Old fencing, leftover pipe from a plumbing project, a rusted metal shed frame, a stack of miscellaneous parts that have been sitting in the garage for years, scrap metal has a way of accumulating in the corners of a property without anyone really deciding to keep it. Getting rid of it is often more involved than people expect, mostly because of the weight and the fact that it doesn't fit neatly into regular trash service.

This guide covers what typically counts as scrap metal, your options for getting rid of it, and when it makes sense to bring in a junk removal service instead of hauling it yourself.

What Counts as Scrap Metal

Scrap metal covers a fairly wide range of materials and items, including:

• Old fencing and gates, whether chain-link, wrought iron, or aluminum
• Pipe and plumbing scraps left over from a renovation project
• Metal furniture frames, including bed frames and outdoor furniture
• Appliance shells, once other components like refrigerant have been properly handled
• Automotive parts, like rims, brackets, or miscellaneous car components
• Construction leftovers, including rebar, metal studs, and similar materials
• General miscellaneous metal, tools, hardware, and parts that have accumulated over time

Why Scrap Metal Is Worth Handling Properly

Metal is one of the more valuable and recyclable materials found in household and construction waste. Unlike a lot of general junk, scrap metal has real recycling value, since steel, aluminum, and copper can all be reprocessed and reused rather than sitting in a landfill indefinitely.

This is part of why scrap metal is often treated separately from general trash. Regular curbside pickup usually isn't equipped to handle large volumes of metal, and simply disposing of it as landfill waste wastes material that could otherwise be recovered.

Options for Getting Rid of Scrap Metal Yourself

Take It to a Scrap Yard

Local scrap yards accept a wide range of metal and typically pay based on weight and material type, with prices varying depending on current market conditions. This works well if you have a vehicle suited for hauling metal and don't mind sorting and transporting it yourself.

Check for Municipal Bulk Metal Pickup

Some areas offer specific bulk pickup programs for metal items, separate from general bulky waste pickup. Availability and rules vary, so it's worth checking with your local waste provider.

Combine It With a Larger Cleanup

If scrap metal is just one part of a bigger garage, yard, or construction cleanup, it often makes more sense to handle it alongside everything else rather than as a separate errand.

When Professional Scrap Metal Removal Makes Sense

DIY hauling works well for smaller amounts of metal and when you have a suitable vehicle. Professional removal tends to make more sense when:

• You have a large volume of scrap metal, more than fits easily in a single vehicle trip
• The metal is heavy or awkward, like old fencing sections or large appliance frames
• You're clearing out scrap metal as part of a broader garage, yard, or construction cleanup
• You don't have a vehicle suited for hauling metal safely
• You'd rather not deal with sorting, loading, and transporting it to a scrap yard yourself

A professional junk removal service can pick up scrap metal directly from your property and handle the sorting and recycling process, which is often more convenient than making a separate trip yourself, especially for larger volumes.

What to Expect From a Professional Scrap Metal Removal Service

The process generally looks like this:

1. You describe what needs to be removed, including the general volume and type of metal.
2. You get a quote, usually based on volume and how difficult the items are to access.
3. A pickup is scheduled.
4. The crew handles the loading and hauling, including heavy or awkward pieces.
5. The metal is routed for recycling, keeping it out of the general waste stream.
6. Your space is left clear once everything is removed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Letting scrap metal accumulate indefinitely. What starts as a small pile of leftover materials often grows over time if it's not addressed.
• Assuming regular trash pickup will take it. Most standard curbside service isn't set up for large volumes of metal.
• Not separating metal from other debris. Keeping metal separate, when possible, makes recycling more straightforward.
• Underestimating the weight. Metal is often heavier than it looks, which can make DIY hauling more physically demanding than expected.

How Junk Is Removed Can Help With Scrap Metal Removal in Kent, WA

If you've got scrap metal taking up space, whether it's old fencing, leftover construction materials, or general accumulated metal, Junk Is Removed can haul it away throughout Kent and the surrounding King County area, including Auburn, Federal Way, Renton, Maple Valley, Black Diamond, Hobart, and Pacific, routing it to recycling wherever possible. For more on how individual metal appliances are typically handled, this guide on how to dispose of a washing machine covers scrap metal value and recycling in more detail.

Contact Junk Is Removed

Junk Is Removed 21207 125th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98031 Phone: (253) 678-5114

Call or text to get a quote for your scrap metal removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you remove large amounts of scrap metal at once? Yes, whether it's a small pile or a larger accumulation from a construction or yard project, volume-based pickup can typically accommodate it.

Does scrap metal need to be separated from other junk? It helps if it's reasonably separated, though a professional crew can generally sort mixed loads as part of the pickup process.

Is scrap metal removal included with general junk removal? Yes, scrap metal is commonly picked up alongside other household or construction junk in the same visit.

What happens to scrap metal after it's picked up? It's typically routed to a recycling facility, where materials like steel and aluminum are reprocessed rather than sent to a landfill.

Can old fencing or gates be included in scrap metal pickup? Yes, fencing, gates, and similar structural metal items are common scrap metal removal requests.

How is pricing determined for scrap metal removal? Pricing is generally based on volume and how accessible the items are, similar to standard junk removal pricing.