Steel Recycling!

Trades Contractors Can Save Big By Recycling Metal—Here’s How

If you're in the trades, you're probably no stranger to the rising costs of running your business. Whether it’s tools, fuel, or materials—everything adds up. But there’s one often-overlooked area where you could save big: metal recycling.

By taking your scrap metal to a trusted recycling yard, you not only reduce construction waste, but you also put more cash back into your pocket.

For contractors juggling small jobs, the ability to sell scrap metal can significantly offset expenses, making it an essential part of any cost-saving strategy.

The drop-off process is straight-forward, and it's a more sustainable way to manage leftover materials.

The Benefits of Metal Recycling for Contractors

Companies in industries like construction, HVAC, electrical, and mechanical services often generate significant amounts of scrap metal from everyday jobs.

Old piping, wiring, sheet metal, and equipment components may pile up after each project—representing an untapped source of revenue if recycled properly.

By implementing a comprehensive metal recycling plan, these companies can:

Reduce the overall cost of waste disposal
Increase profits by turning scrap into revenue
Minimize environmental impact, enhancing their reputation with clients

Richmond Steel offers SMS alert options for exclusive promotions on certain metals—you’ll always get the best bang for your buck!

Rather than paying to dispose of these materials, trades contractors can sell scrap metal at competitive prices, getting the most value out of materials that would otherwise be wasted.

How to Maximize Returns on Scrap Metal

When it comes to recycling scrap metal, the key to maximizing your returns is efficiency. For many contractors, the process of collecting, transporting, and dropping off scrap can feel like more hassle than it’s worth—especially when time is money.

At Richmond Steel, we’ve designed our services to meet the needs of busy tradespeople. From the moment you arrive, we make it easy to sell scrap metal without wasting precious hours on the job:

Drive-Through Scales: No need to leave your vehicle—we offer quick weigh-ins, so you can get in and out fast.
Competitive Rates: We pay top dollar for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ensuring you get the best return on your scrap.
Flexible Payout Options: Whether you prefer cash or cheque, we offer fast and accurate payouts to fit your preferences.

Ferrous MetalsFerrous metals—like steel and iron—account for most of the scrap volume from sites. These metals tend to demand a lower price and are typically purchased by the ton.

Non-ferrous MetalsMore conductive metals—such as copper, aluminum, and brass—are often used in wiring, motors, HVAC systems, and machinery. They are more valuable and are purchased by the pound.

Contractors often deal with a variety of metals—anything from copper wire to steel posts. Richmond Steel Recycling accepts a wide range of materials, meaning you can bring all your scrap in one trip, maximizing efficiency.

Ensuring Employees Don’t Waste Scrap Metal: Tips for Contractors

A successful metal recycling plan doesn’t just happen—it requires the cooperation of your entire team. One common challenge for contractors is making sure scrap metal doesn’t get mixed in with regular waste. After all, every pound of scrap metal that gets tossed is potential cash lost.

Here are some practical tips to ensure your employees are on board:

Create Clearly Marked Scrap Bins

Set up designated bins for scrap metal at job sites and in workshops, ensuring that everyone knows exactly where to put leftover materials.

Incentivize Recycling

Encourage your team to recycle by offering small incentives, like monthly bonuses or team rewards, for hitting recycling targets. It’s a simple way to boost engagement and reduce construction waste.

Conduct Regular Training

Make sure your employees understand the value of recycling and how it benefits the company. Short training sessions on proper scrap handling can go a long way in preventing valuable scrap metal from being thrown away.

By implementing these practices, you not only reduce the risk of wasted materials but also maximize your profits from metal recycling. When your team is fully engaged, it’s easier to get the most value from your construction waste.

Trustworthy and Transparent Weighing Processes

A top concern for contractors when recycling scrap metal is trust—especially around scale accuracy and getting a fair price. At Richmond Steel, we use certified scales that meet strict accuracy standards. You can even watch the weighing process yourself, ensuring full transparency from start to finish.

No hidden fees, no guesswork—just straightforward transactions and competitive rates when you sell scrap metal. Whether you're dropping off a few pounds of copper or a truckload of steel, Richmond Steel offers a reliable and seamless experience for every contractor, helping you turn your construction waste into profit.

