Money for Metal: Dumping an Old Car for Profit
There are more than 17 million cars in Australia, and that equates to around 1.8 cars per household. However, there aren't 17 million cars on Australian roads. Many of these cars may not be roadworthy or could be just plain non-functional. Do you have such a car taking up space on your driveway or in your garage?
A Decent Profit
Getting rid of an unnecessary, unused car shouldn't cost you a thing. As a matter of fact, it should result in a decent profit for you. As a car, the vehicle has minimal value, or no value whatsoever. Its raw materials are another matter.
Scrap Metal
Metal recycling companies have long recognised the value of the scrap metal that an average vehicle contains. There are many companies that deal exclusively in old cars, but most metal recycling companies will process an old unused vehicle.
Preparing the Vehicle
Your old car will have any noxious compounds (lubricants, brake fluid, any petrol) removed to make it safe for handling. Its battery will also be removed. Some non-metal components can be stripped for recycling too (such as the vehicle's tyres). Even plastics and textiles can be removed for recycling. Although much of a vehicle can be recycled, some of it will be disposed of in a landfill.
Working Spare Parts
The car's existing parts will then be itemised as it's dismantled. Some of the vehicle's components may be in working order, even if the vehicle as a whole is non-functional. These parts may be removed and resold for spare parts as is. All other metal components (primarily steel and aluminium) will be extracted for recycling.
Steel Content
The actual metal component of a vehicle depends on the type of vehicle. On average, around 900 kgs of steel are present in a typical vehicle, although your own car may be well above or below this number. The estimated amount of metal in a vehicle greatly influences how much you'll be paid for it. This is where a non-functional vehicle's price comes from—the value of its raw materials.
Make and Model
Many metal recycling companies will be able to offer a quote without seeing the vehicle—and this is based almost solely upon the vehicle's make and model. They'll be able to estimate the raw materials that can be extracted, and they will offer you a payment based on this estimation. You may wish to obtain several different quotes to ensure that you're getting the best possible price. You'll also need to ensure that the recycling company can come to your home to remove the vehicle.
Getting cash for the metal in a non-functional car makes sense, and there's also the added benefit that you're doing the right thing for the environment—not to mention freeing up some much-needed space at home.
Reach out to a metal recycling company to learn more.
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