If you run a factory, you may have come to the realization that your company wastes a lot of money with the leftover scrap that gets thrown away every week. As a result, you may have started looking into saving the scrap and selling it to a recycling center. If so, use the tips below for storing the scrap so that you can get a higher amount of money for it.

1. Clean and Prevent Exposure to Water and Other Contaminants

One way you can help increase your chances of receiving more money for your factory's scrap metal is by making sure that it is as clean as possible when the service comes to pick it up. Although the service will take the scrap even if it is dirty, wet, or contaminated, they may deduct fees from your overall payout if they have to spend time and redirect labor to do it themselves at the recycling center. However, this does not mean that you have to wash and scrub the scrap metal. For oil-contaminated scrap, simply wipe off the excess. Also, remove any rubber coatings on wires.

When you store the metal, either keep it inside and away from outdoor moisture or take steps to cover it by placing a tarp securely over the pile. Smaller items, such as screws and fittings, can go in a large barrel with a tight lid.

2. Sort and Store Each Type of Metal Separately 

Once you have ensured that the scrap metal is clean and free from contaminants, the next thing you can do to help ensure that you receive the top rate for your scrap is take the time to sort and store each type of metal separately. While the service will weigh and pay you for a mismatched pile, they will usually give you a lower rate because they will have to sort through it themselves.

Train your employees to automatically separate the different metals, such as copper wiring or steel plates, before they go to throw it away. Then, set up designated areas to place the various types so that they can be collected and placed in their storage areas once or twice a day.

Using the tips above can give you a good start to saving scrap metal at your factory to yield a higher payment. For more information or specific requirements for a particular company, speak with a representative with the industrial scrap recycling service you plan to use.