Scrap metal recycling is so commonplace in some areas that people actually make a living from gathering up scrap items and taking them to recycling centers where they are usually paid in cash for their materials. You may not be interested in actually earning a regular income from scrap metal recycling, but whatever your reasons for recycling metal, note a few important facts about this process. This will ensure that you know what's involved and that you aren't left with any surprises when you visit a recycling facility.

Metal is in far more materials than you may realize

If you're thinking of recycling scrap metal for a living or just for extra money, note that you can often find recyclable metal in more items than you may realize. This might include electronics such as old VCRs, tape players or even old radios. The wiring inside and many of the pieces used to build these older items are made of metal that can be harvested and recycled. This is also true of computers and old cell phones. You want to call around and note if a recycling center actually accepts those items in particular, but don't assume that metal for scrap means a full metal piece such as cans and old metal furniture; remember that metal pieces can be found inside plastic housing and used for a variety of items.

You'll need to show your identification

Metal theft for recycling can sometimes be all too common, which is why many recycling centers require identification when visiting their facility. You may also need to show proof of ownership of certain larger items such as cars, shopping carts and the like. Some centers even require a thumbprint and provide their records to local law enforcement, and video recording of the facility is not uncommon. If you're not comfortable showing your identification and aren't sure of what items require additional paperwork, always call ahead before visiting a recycling center.

You might get more money on different days

Recycling centers often pay for items according to their market value that day. You might keep a record of what each center is paying out every day and then find the center with the highest payment, or wait until a price goes up before bringing in your items. This is especially important if you're looking to actually earn a living or extra cash from recycling and aren't simply trying to keep items out of landfills; treat your business like a business, with records of potential payouts, and you'll earn the most money overall.