Metal filing cabinets have been a staple of offices and organizations for decades. Their sturdy construction and ability to securely store documents and files have made them a go-to storage solution. However, as workplaces shift to more digital document storage, the question arises of what to do with old metal filing cabinets that are no longer needed. One of the most environmentally friendly options is recycling metal filing cabinets. But are metal filing cabinets recyclable?

An Overview of Metal Filing Cabinets

Before diving into the recyclability of metal filing cabinets, it’s helpful to understand what exactly they are made of. The most common type of filing cabinet is made of steel. Steel filing cabinets provide strength and security to safely store important documents and records.

The steel used in filing cabinets is typically a low carbon steel that contains iron as well as small amounts of carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and copper. This combination of metals makes steel strong, rigid, and resistant to corrosion.

Other metals can also be used to construct filing cabinets, including aluminum which is lighter weight but still provides durability. High-end filing cabinets may also incorporate thicker steel, stainless steel, or even cast iron in their construction for increased security.

The main body of a metal filing cabinet is assembled from multiple steel panels that are welded or riveted together. Drawers are also built using steel construction and steel or aluminum slides allow them to smoothly open and close. Locks and handles are attached to the drawers and cabinet body to enable secure storage of contents.

Why Recycle Metal Filing Cabinets?

Now that we know more about how metal filing cabinets are constructed, why consider recycling them? There are a few compelling reasons:

1. They are bulky and take up landfill space.

Metal filing cabinets are large, heavy objects. They take up considerable room in landfills. Recycling preserves landfill capacity for items that cannot be recycled.

2. Their steel content is valuable and can be reused.

Steel and other metals that filing cabinets are constructed from are high-value materials. These metals can be recovered from recycled filing cabinets and made into new products.

3. Recycling reduces the need for mining raw materials.

Recycling steel and other metals reduces the amount of raw materials like iron ore that must be mined to meet metal production needs. This provides environmental benefits.

4. It takes less energy to recycle steel vs. producing it from scratch.

The energy required to recycle steel is significantly less than what’s needed to extract raw iron ore and process it into new steel. Recycling filing cabinets conserves energy.

5. Recycling metal keeps it in productive use and out of landfills.

When metal filing cabinets are recycled, their steel and other metals remain in use in the economy rather than being discarded. This reduces waste.

Are All Parts of a Metal Filing Cabinet Recyclable?

Now that we’ve covered why metal filing cabinet recycling makes sense, what parts of the cabinets are actually recyclable? The main metallic components are able to be recovered and recycled:

Steel cabinet body panels

The steel sheets that make up the sides, tops, bottoms, backs, fronts, and drawers of filing cabinets are fully recyclable. The steel can be remelted and manufactured into new metal products.

Steel drawer slides

The steel slides that allow smooth opening and closing of drawers can be recycled along with the other steel components.

Locks and handles

Filing cabinet locks, adjustable feet, and handles made of steel are also recyclable.

Aluminum or steel drawer components

For filing cabinets with drawers constructed of lighter weight aluminum or steel, these metal components are recyclable too.

Some non-metal parts of a filing cabinet may not be recyclable or are more difficult to recycle:

Paint/powder coating finishes

The paint or powder coat finishes on some filing cabinets would need to be removed prior to recycling the steel underneath. This adds an extra step.

Plastic or laminate drawer fronts

Some low-end filing cabinets use plastic or laminate fronts on drawers instead of steel. These cannot be recycled with the metal components.

Paper label holders

Some filing cabinets incorporate plastic sleeves to hold labels showing contents. These typically need to be removed and discarded.

Non-metallic drawer slides/rollers

Basic filing cabinets may use nylon or plastic slides and rollers for drawers instead of steel. These would not be recyclable.

So while not every single part of a metal filing cabinet is necessarily recyclable, the vast majority of the material by weight – the steel – is able to be reclaimed and reused.