The Bottom Line

Recycling scrap metal isn’t just about reducing construction waste—it’s about making smart business decisions that directly impact your bottom line. Whether you’re recycling high-value non-ferrous metals like copper or bulk ferrous metals like steel, we’ll help you get the most out of your materials.

Don’t let valuable metals go to waste. Contact Richmond Steel Recycling today to see how we can simplify your metal recycling and maximize your returns.

Clean Up, Cash In: How a Boneyard Cleanup Helps Your Bottom Line

When you hear the word ‘boneyard,’ you might think of forgotten places filled with old equipment and rusted scrap metal. But for businesses, these spaces can be goldmines waiting to be uncovered—if approached strategically. Boneyard cleanups offer a way to transform these overlooked areas into opportunities for profit and sustainability.

What is a Boneyard and What Can Be Recovered?

A boneyard is essentially a storage site where retired or excess equipment, vehicles, and other materials are kept. These locations often hold valuable resources, including ferrous metals (such as steel) and non-ferrous metals (like copper and aluminum). With the right approach, what may seem like junk can be salvaged, recycled, and turned into cash.

By carefully sorting through these sites, valuable materials can be identified and extracted. Structural steel, copper wiring, aluminum components, and other recyclable metals are commonly found, providing opportunities for cost recovery and efficient resource use.

Why Companies Need Boneyard Cleanups

Unmanaged boneyards don’t just represent missed financial opportunities—they can also become liabilities. Over time, cluttered sites can lead to inefficiencies and difficulties in accessing and organizing workspaces. A thorough boneyard cleanup frees up valuable space and transforms potential hazards into revenue-generating assets.

Professional cleanup services assess the site and develop plans to maximize the value of recovered materials. This not only recovers costs but also reduces waste and enhances operational safety, ensuring the space is used efficiently and effectively. As a bonus, it can open up valuable warehouse space or real estate if it's close to a major centre.

Unaddressed Boneyards Present Theft & Fire Risks

Leaving boneyards unattended can lead to significant risks. Without proper management, these areas often become targets for scrap metal theft, particularly when higher value non-ferrous metals like copper are involved. The loss of such materials can not only be costly but also disrupt operations.

Beyond theft, there are also fire hazards to consider. Improperly stored materials, especially those with flammable residues, can ignite, posing serious safety threats and environmental damage. This can result in regulatory fines and increased liability.

To mitigate these risks, regular assessments and proactive cleanups are essential. Properly securing and managing materials reduces theft and fire hazards while ensuring the site complies with safety and environmental standards.

Minimizing Waste and Maximizing Value

Effective boneyard cleanup isn’t just about removing clutter; it’s about creating value. A thorough approach includes sorting materials on-site to identify salvageable metals and other valuable resources. This process aims to minimize waste by recycling as much material as possible, turning potential landfill waste into reusable resources.
By focusing on recovery and recycling, businesses can offset costs and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy. Salvaged metal can be recycled and reused in various industries, reducing the need for new resources and decreasing the environmental footprint of operations.

Conclusion

Boneyards might seem like neglected parts of industrial sites, but they hold untapped potential. With the right approach, they can become profitable assets that enhance efficiency and sustainability.

If you’re ready to transform your boneyard into a revenue-generating resource, reach out to Richmond Steel Field Services. We specialize in efficient salvage and recycling services designed to maximize value and minimize waste in your boneyards.

How Scrap Metal Is Salvaged and Sorted On-Site Using Our Techniques and Heavy Equipment

There are plenty of reasons to demolish an industrial facility: age of the structure, new technologies, changes in industry location. But even though a building is at the end of its life, all of the scrap metal inside is ready to be used again. It just needs to be recovered, recycled, and reincarnated.

Almost all of the ferrous metals (iron) and non-ferrous metals (ex. copper, aluminum) can be salvaged from a demolition site—and it makes financial and environmental sense.

By recycling recovered metals, you can greatly reduce the cost of your project. Richmond Steel buys the scrap metal we recover from your site during our demolition service. The reason these scrap metals are so valuable is because metal recycling conserves 95% more energy than making new metal from ore deposits.

