Which Metal Items Cannot Be Recycled

Before you exchange your unwanted scrap metals for cash at a scrap yard in Toronto, it’s essential to know what metals can and cannot be recycled. Metal recycling is an environmentally friendly practice that eliminates the demand for new metal and conserves valuable resources. At Tal Metal, we care deeply about the environment and do everything we can to assist with the recycling of scrap metals. To ensure you drop off scrap metal that we’re able to recycle, we’ve created a list of metal items that cannot be recycled.

Not sure what metal items can be recycled at Tal Metal? Read on for more information. 

Why It’s Important to Know Which Metals Cannot Be Recycled

When you decide to exchange your scrap metal for money, it’s important to know what types of metal are accepted at your local scrap yard in Toronto. Bringing in junk metal that carries a low value can be disappointing, so it's best to know where to look for higher-value metals like aluminum that are in demand. Tal Metal will do its best to recycle any metal brought in, but for a significant return, try waiting until you've collected a significant amount of lower-value metals.

Scrap Metal We Recycle

Ferrous Metals (Bin Service Only):

• Mild Steel
• Carbon Steel
• Cast Iron
• Wrought Iron
• Stainless Steel

Non-Ferrous Metals:

• Aluminum 
• Copper
• Zinc
• Lead
• Brass
• Nickel
• Tin
• Molybdenum
• Palladium
• Tungsten
• Cobalt
• Titanium
• Beryllium
• Chromium

Paint Cans

If you have an empty paint can that you want to get rid of, you must dispose of it properly. Paint cans with paint remains can potentially carry toxins and are not accepted at metal scrap yards. Latex paint may also contain traces of mercury, which can contain dangerous toxins that should be avoided at all costs. Though you may think it’s a good idea to clean your paint cans, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll effectively remove the paint, so it’s best to drop it off at a hazardous waste center to dispose of it correctly.

Pots & Pans

You may wonder how your pots and pans could be contaminated, especially after thoroughly cleaning them. Although pans and pots are not dangerous, many have a protective layer of Teflon to prevent the metal chemicals from seeping into the food. Before you recycle your kitchen items, it’s crucial to check if they are coated with Teflon, especially if labelled as “non-stick” kitchenware. Though Teflon is great at preventing food from sticking, kitchen items with this coating cannot be recycled due to environmental hazards. 

Propane Tanks

Many people are unsure where to dispose of their gas propane tanks and assume they can be accepted for metal recycling. Although propane tanks directly interact with propane gas, it is a major hazard and should never be dropped off for scrap metal recycling. To get rid of your propane tanks correctly, they must be disposed of at your local hazardous waste center.

Why Recycle Your Scrap Metal at Tal Metal?

At Tal Metal, our main priority is providing a secure, safe, and protected scrap metal recycling facility. We care deeply about our environment and customers, which is why we offer an organized and efficient scrap yard. Our goal is to significantly eliminate high volumes of metal waste, reduce pollution, and save energy where possible.

If you’re looking for a trustworthy place to dispose of your scrap metal, choose Tal Metal for exceptional services. 

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