How to Prepare Metal Filing Cabinets for Recycling

Proper preparation is an important step when getting filing cabinets ready for recycling:

• Remove any papers or folders inside the drawers. Be sure to also remove any hanging file folders or document hangers. Only the metal cabinet itself can be recycled.
• Empty out all contents. Take out any additional items stored in the bottom or sides of the cabinet that are not integral metal parts.
• Remove attached accessories. Take off any non-metal laminate labels, hooks, document sleeves, or exterior mounted accessories.
• Separate non-metal drawers or fronts. If the filing cabinet has plastic or laminate drawer fronts, detach these to be discarded separately from the metal components.
• Open up locked drawers. Unlock any drawers that are locked so the metal drawer fronts and slides can be fully recycled.
• Disassemble if needed. For easier transport, cabinet bodies may need to be disassembled by removing drawers and separating side and back panels.

Following these preparation steps allows all recyclable metal components to be accessed and ensures no non-recyclable materials or contents remain.

How Metal Filing Cabinets Are Recycled

Once a metal filing cabinet is prepared for recycling, what exactly happens during the recycling process? There are a few key steps:

1. Transport to a metal recycling or scrap facility

Filing cabinets are transported to a metal recycling center or scrap metal facility. Some waste management companies also accept metal items for recycling.

2. Weighing

Upon arrival at the recycling facility, the cabinets are weighed since payment for scrap metal is usually determined based on weight. More weight equals higher value.

3. Sorting and separation

Materials are sorted and any non-metal components are removed for shredding and further separation. Drawer slides, handles and other accessories are detached if still assembled.

4. Shredding

The metal components are then shredded into small fragments using high-powered mechanical shredders. Shredding creates small, uniform pieces.

5. Melting

The shredded scrap metal is loaded into furnaces and melted down at high temperatures. Melting points are reached separating out the different metals from each other.

6. Alloying and casting

Depending on the desired metal output, the molten metal may be alloyed by blending mixtures of scrap metal together. The metal is then cast into ingots or blocks.

7. Manufacturing new products

The recovered and processed metal is then sold to manufacturing companies. These companies fabricate the recycled metal into new consumer products, construction materials, vehicle parts, and more.

So recycling metal filing cabinets allows the steel and other metals to be reused over and over infinitely, reducing waste and the need for additional mining.

Are Filing Cabinets with a Fire Resistance Rating More Difficult to Recycle?

Special high-security filing cabinets designed to protect documents and withstand fire may seem too complex to recycle. But most types can still be recycled without issue as long as preparation steps are taken.

Fire resistant filing cabinets are constructed from metals like steel and iron but also include insulation and fireproof materials. Here are tips for recycling these types of cabinets:

• Remove any non-metal lining or insulation by prying it out prior to take the cabinet for recycling.
• Dismantle multi-walled drawer fronts by separating the different metal layers.
• Take off any proprietary locks or hardware that a scrap facility may not be able to process.
• Let the recycling center know the cabinets have fireproofing so they can take any special steps needed during shredding or separation.

With attention to detail during disassembly, even contents-protecting security file cabinets can be recycled rather than landfilled. The metal materials can be reclaimed and reused.

Are There Other Options Beyond Recycling for Metal Filing Cabinets?

If recyclability is a concern, recycling metal filing cabinets should be the first option explored due to all the environmental benefits. But there can also be alternatives to recycling:

Donation

Schools, non-profits, neighborhood organizations, startups and even artists may accept donations of used metal filing cabinets they can reuse. Donating a still usable cabinet means it may not be scrapped for a while longer.

Selling

Instead of scrapping filing cabinets at metal recycling prices, unused ones in good condition can sell for more on auction or resale websites. Outdated styles may still have demand from people looking for an inexpensive way to store files at home.

Repurposing

Metal filing cabinets can be repurposed beyond just storing files. They can become handy tool caddies in a garage, act as catchall storage in laundry rooms, serve as makeshift credenzas in offices, or even used as industrial inspired end tables in living spaces.