Since 1971, we’ve been demolishing, recovering, and recycling metals from commercial and industrial sites. This is our process.

Richmond Steel team of workers huddling to discuss recycling processes.

Building Demolition Survey and Planning

The first step in any metal salvage project is to conduct a thorough survey of the building. This involves identifying all machinery, non-ferrous metals, and potential safety concerns. It's also crucial to remove any hazardous materials before starting the demolition.

We craft a demolition plan outlining the sequence of operations, the equipment needed, and safety measures to be taken (ensuring the safety of everyone involved and protecting the environment are always top priorities).

Floor-by-Floor Demolition

When multi-story building demolition, the floor-by-floor method is often used. This approach involves systematically cutting out non-structurally-essential metal components from each floor using shears or torches. It’s much more efficient to recover as much metal as possible before structural demolition, rather than sorting through debris afterwards.

Grading and Initial Separation

The next step in metal salvage is grading and initial separation. When a building is being demolished, various types of metals are sorted based on their characteristics and value. Siding, beams, and heavy steel components are identified and separated. This grading process is essential because it ensures that each type of metal is handled appropriately in subsequent stages.

Siding, usually a lighter grade metal, is shredded and baled; this compacts the metal, making it easier to transport and handle. These bales are then sent to recycling facilities where they are further processed.

Beams and heavier steel are cut down to mill dimensions, typically 5' by 2', using powerful shears or torches. This makes them easier to handle and process further.

Metal Recycling: Ferrous and Non-Ferrous

Separating ferrous from non-ferrous metals is a crucial part of the recycling process. Non-ferrous metals, like copper and aluminum, are particularly valuable. They are often removed before the main demolition begins. (For example, cables are cut out and set aside to ensure they are not mixed with other materials.)

Magnetic separation is used to efficiently sort ferrous metals. Magnets attract the iron-containing metals, pulling them out from the mixed material stream. This step is vital for maintaining the purity of the different metal types and maximizing their recycling potential.

The Tools and Heavy Equipment

The heavy lifting in metal recycling involves specialized equipment. During a building demolition, electromagnets on cranes are used to handle large quantities of ferrous metals efficiently. Shears and high reach shears cut down large metal pieces to manageable sizes, making them easier to transport and process.

On-site balers and crushing machines compress metals into compact bales—this reduces the volume of the scrap metal, facilitating easier transport and handling. Torches are also used for precise cutting, especially for thicker or more complex metal structures.

Further Processing

Once the metals are sorted and prepared on-site, they are transported to our processing facilities for further refinement. These additional processes ensure maximum recovery and efficiency. Techniques used include:

Auto shredder processing
Intensive screening
Reverse magnetics
Shaker tables
Automated induction sorting
Eddy current separators
Air classifiers separation

heavy equipment working on a recycling site

Economic Benefits of Recycling

Recycling scrap metal is not just good for the environment; it also makes economic sense. Companies can recover significant value from recycling both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, reducing the costs associated with building demolition by selling the recovered metals.

As mentioned earlier, recycling metals is also far more energy-efficient than mining and processing new metals. Our recycle rate (the material that completes the collection and recycling process, resulting in its eventual reuse) for steel beams and machinery is nearly 100%.

This means we’re highly effective in two key ways: First, we are able to collect nearly every beam and piece of machinery that can be recovered from a site—leaving almost no metal behind that could be recycled. Secondly, our recycling mill process recovers practically all the metal from those beams and machines so they can be reused again (negligible amounts are lost or disposed of during the recycling process).

Conclusion

With experience, the right techniques, and some heavy equipment, almost all the valuable scrap metal in your demolition can be recovered.

Richmond Steel has been servicing western Canada’s metal recycling and demolition needs for over 50 years, with locations in Edmonton, Prince George, Fort St. John, Kamloops and Richmond.

Let’s talk about your demolition and how the Richmond Steel approach can recover the most value from your industrial site.

The Valuable Metals & Materials That Can Be Recovered From Your Mine, Refinery or Power Plant

If you’re an archaeologist, you get to jump into tombs and find forgotten treasures. If you’re a geologist, you get to break open geodes and uncover hidden gems.

