Are Filing Cabinets Scrap Metal?

Filing cabinets are a common fixture in offices and homes, used to organize documents and paperwork. But what happens when those old filing cabinets aren’t needed anymore? Can filing cabinets be recycled as scrap metal? Here is a detailed look at whether filing cabinets qualify as scrap metal.

An Introduction to Filing Cabinets as Scrap Metal

Filing cabinets are typically made of sheet metal, allowing them to be included in scrap metal recycling programs. The most common metals used to construct filing cabinets are steel and aluminum. When a filing cabinet is no longer usable, the metal components can be removed and recycled.

Recycling filing cabinets and other obsolete office items conserves natural resources. Rather than mining new metals, recycling allows metals to be reused repeatedly. Recycling also saves energy, water, reduces pollution, and diverts old filing cabinets from landfills.

When considering old filing cabinets as scrap metal, it’s important to understand what materials can actually be recycled. While the cabinet may be predominantly metal, there may also be other components that need to be handled differently.

Key Facts About Recycling Metal Filing Cabinets

• Filing cabinets are usually made of steel or aluminum, which are highly recyclable metals.
• Steel filing cabinets are the most common and are magnetically attractive. Aluminum cabinets are non-magnetic.
• Drawers, panels, frames, rails, and other metal components can be removed and recycled as scrap steel or aluminum.
• Locks, handles, and hardware may contain other metals like brass that require separation.
• Rails may have nylon or plastic glides that need removal prior to metal recycling.
• Paint coatings and laminates do not have to be removed before recycling the core metal components.
• Non-metal parts like wood or fiberboard frames should be disposed of or recycled separately.

Dismantling Filing Cabinets for Scrap

To prepare old filing cabinets for scrap recycling, they must be properly dismantled. This allows for separation of steel or aluminum components from non-recyclable materials attached to the cabinet.

Follow these steps to dismantle a standard vertical filing cabinet:

1. Remove Drawers

Drawers slide out of most vertical cabinets easily once unlocked. Set drawers aside for later dismantling.

2. Remove Shelves and Mounts

Detach any internal shelves or folder mounts by unscrewing brackets. Shelving is often wood or plastic.

3. Take Off Doors

Unscrew swinging doors or sliding panels and set aside. Steel doors can be recycled.

4. Remove Locks and Hardware

Use screwdrivers to detach locks, latches, handles, and any misc hardware. These parts may be other metals.

5. Lift Off Side Panels

With doors and drawers removed, side panels can be lifted off the metal frame.

6. Separate Rails and Glides

Use pliers to remove plastic or nylon glides from drawer railings before recycling the steel rails.

7. Salvage Usable Office Contents

Repurpose intact folders, paperwork, supplies before scrapping the cabinet.

Recycling the Metal Components

Once completely disassembled, the metal components of the filing cabinet can be sorted for scrap recycling:

• Sheet Steel Sides and Drawers: The flat sheet metal makes up the bulk of steel to be recycled from filing cabinets. May need to be flattened or cut to size for transport.
• Steel Rails and Frames: The metal latticework that supported drawers and structure consists of recyclable steel from cabinets.
• Locks and Hardware: May consist of steel or brass components. Should be separated from other steel scrap.
• Aluminum: If the cabinet is aluminum, all cleaned metal parts can be combined aluminum scrap. Not magnetic.
• Doors: Steel doors can be recycled with other cabinet steel. Some doors may have laminate or veneer wood, which should be removed if possible.
• Drawer Handles: Metal drawer pulls and handles should be removed and recycled separately as non-ferrous scrap.

Alternative Ways to Recycle Filing Cabinets

For those looking for recycling options besides scrapping filing cabinets piece by piece, here are some other possibilities:

• Donate old filing cabinets to secondhand stores like Habitat for Humanity or Salvation Army if they are still usable.
• Sell intact vintage or antique cabinets through classified ads or to vintage dealers.
• Give away filing cabinets for free on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor if they are still functional.
• Use cabinets for other purposes like shop storage if the original files are removed.
• Return leased cabinets to rental companies for them to handle recycling.

Preparing Filing Cabinets for Pickup by Scrap Metal Collectors

Once filing cabinets are fully dismantled and sorted, the metal components must be prepared as scrap for pickup. Here are tips for having your scrap metal ready:

• Break down large steel pieces into manageable sizes that weigh under 50 pounds.
• Gather all sorted steel in one area accessible to trucks or haulers.
• If possible, stack and bundle sheet metal from sides and drawers.
• Locks, latches, and smaller pieces can be collected in boxes.
• Clearly label aluminum pieces if cabinet contained a mixture of steel and aluminum.
• Remove any remaining non-metal parts such as stickers, plastic guides, or insulation.
• Have paperwork or identification ready if required by your specific scrap metal dealer.

Finding Scrap Metal Buyers for Filing Cabinets

To receive payment for your old filing cabinets, you will need to find reputable scrap metal recycling companies or yards. Here are some options to consider:

• Local general recycling centers may have scrap metal programs.
• Larger specialty scrap yards specifically accept metal for recycling.
• Some waste management companies have scrap pickup services.
• Online classifieds and listing sites connect with nearby scrap buyers.
• Metal recycling mobile apps can provide quotes and arrange pickup.
• Community or municipal household hazardous waste collection events may take metal.