While these options can work in specific circumstances, recycling is still the most eco-friendly choice that reduces waste and energy use the most. But donation, selling, and repurposing can sometimes give unwanted filing cabinets a second life before their materials are ultimately recycled in the future.

Are All Metal Recycling Centers Able to Accept Metal Filing Cabinets?

Not all metal recycling facilities are able to handle the size and weight of full filing cabinets. Before transporting file cabinets to a recycling center, call and ask the following:

• Do they accept metal items the size of filing cabinets for recycling?
• Are there weight limits on what they can handle? Very large lateral file cabinets may exceed capabilities.
• Can they process the type of metal the cabinets are made from? Most facilities recycle steel but fewer handle less common metals like aluminum.
• Do the file cabinets need to be disassembled before drop off? Size needs to fit into machinery.
• What payment amount can be expected per pound? Higher rates make recycling more cost effective.

Finding a metal recycling facility capable of properly accepting and processing entire filing cabinets ensures the process goes smoothly. Otherwise, disassembly prior to transportation may be required to recycle.

Is It Cost Effective to Recycle Metal Filing Cabinets?

One final consideration for businesses, organizations, and even homeowners with quantities of old metal filing cabinets is whether the cost of recycling is justified. The main expenses associated with metal filing cabinet recycling include:

• Labor for disassembly or preparation if significant time is required
• Logistics of transporting filing cabinets to a recycling facility
• Any costs for dropping off or recycling if a facility charges for accepting scrap metal

These expenses need to be weighed against:

• Value of scrap payment received from the recycling center based on metal weight
• Avoiding refuse hauling fees by not sending filing cabinets to landfill
• Not having to purchase cabinets new if recycled ones can instead be acquired

Given the high cost of purchasing new filing cabinets, in most cases the small outlays required for proper recycling are worthwhile to earn scrap value payment and avoid landfilling. Being environmentally friendly has financial benefits in addition to helping the planet.

Conclusion

Metal filing cabinets have been an office staple for generations thanks to their sturdy and secure construction. But as workplaces shift away from paper storage, recycling these no longer needed metal file cabinets is the best option. The steel and other metals that make up the majority of filing cabinets are highly recyclable and recoverable.

Preparing cabinets for recycling by removing contents, detaching accessories, and disassembling units makes the process run smoothly. Metal recycling centers shred, melt, and process the steel and other metals to be manufactured into new products over and over again. Recycling metal filing cabinets keeps them out of already burdened landfills and reduces the need for additional mining and resource extraction. So when it comes time for those old faithful filing cabinets to retire, ensuring they are recycled gives them an environmentally friendly next phase of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recycling Metal Filing Cabinets

Metal filing cabinets have been an office and storage space staple for decades. But as workplaces transition to more digital records and paperless workflows, the question arises of how best to deal with older metal filing cabinets that are no longer needed. One of the most environmentally friendly options to consider is recycling metal filing cabinets.

Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about metal filing cabinet recycling options, processes, and benefits:

Why should I recycle old metal filing cabinets instead of just throwing them out?

There are several excellent reasons to recycle metal filing cabinets:

• Keeps bulky items out of landfills and preserves landfill space
• Allows the steel and other metals to be reused, conserving natural resources
• Uses significantly less energy than creating new metal from raw materials
• Provides revenue from the scrap value of the metal
• Avoids refuse hauling fees for large item disposal

Can any metal filing cabinet be recycled?

The vast majority of all metal filing cabinets can be recycled. As long as the main structure and components are made of steel, aluminum or other metals, the filing cabinet should be recyclable. Very old cabinets or those made with unusual metals may not be accepted everywhere for recycling.

How are filing cabinets recycled?

Metal filing cabinets are brought to scrap metal recycling facilities where they are first weighed, then sorted and separated. Next, shredders break down the filing cabinets into small metal fragments. The shredded metal is melted down in furnaces then alloyed, molded and cast into reuseable ingots, coils or sheets. Manufacturers use the recycled metal to fabricate new consumer, commercial and construction products.