And if you’re Richmond Steel, you get to salvage buildings and recover valuable metals. (We don’t always feel like Indiana Jones, but scouring a site for every hidden scrap of usable metal does come with a certain satisfaction.)

For our clients, the most interesting part is not the scrap metal that is recovered, but the potential value that is recovered. Mines, mills, power plants, and other industrial sites are often filled with valuable materials that we will purchase for recycling after the recovery process.

Ferrous & Non-Ferrous: Valuable Info About Valuable Metals

All of the metal that we recover from a site can be categorized into two categories: ferrous or non-ferrous. The distinction between them is straightforward, but their uses are quite different.

ferrous vs non ferrous material recovery

Ferrous Metals

A ‘ferrous’ metal is one that has a significant amount of iron in its composition. It’s all about iron content. Unsurprisingly, ‘ferrous’ comes from the Latin word for iron.

Iron based alloys—such as cast iron and steel—all fall into this category of ferrous metals.

Steel is the most popular and most widely used ferrous metal in the construction industry. It’s strong and incredibly durable. Steel accounts for most of the volume we recover from sites. It’s commonly found in everything from structural beams and columns, to steel siding, ductwork, and many other places.

Since steel doesn’t lose its physical properties during the recycling process, it can continuously be recovered, recycled, and reused for the same applications.

Non-Ferrous Metals

Non-ferrous metals contain no iron. They are much lighter, more malleable, and more conductive than ferrous metals. Since non-ferrous metals contain no iron, they also naturally have a higher resistance to rust and corrosion.

Magnetism is another factor. While most ferrous metals will attract magnets, non-ferrous metals are non-magnetic—making them a key component in electronic applications and wiring.

Similar to steel, non-ferrous metals can continuously be recycled because they don’t degrade or lose their chemical properties during the recycling process.

There’s a variety of non-ferrous metals that can be recovered from a site:

Copper (wiring, electrical boxes, electric motors…)
Aluminum (cable trays, HVAC Systems, windows and door frames…)
Stainless Steel (sinks, tanks, and abundant in pulp mills)
Brass (gauges, fittings, connectors…)

Why Purchase and Recycle Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

Recycling metals just makes sense. Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals are energy-intensive to mine, but relatively efficient to recycle.

Here’s a shocking example: the energy required to extract copper is about 100 GJ/tonne. But when it comes to recycling copper, it takes about 10% of that amount.

Ferrous metals tend to be cheaper and are typically purchased by the ton. These metals are more abundant on earth and large quantities are often salvaged from most sites.

Non-ferrous metals can be quite rare and purchased by the pound. While aluminum is one of the most recycled materials in the world, other non-ferrous materials are more scarce. The high demand for non-ferrous metals means a strong reliance on scrap metal recycling.

Similar to the stock market, the price for scrap metal adjusts daily with supply and demand. Pricing will mostly depend on when you sell, and how much you have to recycle.

Our On-Site Process for Identifying Valuable Materials

When we assess a site, our team takes time to locate and identify all potential sources of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Whenever possible, we examine every corner. Our evaluation process allows us to categorize and prioritize the recovery of everything from structural beams to electrical systems, ensuring no valuable material is overlooked.

When it comes to heavy equipment, motors, and large pieces of machinery (gearboxes, conveyors, shaker tables, etc.) our estimators will identify whether it’s more profitable for you to sell equipment as assets or as scrap. Everything from refurbishing cost, to the marketing expenses, is included in your pro forma site assessment to give you the most informed options.

Richmond Steel’s Demolition Services

We’ve been demolishing and recycling for over 50 years. Indiana Jones might not be available, but if you’re wondering what treasures are hidden on your site, Richmond Steel is here to help you recover them. Contact us to talk about your project.

Our Demolition Services team acts as a ‘traveling scrap yard’, meticulously tearing down unwanted industrial site structures and recovering all valuable materials, ensuring you receive top dollar from retiring your legacy equipment.


Copper The golden ticket in plumbing. Pipes, fittings, and wiring are all worth big bucks in the recycling world.	Brass Those valves and fixtures you’re replacing? Brass is non-ferrous, meaning it fetches a solid price.	Steel Old sinks, tubs, and larger pipes might not seem glamorous, but steel adds up fast.