What Metals Cannot Be Recycled?

“Almost every metal can be recycled. What scrap yards turn away is usually not the metal itself but how it’s packaged or contaminated: sealed tanks, items with fuel, oil, or refrigerant still in them, and anything containing mercury or radioactive material. Those need special handling instead of the regular scrap bin. Below is what to separate out and where it goes. If you have a pile of scrap and don’t want to sort it, Junk Holler hauls it away. Call  (208) 899-4000 or get a free quote online.”

Are you interested in scrap metal recycling and live in Boise, Idaho, or neighboring areas like Nampa, Meridian, and Caldwell? If so, you’ve probably heard about the essential services provided by Junk Holler. We’re here to not only educate you about scrap metal recycling but also shed light on what metals cannot be recycled and how to manage them responsibly.

Let’s dive into this informative journey while considering the importance of preserving our environment and natural resources.

If you need help with junk removal in Boise, Idaho, then feel free to contact Junk Holler. Our professional scrap metal pickup team will clear all the scrap metal away from your property.

Truck filled with scrap metal being removed in Boise, ID.
A truckload of scrap metal being hauled away in Boise.

Scrap Metal Recycling: A Sustainable Choice

Scrap metal recycling is an ever-important process that significantly reduces carbon emissions and conserves natural resources. Recycling metals is an eco-friendly practice that allows us to reuse and repurpose recycled metals.

Recyclable metals include ferrous metals such as iron, cast iron, and steel. They also include non-ferrous metals such as aluminum cans, brass, copper, zinc, and more. However, not all metals and metal items can undergo the recycling process.

What Scrap Yards Often Won't Take

Most scrap yards turn away items that are sealed, contaminated, or hazardous, not the metal itself. Separate these out before you load up:

  • Propane tanks and pressurized cylinders: They need to be empty, and some yards refuse them anyway. The City of Boise’s household hazardous waste program accepts 20-pound refillable propane tanks and 1-pound camping canisters.
  • Appliances with refrigerant (fridges, freezers, air conditioners): The refrigerant usually has to be recovered before a yard will take them.
  • Lead-acid batteries: These are recyclable, but they don’t belong in a scrap bin. Take them to a battery retailer for a core refund (the City of Boise names Interstate Batteries and Sterling Batteries) or to the City’s household hazardous waste program.
  • Mercury items (thermostats, fluorescent tubes, some switches): These are recyclable through hazardous waste programs, not scrap. Check with the City of Boise household hazardous waste program.
  • Radioactive materials: These are regulated separately and are not scrap. Don’t try to scrap them.
  • Engines and tanks with fuel or oil: Drain them first. Our lawn mower recycling page covers the steps.
  • Mixed items (metal with lots of plastic, foam, or wiring): Yards may pay less or refuse them, so separate the parts.
  • Pots, pans, and most household metal items: These are fine. See our list of household scrap metal items.

What to Do With Items a Scrap Yard Won't Take

  1. Empty or drain it,
  2. Separate the metal from other materials,
  3. Take hazardous items to the City of Boise household hazardous waste program,
  4. Call the yard before you load up,
  5. or hire us to haul it.

Key Takeaway Regarding Recycling Metal

Understanding which metals can and cannot be recycled is essential for making environmentally conscious decisions. While recycling is a crucial step towards conserving resources and reducing carbon emissions, we must also handle non-recyclable metals responsibly.

Whether you’re in Boise, Nampa, Meridian, or Caldwell, Junk Holler is here to help you navigate the world of scrap metal recycling and waste management. Reach out to us today for expert guidance and services that contribute to a greener and cleaner future.

Scrap Metal Pickup in Boise, ID

Load sizeTypical price
Single item (minimum)$79 to $129
Quarter truck$129 to $199
Half truck (most popular)$225 to $399
Full truck$400 to $650+

Prices include loading, hauling, and disposal, with no dump fees or fuel surcharges. You get a locked price before we start. A 3% surcharge applies to credit card payments, and there is none for debit. Heavy items like sofa beds or hot tubs may carry an additional fee, quoted upfront.

Junk Holler has been locally owned and operated by Royce Porkert since 2012. We are licensed and insured. Rated 5.0 on Google from nearly 1,000 reviews.”

Contact Junk Holler for Help

Junk Holler, based in Boise, Idaho, is your trusted partner in responsible metal waste management. If you want to recycle metal from old computer monitors, auto parts, or aluminum cans, we can assist you in disposing of them safely and efficiently. 

Junk Holler has many years of experience working with property management in the area, helping manage waste left behind in apartments. We also provide dumpster clean-up services.

Contact us at Junk Holler for all your scrap metal recycling needs in Boise, Idaho, and surrounding areas. Let’s work together to make a positive impact on our environment and communities!

FAQs About Scrap Metal Recycling

Yes. Lead-acid batteries are among the most recycled products, but they go to a battery retailer or hazardous waste program, not a scrap bin.

Some yards take them and some refuse, so call first. Boise’s household hazardous waste program takes 20-pound refillable tanks.

Yes, as household metal. Call your yard to confirm.

No. Take them to a hazardous waste program.

Need Junk Hauling?

We are ready to help you.