Recycling Steel Containers: A Guide to Responsible Disposal & Potential Revenue

When an old steel storage container outlives it usefulness, don't just throw it away. Recycling steel allows companies to reuse resources instead of discarding the old ones and digging for new steel reserves. Some scrap metal recyclers will even pay you a small fee for your old steel storage container. Do your homework before you drive to your nearest recycling center because not all centers will accept steel. Knowing where and when to deliver the steel will help save time and money.

Instructions

• 1

  Pull any labels or stickers off the container. Some steel recycling mills won't accept material if it has stickers and other labels on the metal because it takes unnecessary time to clean the metal. Cleaning it beforehand increases the chance they will accept your container.

• 2

  Call the local recycling centers in your area to see if they accept steel. Even if they don't recycle steel, they may be willing to take the container and deliver it to a sister recycling plant who can do the job for you. Record the dates and times the center is open so you can deliver the steel container.

• 3

  Repurpose the container in your own home if you can't find a steel recycling plant within a reasonable distance. You can use the container to store non-perishable items such as tools, toys and paper.