Steel and iron are among the most common recyclable metals found around homes, workshops, job sites and small businesses. From old appliances and automotive parts to tools, equipment and construction scrap, many heavy metal items can be recycled instead of being sent to a landfill.
D & L Recycling accepts a wide variety of steel and iron scrap at our Valley City, Ohio facility. We regularly work with homeowners, contractors, tradespeople and small businesses bringing everything from a few individual items to pickup truck, van, box truck and trailer loads.
What Types of Steel & Iron Can Be Recycled?
Many everyday items contain recyclable ferrous metal. Common examples include:
- Appliances
- Automotive parts
- Brake rotors and drums
- Steel shelving and cabinets
- Metal furniture
- Lawn and garden equipment (fluids drained)
- Tools and hardware
- Pipe and tubing
- Machinery parts
- Shop and fabrication scrap
- Construction and remodeling scrap
- Cast iron
- Miscellaneous steel and iron
If you aren't sure whether an item can be recycled, bring it in or contact us before making the trip.
How Can You Identify Steel or Iron?
Steel is classified as a ferrous metal because it contains iron.
Try a Magnet
One of the easiest ways to identify many ferrous metals is with a magnet. If a magnet strongly sticks to the material, there is a good chance the item contains steel or iron.
This simple test can also help separate steel from non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass and aluminum.
Look at the Weight and Appearance
Steel and iron are generally heavier than aluminum and may develop surface rust when exposed to moisture.
Rust does not automatically mean that an item cannot be recycled. Many rusty steel and iron items still contain useful recyclable metal.
Where Does Steel & Iron Scrap Come From?
Steel and iron can accumulate quickly during everyday projects.
Home Cleanouts and Remodeling
Old appliances, shelving, fixtures, outdoor equipment and renovation materials can all generate recyclable steel.
Automotive Work
Repair shops, mechanics and homeowners may generate brake rotors, drums, suspension components and other heavy automotive scrap.
Contractors and Tradespeople
Plumbers, HVAC contractors, remodelers, maintenance companies and other trades frequently produce steel pipe, equipment, fixtures and job-site scrap.
Small Businesses and Workshops
Machine shops, repair businesses, fabrication shops and maintenance departments may have recurring steel and iron scrap that can be recycled instead of discarded.
Bringing Steel & Iron to D & L Recycling
Our facility is well suited for the types of loads commonly generated by homeowners, contractors, tradespeople and small businesses.
Pickup trucks, vans, box trucks, flatbeds and trailers are commonly used to bring recyclable materials to our Valley City location.
Have an Unusally Large or Heavy Load?
Some larger loads require additional planning. If you have an unusually heavy item, a large commercial quantity, structural material or a load requiring specialized unloading, give us a call before making the trip. We can help determine whether our facility and equipment are appropriate for your material.
Larger Steel & Iron Recycling Projects
For projects generating substantial quantities of steel or iron, D & L Recycling may be able to provide a roll-off container when the volume and material are appropriate.
Roll-off service is best suited for customers who can safely load their own recyclable material into the container.
Contact us to discuss the type of material, estimated quantity and project requirements before scheduling a larger-volume recycling job.
Why Recycle Steel & Iron?
Steel is one of the most widely recycled materials in the world. Recycling steel and iron helps:
- Reduce the need for newly mined raw materials
- Keep reusable metal out of landfills
- Return valuable material to manufacturing
- Reduce the energy required to produce new metal products
Even common household and job-site steel can become raw material for new products rather than becoming waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steel & Iron Recycling
Can rusty steel by recycled?
Yes. Surface rust generally does not prevent steel or iron from being recycled.
Do I need to separate steel from other metals?
Whenever practical, yes. Separating steel from copper, brass, aluminum and other metals makes identification and processing easier.
Can I bring a trailer load of steel?
Yes. D & L Recycling regularly handles suitable pickup truck, van, box truck and trailer loads. If the load is unusually large, heavy or difficult to unload, call before visiting.
Do you accept contractor scrap?
Yes. Contractors, tradespeople and small businesses regularly bring steel and iron generated from jobs, repairs and ongoing operations.
Recycle Steel & Iron at D & L Recycling
Whether you're cleaning out a garage, replacing equipment, completing a remodeling project or managing recurring business scrap, D & L Recycling provides a convenient place to recycle steel and iron in Valley City, Ohio.
For information about other materials, visit our Scrap Metal Recycling page or explore our Copper Recycling, Aluminum Recycling and Brass Recycling pages.
Have an unusually large load? Call us before making the trip and we will help determine the best way to handle your material.
Please remember to bring your driver's license or state ID as this is a
State Law to sell your scrap metal.
D&L Recycling is a registered scrap metal recycler with the Ohio Department of Public Safety-Division of Homeland Security and works with all local law enforcement to prevent theft.
IT PAYS TO RECYCLE
WITH US!
- clean scrap yard
- competitive prices
- fast & friendly service
- full service scrap dealer