Page 18 - Wayne Dispatch Pages

RECYCLE, Continued from page 5 ids and those fluids would contaminate the land
Weiser sits on.
rate your metals, but the more you do separate, The biggest concern people seem to have with
the more money you get. “The more you know metal scrapping has to do with the possible recy-
your metals,” said Neidert, “and segregate them, cling of stolen articles. Neidert said that back in
the more you take home.” 2014 the theft of copper was a real problem.
While you are searching for scrap metal, it’s There has been legislation made that dictates how
handy to have a magnet with you. Iron and steel a recycling firm acquires and processes metals.
are magnetic. Copper is not magnetic. Have you There is a $25,000 fine if the business buys a
ever thrown away Christmas light strings that manhole cover. Buyers also cannot buy air condi-
have stopped working? There is copper wire in- tioning parts or catalytic converters.
side those light strings that can be recycled. Don’t If you bring something in to be recycled, you
throw them away! Those lights could be worth a will not get paid on the spot. The business will
few dollars. Start a metal recycling box or bin and mail you something that you then have to bring
start throwing your old metals into it. When it’s back along with your government-issued ID. You
full, take it for recycling. Household metal recy- will have to sign paperwork stating you are not giv-
cling might not make you rich, but it could put a ing the business any stolen materials, and your
few extra dollars in your pocket. thumb print will be taken along with a picture of
Did your toaster, iron, or can opener stop you. When you come back to the business, there
working? Cut off the cord at the appliance and the is an ATM in the building to use to get your pay-
plug in and add it to your new recycling pile. Al- ment. It might seem like a lot of work on your part
ways practice safety first and only cut the cords Nancy Pride (left) discusses metal recycling with two to get paid, but why would you have a problem
when the appliance is unplugged! Other items to other attendees of the program. taking these actions if you’ve done nothing wrong
throw in your box could include computer towers, the makeup of the metals of the items. in acquiring the metal you’ve turned in?
Intel processors and computer boards, old brass How does Weiser weigh your items? Neidert Neidert shared that at one time, the price of
faucet pipes, aluminum siding, filing cabinets, said your vehicle is weighed with the items in it, copper was fluctuating so often that people would
electric stove burners and stainless steel. you unload the items, and then they reweight your buy copper at Home Depot and then sell it as
Once you have at least a pound of materials, vehicle. He commented that the average truckload scrap at the right time and make money. Although
you can bring it in. To make it worthwhile, you can net about $100. this is unlikely to happen in the near future, it’s
might wish to collect more before taking it in, but Weiser does not buy cars. The building is on something to keep in mind as you delve into the
a pound is the minimum to get paid. Weiser Recy- porous land. The EPA (Environmental Protection world of metal scrapping.
cling has a state-certified scale. Weiser has an Agency) won’t let them buy cars because then the If you do take the plunge, let me know about
Olympus Xray Refraction Gun that tells the buyer recycling business would need to drain all the flu- your experience. Carolynmarnon1@gmail.com

18 · April 2022 · The Wayne Dispatch