Emfinger Steel
Answering your recycling questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know the difference in the grades of scrap?
-This is a simple but vague question that requires a broad explanation. Please click here for
our “What we buy” page to learn more about the materials we buy.
- What is the price for...?
-Because prices vary with the market, we encourage you to call us for up-to-the-minute pricing
at 334-794-4251
- What is the difference between #1 and #2 Copper?
-Because #1 copper is worth more than #2 copper, it’s important to know the difference.
#1 copper wire is clean, uncoated, not insulated copper wire and cable, and thicker
than 1/16” (14 gauge and thicker).
#2 Copper is clean, not insulated, but may have a lacquer or tin finish, and/or is 1/16” or
smaller.
- What are the differences in aluminum?
-Emfinger Steel separates aluminum into 5 distinct grades of aluminum, so knowing the
differences can translate into extra money in your pocket.
The following are from least valuable to most valuable:
1 & 2) Sheet aluminum (such as aluminum siding or other aluminum that is easy to bend), and cast
aluminum (such as the shell of an automatic transmission that has been cleaned of all steel).
3) The next valuable grade of aluminum is "MLC grade". MLC is generally thicker aluminum that is
not easily bended. The most common form of MLC is irrigation pipe.
4) Aluminum beverage cans, free from any foil or plasic.
5) Extruded aluminum, which was made by being run through forming machinery, as opposed to
being poured into a mold or pounded into shape. A good example of extruded would be window
frames, which are notable for their grooves that signify they were “extruded” through a machine.
Another good example is any “structural” angle or channel aluminum that has tapered ends or square
aluminum tubing with rounded corners.
Because the differences may take a trained eye to spot, please check with our front office before
unloading aluminum if you have any questions about their grade.
- Does “Aluminum cans” include food cans and aluminum beer bottles?
-No, “aluminum cans” refers to exclusively to beverage cans that are free of any plastic lining. Such plastic
lining can be found in nearly every aluminum food can and aluminum beer bottle, and
because of this, we cannot purchase them at this time.
- What material can't I sell to Emfinger Steel?
-At this time, we do not buy batteries, cardboard, catalytic convertors, glass, paper, plastic, or rubber.
Naturally, we also cannot accept hazardous material. Please note this includes, but is not limited
to, complete propane/acetylene tanks, TV's, and computer monitors.
- Do you sell car parts?
-No, the vehicles we buy are processed very quickly and we do not have a salvage yard for used car parts.
Business Hours:
8:00AM to 4:00PM (CST) Monday-Friday
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Emfinger Steels Co., Inc.
1795 Webb Road
P.O. Box 876
Dothan, AL 36302
Telephone 334-794-4251
Fax 334-794-4254
