DEC 26, 2025
If you’re like most people, you probably toss things in the trash can without a second thought. From used aluminum cans and glass bottles to plastic bottles and steel food cans, we see these items thrown away every day. Yet, these items hold recyclable value and can be reused to create new products instead of taking up space in landfills.
In this article, RCM Recycling looks into how people accidentally throw away valuable scrap metal such as food containers, wire hangers, plumbing pipes, and more. As top-paying scrap metal buyers in Barnesville, we know what’s recyclable and what’s not. Once you learn which items can be recycled instead of being tossed in the trash, you’ll never look at your waste the same way again. Call us when you’re looking for a local scrap yard that offers top dollar for a wide range of scrap metal.
Items like aluminum cans, steel food cans, and metal lids are frequently tossed without a second thought. This is why they form a huge portion of landfill waste. These materials are highly recyclable and accepted at most scrap yards, yet many people assume they aren’t worth the effort.
Household items combine metal with plastic, rubber, or wood, leading people to believe they’re non-recyclable. Appliances, cords, and tools are good examples. While they may look complicated, many of these items contain copper, aluminum, or steel that can be separated and recycled. Because people don’t take the time to dismantle or sort them, the entire item ends up in the trash. Try your best to separate the metals from other materials whenever possible, even if it’s just a quick removal of screws, wires, or fittings, to ensure valuable scrap isn’t wasted.
Small metal items such as nails, screws, brackets, and leftover hardware from projects are commonly swept into the trash during cleanups. While each piece may seem insignificant on its own, collecting them over time can result in a sizable amount of recyclable scrap metal. Simple practices such as keeping a small bin for metal scraps or separating hardware during cleanups can help prevent these valuable materials from being thrown away.
Home renovations and repair projects are another major source of accidentally discarded scrap metal. Old pipes, fixtures, faucets, and metal framing are usually removed and sent to the dumpster. In fast-paced projects, sorting recyclable metal is frequently overlooked. The truth is, home renovations and repairs are a common source of valuable scrap metal that could be easily recycled at a scrap yard with a little extra planning and awareness.
Outdated or broken electronics are commonly viewed as useless clutter. And we don’t blame people for thinking that way—many devices no longer function or appear to have any value. However, items like phones, printers, laptops, and small appliances contain recoverable metals. Without knowing this, many people discard electronics instead of taking them to scrap yards or e-waste recycling centers. The good news is, electronics can be recycled to keep valuable materials in use.
Looking for a dependable scrap metal recycling company? You’ve come to the right place. RCM Recycling is a top-rated recycler that accepts both ferrous and non-ferrous items. We pride ourselves on offering fair prices for a wide range of recyclable items and a hassle-free removal experience. Call us and learn more about how we can help you turn scrap metal into useful products.
