Questions About Metal Recycling

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 or message us on Facebook.
How do I know the difference in grades of scrap?
The best way to tell the difference is to bring a sample of the material for no-obligation grading and pricing. You can also call us or you can visit our “What we buy” page to learn more about the materials we buy.
​Do aluminum cans include food cans and beer cans?
No, aluminum cans refers exclusively to beverage cans which are free of any plastic lining. Plastic lining can be found in nearly every food can and metal beer bottle; because of this, we cannot purchase them at this time.
What material can I not sell to Emfinger Steel?
At this time, we do not buy cardboard, glass, paper, plastic, or rubber. We also cannot accept hazardous material, including complete propane/acetylene tanks, TV's, and computer monitors.
Do you sell car parts?
No. Most vehicles we buy are processed very quickly, and we do not have a storage yard for used car parts. 
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. Number #1 copper includes wires and cable which are clean, non-coated, non-insulated,  and thicker than 1/16” (14 gauge and thicker). Number #2 copper is clean, non-insulated, may have a lacquer or tin finish, and/or is 1/16” or smaller.
What are the differences in aluminum?
We separate aluminum by grade, so knowing the differences and sorting out the good stuff can earn you more money. 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.

The following are from least valuable to most valuable:
  1. Sheet aluminum (such as aluminum siding or other aluminum that is easy to bend)
  2. Cast aluminum (such as the shell of an automatic transmission that has been cleaned of all steel)
  3. MLC grade (thicker aluminum that is not easily bent, most commonly as irrigation pipe)
  4. Aluminum beverage cans, free from any foil or plastic
  5. Extruded aluminum (which was made by being run through forming machinery, as opposed to being poured into a mold or pounded into shape; structural aluminum with tapered or rounded ends and corners like angle aluminum, channel aluminum, or aluminum tubing; good examples are window frames, which are notable for their grooves that signify they were “extruded” through a machine.