Best Scrap Metal Recyclers in Orlando
If you've got old appliances, copper wire, aluminum cans, or steel sitting around, Orlando's scrap metal recyclers can turn that junk into cash. You're looking at anywhere from $0.30 to $3+ per pound depending on what you're hauling in, but you need to know where to go and what they actually want. This guide covers what you can realistically expect, which places take what, and how to make the most of your scrap metal.
How Much Money You Can Actually Make
Let's be real about the numbers first. You're not getting rich from scrap metal, but it's honest money that adds up if you're consistent.
- Copper: $2.50 to $3.50 per pound (this is the good stuff)
- Aluminum: $0.30 to $0.60 per pound (cans, gutters, siding)
- Steel: $0.10 to $0.20 per pound (appliances, car parts)
- Brass: $1.50 to $2.50 per pound
- Lead: $0.30 to $0.50 per pound
A typical trip with mixed scrap from your garage or a cleanout job might net you $20 to $100. If you're doing this regularly (hitting estate sales, helping people move, gathering from job sites), you can make $300 to $500 a month pretty comfortably.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Most recyclers in Orlando operate similarly, but there are rules you need to follow.
Bring ID. Every recycler requires government-issued identification. This is federal law because of theft concerns. Don't show up without it.
Know what you have. Separating your metals before you arrive means a faster transaction and sometimes slightly better rates. Keep copper, aluminum, and steel in different piles. The recycler will check it anyway, but showing you know what you're doing sometimes helps.
Weight matters more than item count. Don't expect payment per item. You're selling by the pound. A large copper radiator might weigh 10 pounds and get you $25 to $35. A small box of mixed aluminum cans might be 3 pounds and get you a dollar or two.
Liquid payment, not checks. Orlando recyclers typically pay cash same day. Bring a way to carry money or have them hold a check. Amounts vary, but most won't deposit checks for small quantities.
Hazardous materials aren't welcome. Don't bring anything with freon (old AC units, refrigerators), mercury (old thermostats, fluorescent tubes), or oil. Refrigerators especially are tricky and most places won't take them. Call ahead if you're unsure.
Finding the Right Recycler for Your Load
Orlando has several neighborhoods and outer areas, so location matters. Depending on where you live, you might save gas money by picking the closest option rather than chasing slightly better rates.
Bring a full vehicle load. If you're making the trip, fill your truck or car. One bag of cans isn't worth the gas. Aim for at least 50 pounds if possible to make the trip worthwhile.
Call first with large loads. If you've got a whole appliance, a car's worth of parts, or more than 200 pounds of material, call ahead. Some places have weight limits or require appointments for big hauls. You don't want to show up with a truck full of metal and get turned away.
Check their hours. Most scrap yards close by 4 or 5 PM, and some don't operate on weekends. Plan your trip accordingly.
Make This a Regular Thing
If you want consistent money from scrap metal, treat it like a side hustle. Keep a bin in your garage or shed and collect copper from old electronics, aluminum from cans, and steel from old furniture. When you hit 75 to 100 pounds, make the drive. You'll be looking at $15 to $50 depending on the mix, which is real money for material you'd have thrown away anyway.
The key is knowing your local recyclers, understanding what they pay, and not wasting gas on tiny loads.
Find scrap metal recyclers near you by searching on whopaysmenow.com/scrap-metal. Enter your location and get current prices and hours for facilities in your area.