Steel Recycling
Steel is one of the most widely used metals in the world and one of the most recyclable. At Clear Recycling, we make the steel recycling process straightforward, accurate, and profitable for customers across Sanford, the Triangle, and the Triad.
Whether you’re a homeowner clearing out old appliances or a contractor generating regular industrial scrap, our team provides reliable service and competitive payouts.
Types of Steel Scrap Metal We Recycle
We accept a wide range of ferrous materials, including both residential and industrial steel scrap. Below are the most common categories we handle.
Heavy Melt Steel (HMS)
Heavy melt steel refers to large, bulky pieces such as beams, plates, and structural steel. These items typically come from demolition or construction projects and are highly valued for their density. Our facility is equipped to process heavy melt quickly, ensuring accurate grading and fair compensation.
Prepared and Unprepared Steel
This category includes common household and commercial items like appliances, machinery parts, and mixed steel scrap. Prepared steel has been cut into smaller pieces for easier handling, while unprepared steel is larger or irregularly shaped. Both grades are welcome, and each is weighed and priced according to its material quality.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel scrap includes sinks, kitchen equipment, medical-grade materials, and industrial components. Because stainless steel contains valuable alloys like nickel and chromium, proper sorting and identification help maximize your return. Our team will grade each load based on its composition and condition.
How to Sell Your Steel Scrap Metal
Recycling your steel is simple, but preparing your material ahead of time can improve your overall value and shorten your time onsite.
Sorting and Preparation
Sorting steel scrap before you arrive helps ensure fast and accurate grading. We recommend separating stainless steel from carbon steel and removing non-metal attachments when possible. A magnet test can help identify basic steel—if a magnet sticks, it’s a ferrous material and will be categorized accordingly.
Documentation
North Carolina law requires every seller to present a Valid Photo ID at the time of the transaction. For larger loads or materials associated with commercial operations, additional documentation may be requested to verify ownership or origin. These steps help keep our recycling process compliant and transparent.
Drop-Off and Payment
After weighing and grading your steel on our certified scales, we issue immediate payment. Our streamlined workflow ensures minimal wait times, whether you’re dropping off a single item or several truckloads of material.
Steel Recycling for Commercial Clients
We support ongoing scrap metal needs for commercial and industrial operations throughout Central North Carolina.
For Plumbers and HVAC Technicians
Plumbers and HVAC professionals often generate steel scrap from ductwork, furnaces, piping, and equipment replacements. We offer quick unloading, fair pricing, and the ability to accept mixed loads so your team can return to the job promptly.
For Electricians and Contractors
Contractors handling demolition or renovation frequently collect steel conduit, panels, fixtures, and structural debris. Our team provides efficient processing and competitive rates for high-volume deliveries to help boost project value.
Industrial Container Service
For facilities producing continuous steel scrap, we offer roll-off containers in multiple sizes. Containers can be placed at your plant, shop, or job site, allowing your team to focus on production while we handle collection and recycling on a scheduled or on-call basis.
Benefits of Choosing Our Steel Recycling Team
We are committed to delivering an efficient, honest, and environmentally responsible recycling experience.
Competitive Payouts
Steel pricing fluctuates daily based on the global market, and we monitor those changes closely to offer competitive payouts. Because all materials are weighed on certified scales, you can trust that the valuation of your steel scrap is transparent and accurate.
Convenience and Professional Service
Our Sanford facility is designed for fast drive-up unloading, clear signage, and easy access for both small and large vehicles. Whether you bring a few pounds of stainless steel or a full trailer of demolition scrap, our staff provides attentive grading and quick turnarounds.
Environmental Impact
Steel recycling reduces the need for raw ore extraction and significantly cuts energy usage compared to manufacturing new steel. By choosing to recycle your scrap, you help preserve natural resources and support a more sustainable manufacturing cycle across North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Recycling
What types of steel do you accept?
We accept heavy melt steel, stainless steel, prepared/unprepared steel, appliances, machinery parts, and most other ferrous materials.
Are there steel items you will not accept?
Yes. Certain steel materials cannot be accepted due to safety regulations, contamination, or processing restrictions. We recommend reviewing our online list of accepted materials before visiting to ensure your items qualify for drop-off.
How much is steel scrap worth?
Steel scrap pricing varies based on market conditions, grade, and volume, but Clear Recycling consistently offers competitive payouts for all ferrous materials.
Do I need to clean or strip my steel before recycling?
Cleaning is not required, but removing excessive non-metal attachments can improve grading and help you receive better pricing.
Can businesses schedule recurring pickups?
Yes, commercial clients can request scheduled or on-call service, including container placement for continuous steel scrap production.
Do you recycle stainless steel separately?
Yes, stainless steel is graded independently due to its alloy content, which is why separating it from regular steel can be beneficial.
Do I need to remove non-steel components before recycling?
Not always. While we can accept items with small attachments, removing excessive plastic, rubber, or mixed metals can improve grading and may increase the value of your steel scrap.
Is a photo ID required to sell steel?
Yes, all sellers must present a valid photo ID to complete a transaction in compliance with North Carolina regulations.
Contact Our Steel Recycling Experts Today
Whether you’re recycling a few items or managing large industrial loads, Clear Recycling is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more about current pricing, drop-off details, and commercial service options.
Fill out our contact form to get started.