What steps do I need to take before recycling metal filing cabinets?

It’s important to remove all contents and non-metal parts from filing cabinets prior to recycling:

• Take out any papers, folders, hanging files or document sleeves
• Remove attached accessories like labels, hooks and document holders
• Detach any non-metal drawer fronts or pulls
• Unlock any locked drawers
• Disassemble the cabinet bodies if required

Can I recycle high-security fireproof filing cabinets?

Most fireproof filing cabinets are still recyclable. You’ll need to remove any insulation, break down multi-walled drawers, and detach proprietary locks or slides. Let your recycling center know it’s a fireproof cabinet so they can take proper precautions when processing. With some extra disassembly steps, even security cabinets don’t need to be landfilled.

Is it cost effective to recycle metal filing cabinets?

In most cases, any costs associated with transporting and recycling metal filing cabinets are justified by the scrap value payment received in return. Additional benefits are avoided refuse fees, reduced need to ever buy new file cabinets, and sparing landfill space. Being environmentally responsible also has economic advantages.

Do recycling centers accept whole filing cabinets or do they need to be broken down first?

Some metal recycling facilities can handle full assembled filing cabinets. However, large cabinets or volumes of cabinets may exceed a facility’s capabilities. Call ahead to see if cabinets need to be partially or fully broken down before dropping off for recycling.

Recycling metal filing cabinets is typically simple, affordable and environmentally friendly. With a few preparation steps, those old workhorse filing cabinets can serve a new reusable purpose rather than being landfilled. Contact metal recycling centers in your region to discuss your filing cabinet recycling options.

How to Determine If Your Metal Filing Cabinets Are Recyclable

If your office or organization is considering getting rid of old metal filing cabinets, one of the first questions that arises is whether the cabinets are recyclable. Recycling metal products like filing cabinets is an eco-friendly choice that conserves natural resources and landfill space.

The good news is that most metal filing cabinets can be recycled. However, depending on their composition, age, and condition, some may be better candidates for recycling than others. Here are tips for assessing if your old metal filing cabinets can be recycled:

Check Construction and Composition

The more steel and iron content in a filing cabinet, the more recyclable it will be. Look for cabinets made of cold rolled steel, carbon steel or stainless steel. Cast iron or heavy gauge steel are also preferable. Aluminum filing cabinets are recyclable too. Avoid any with significant plastic, wood or laminate components.

Review Manufacturing Date

Newer filing cabinets are more likely to meet current recycling facility capabilities and contain familiar metals. While even vintage cabinets in good shape can sometimes be recycled, extremely old ones may not be accepted everywhere. Generally anything produced after 1980 has good recyclability.

Assess Condition

Heavily dented, warped or rusted filing cabinets are less desirable for recycling. The more pristine and undamaged a filing cabinet is, the better the quality of the metal materials that can be reclaimed from it. Flaking paint or powder coating finishes can also be an issue.

Check for Unusual Parts

Most standard metal filing cabinet components like bodies, drawers, and slides are easily recycled. Look for any odd or proprietary design elements that a recycling facility may not recognize or be able to process such as unfamiliar locks or slides.

Determine Disassembly Needs

Basic metal cabinets that can be transported and fed into shredders intact are ideal. Heavily built cabinets may need to be partially disassembled before recycling. Minimal disassembly needs make the process easier.

Review Recycling Center Options

Before assuming your filing cabinets are recyclable, check with local metal recycling/scrapping facilities to see if they can accept and process them. Larger volumes may be too much for some smaller recycling centers.

With strong steel construction, standard design, and limited wear and tear, most standard office filing cabinets should able to be recycled without issue. Contact area metal recycling companies to verify your particular filing cabinets are eligible. Recycling provides great environmental and financial benefits compared to landfilling obsolete file cabinets.

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