No matter where you bring filing cabinet scrap, be sure the provider can properly identify, weigh, and pay for the types of metals.

Typical Scrap Value of Recycled Filing Cabinets

The scrap metal value of old filing cabinets will depend on a few key factors:

• Type of metal – Steel generally has higher base scrap value than aluminum currently.
• Weight – More pounds of metal recycling means more payback. Heavier cabinets yield more.
• Market prices for the metal type – Prices fluctuate, but typically range $0.05-$0.40 per pound.
• Location – Scrap values can vary regionally based on supply and demand.

Under the right market conditions and weight, a fully dismantled standard four-drawer filing cabinet could yield $10-$30 worth of scrap value. Mini cabinets or those made largely of plastics would yield less.

Are Filing Cabinets Worth Recycling for Scrap?

Given the relatively low scrap value for standard home or office filing cabinets, is it worth the effort to dismantle and recycle them as metal? Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Recycling responsibly keeps metal out of landfills and provides raw materials for new products.
• If replaced with new cabinets, recycling old ones keeps additional waste out of landfills.
• Any earned income from scrap, though minimal, is better than simply trashing old cabinets.
• Recycling filing cabinets saves natural resources, energy, and reduces environmental impacts.

Cons:

• Time and labor needed to fully dismantle cabinets may not seem worthwhile for minimal scrap value return.
• Storage space is required if accumulating large volumes of metal scrap.
• Need transportation for large dismantled cabinets to be recycled.
• Safely removing locks, rails, and tight hardware can be difficult.
• Alternative free pickup or donation may be easier than trying to scrap cabinets.

The decision of whether to scrap old filing cabinets for cash ultimately depends on your priorities. For quick convenience, donating or disposing may make sense. But for those focused on responsible recycling, scrapping filing cabinets could still be worthwhile.

Safety Tips for Filing Cabinet Recycling

When dismantling old filing cabinets and preparing them for scrap recycling, following some basic safety precautions is important:

• Wear leather gloves when unscrewing and handling sharp metal edges.
• Use safety glasses when detaching hardware, locks, and rails. Pieces can loosen suddenly.
• Carefully remove any glass fragments from shattered cabinet windows or mirrors.
• Be cautious of dusty surfaces that may have been contaminated from stored contents.
• Bring an assistant for help lifting and moving large cabinet sections.
• Know your physical limits and use dollies, carts, hoists, or ramps for heavy objects if needed. Don’t strain yourself.
• Load components carefully into vehicles with sharp edges secured to avoid cuts.

Storing Important Documents After Scrapping Cabinets

Once you have recycled your old metal filing cabinets, you may need new solutions for keeping important paperwork and documents organized at home or the office. Here are some suggestions:

• Scan documents for digital archiving then use shredder for physical paper.
• Use compact document organizers that fit in closets or on shelves.
• Purchase new fireproof safes for protecting sensitive material.
• Store papers neatly in labeled archive boxes within storage units.
• Rent safe deposit boxes at local banks for critical document security.
• Leverage cloud-based apps and backup drives to digitize records.
• Invest in new space-saving filing systems like lateral cabinet drawers.
• Designate legal-size hanging folders to consolidate loose documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about recycling filing cabinets as scrap metal:

Can I recycle my old home or office filing cabinets?

Yes, most standard filing cabinets contain steel components that can be recycled as scrap metal through specialty recyclers. Aluminum cabinets are also recyclable.

How much money can I get recycling an old cabinet?

Income varies based on size, materials, and market rates. However, most filing cabinets yield under $30 each in scrap value after dismantling costs. Recycling aims to keep metal out of landfills.

What steps are required to recycle filing cabinets?

Proper dismantling is required, including removing drawers, hardware, doors, and detachable parts before bringing cleaned metal pieces to a scrap dealer. Non-metal pieces should be removed if possible.

Can I just throw an old filing cabinet in the trash?

While legally allowed in some areas, sending filing cabinets to landfills is discouraged since they contain recyclable steel. Donating, selling, or repurposing are preferred when possible before considering the landfill.

How should I transport dismantled filing cabinets?

Load clean sorted metal pieces securely in a truck or trailer to take directly to a scrap yard. Large sections may need cutting with saws to fit for transport. Use caution when loading sharp fragmented metal.

Key Takeaways on Filing Cabinets as Scrap Metal

• Old filing cabinets contain steel and aluminum that can be recycled rather than landfilled. Even if minimal value, recycling conserves resources.
• Proper dismantling is required to separate metals from other attached materials like wood, plastic, and hardware.
• Different metal components must sorted before selling to scrap dealers to maximize payout.
• Finding local scrap buyers willing to pay fair prices is key to making the labor involved worthwhile.
• Beyond scrap recycling, donating, selling, or repurposing unwanted filing cabinets are other preferred alternatives to the landfill.

So in summary, yes, old filing cabinets absolutely can be recycled as scrap metal! With proper time and effort, those reusable steel and aluminum resources can find renewed life rather than being wasted.