The shred pile isn't really about the steel at all

I was at the yard today, tossing some microwaves with the cords cut off in the shred pile (at $155/ton today). The attendant made a remark about the copper in them and the conversation went on to " yeah we shred it, and the shredder sorts the steel from the non ferrous from the fluff, and the mixed non ferrous from the shred pile gets big money"

so when you get $0.08/lb for white goods, they yard is getting the full value off of all the metals even the copper and stainless.

I never knew this and thought it was really cool, but it really makes me want to have a full size non ferrous separating shredder.


Think it works something like this -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqY3cShqHW4

Why not separate them and pull the transformer, motors, wiring ?? At least double your money for about 10-15 min. work.
Your just giving free money to the yard.

Microwaves are pretty easy to take apart. The heavy transformer makes up a good amount of the weight. Sometimes they are aluminum instead of copper, but dirty aluminum pays better than shred.

DO NOT break the pink or white ceramic on the magnetron. Its fairly safe in solid form, but very dangerous in powder form.

^^Matt's right, depending on the size of the transformer, even if half is AL, sometimes the other half can still be close to a full lb. in weight! If its not, add the other copper from the fan motor and you got yourself almost 3 bucks in copper alone.

I luuuuuuuuurvs microwaves :)

Dont give the yard any more then you have to - YOU want to be the money makers selling scrap.

Just a thought, has anybody thought about combining scrap with what pays more? Example if junk car price is more than shred, then put microwave in trunk before junking car??

I think most of the car guys on here are stuffing cars before they hit the scale...

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Originally Posted by BurlyGuys

I think most of the car guys on here are stuffing cars before they hit the scale...

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I know I do!

here we tech have to have a license to sell these as a whole unit but even then it has to be torn down a bit. now i pass off most appliances to a friend of mine or drop them off for free since i charge to pick them up and do not have the space or time for larger things i wish i did. microwaves are the exception they are like passing up a $5 bill. working ones i sell but i scrap the rest to a full break down plastic i have no room to save but i do the rest plates go for about $1 hazardous material gets drop off for free at the citys spot since its small and easy to accept. i break down the shell with a sledge to pop rivets to smash and tear apart the whole thing to mix in with other steel shred.
transformers and such get broke down and so forth boards and all. this way i can get as much from it as i get and not poisoning myself or others that may handle my trash it gets separated and delt with as properly as i can

My yard won't even take microwaves. Something about them being "radioactive". I didn't even ask for more of an explanation I just started gutting them and throwing in my dumpster

When i had asked a local yard about buying computers from the shred pile, the one yard guy told me the shredding plant removes all the nonferrous, i was interested in the boards for "computer repair" though. The boss told me that they don't even want to see them there.

Rust, it sounds to me like you could make them an offer there...

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Originally Posted by doyousmellit

My yard won't even take microwaves. Something about them being "radioactive". I didn't even ask for more of an explanation I just started gutting them and throwing in my dumpster

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What are you tossing in the dumpster? Break them down, flatten out the shell, and sell the sheet metal as just that.....The other bits etc.

Voodoo, my purpose was to buy each and every computer from them. But basically the boss man said they don't see them at all and don't want them, now that's not to say one got stuffed in a car that they missed. Every time i go there i try to scan over the shred pile for them. If i did i'd be sure to make and offer or see what they would sell them for. He also said that it's probably because of the free recycling in the area and guys taking the boards out and selling them. I was treading lightly at the time since i don't get a whole lot of material to go to the yard and sometimes it's a month or so till i get a load together.

"radioactive!" Heeheehee!
Granted, the center part of the magnetron can be hazardous if smashed up and inhaled. (Don't do that)
Microwaves = Profit when scrapped properly.
Computers: They are out there elsewhere for free.

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Originally Posted by doyousmellit

My yard won't even take microwaves. Something about them being "radioactive". I didn't even ask for more of an explanation I just started gutting them and throwing in my dumpster

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Its the magnatron. My most used yard never took them either when i first started. however, they take them now if they are broke down and magnatron removed. I wouldn't toss those guts, save the steel and find another yard if possible

yeah, im in the same boat, Rust. I only get enough shred to make a run once in a while. Especially with all this snow, noone feels like carrying their junk out.

Times are uber slow Voodoo, I haven't seen a computer in over a month. Trying to diversify as much as possible and get whatever i can. Back in november i handed out a bunch of cards to friends,family and other scrappers saying i'd buy their computers for better than shred and not one bite yet. I've gotten a few for free from friends and family, but mostly i've had to buy just to keep something coming in. Worst part is what i offer is roughly 50% of value and i still cant get anything lately. Hopefully when spring rolls around, everything will pick back up.

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Originally Posted by MattInTheHat

Microwaves are pretty easy to take apart. The heavy transformer makes up a good amount of the weight. Sometimes they are aluminum instead of copper, but dirty aluminum pays better than shred.

DO NOT break the pink or white ceramic on the magnetron. Its fairly safe in solid form, but very dangerous in powder form.

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So what do you do with the magnetron ? Pics would be make this thread much better. What exactly makes the magnetron hazardous.

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Originally Posted by taterjuice

So what do you do with the magnetron ? Pics would be make this thread much better. What exactly makes the magnetron hazardous.

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I think there is beryllium oxide or something in them that when removed turns to a powder and if inhaled can kill you. someone else may know more than I do on the subject though

Tater, from what i understand the beryllium oxide on the magnetron is a carcinogen, i usually cut the copper from the magnetron with a sawzall or grinder.