Can I Take File Cabinets to Scrap Metal Places?

Taking old file cabinets to scrap metal recycling centers can be a great way to get rid of them while also earning a bit of cash. File cabinets are prized at scrap yards for their metal content. With some planning and preparation, you can turn your old office furniture into scrap money.

What Type of Metal is in File Cabinets?

File cabinets are typically made from steel for durability and fire resistance. The external case and drawers consist of cold rolled low carbon steel sheeting that is between 22 and 28 gauge thickness. The frames may be made from heavier hot rolled steel.

Some key components contain other metals:

• Drawer slides are often made from aluminum extrusions for smooth sliding action.
• Locks and handles contain brass.
• Drawer rollers or ball bearings utilize steel balls encased in brass or nylon.

So while steel makes up the majority of a file cabinet’s weight, there are also appreciable amounts of aluminum and brass mixed in. This metal blend is ideal for scrap recycling.

Are File Cabinets Accepted by Scrap Yards?

The majority of scrap yards accept file cabinets, usually grading them as prepared or shredder steel. The key factors the yard considers are:

Metal Content – Steel with some aluminum and brass has recycling value.

Weight – More pounds mean more cash at the scrap rate. Heavier gauge steel has higher value.

Preparation – Cabinets that are broken down into component parts fetch a better price than whole units.

Contamination – Grease, plastic laminates, and excessive dirt reduce scrap value.

As long as you remove or minimize non-metallic parts, a yard will take file cabinets. Call ahead for current metal rates and any preparation needed.

How to Prepare File Cabinets for Scrap

Taking some time to properly prepare your file cabinets helps maximize your payout:

• Remove drawers – This allows easy access to internal components. Drawer slides and rollers also pull out easily once the drawers are removed.
• Take out all hardware – This means handles, locks, drawer pulls, and any screws or fasteners. These items are often other metals like brass.
• Strip off laminate – File cabinets are often covered in plastic laminate. Removing this increases the percentage of steel.
• Remove labels, stickers & grease – Anything non-metallic decreases the recycling value. Clean the cabinets fully before taking them in.
• Break down large pieces – The more you can flatten and collapse, the better the scrap price. Remove as much mass as possible.
• Separate types of metals – Try to keep aluminum, brass, and steel parts separated. This lets the yard maximize pricing.

With the cabinets fully broken down into metal components, you’ll earn the best rates at the scrap yard. It does take more time and effort to prepare everything.

What Scrap Price Can You Expect for File Cabinets?

The price you’ll earn per pound depends on current scrap metal rates, which fluctuate daily based on global commodity markets. At the time of writing, these are sample prices:

• #1 Heavy Melt Steel – Avg $0.14/lb (frames, internal supports)
• #2 Shredder Steel – Avg $0.085/lb (panels, drawers)
• Aluminum Extrusions – Avg $0.50/lb (drawer slides)
• Brass – Avg $1.60/lb (locks, handles, rollers)

A standard 4-drawer vertical filing cabinet weighs about 150 lbs. If you removed all components and maximized value, you might earn around $20-$25 per full cabinet based on current averages. Larger cabinets with more metal content will pay out more per unit.

By removing all non-metal parts, separating materials, and collapsing the pieces, you can often double or triple the potential payout versus taking whole cabinets directly to a yard.

Are There Other Options for Removing File Cabinets?

If you don’t want to bother prepping and scrapping the file cabinets yourself, there are some other options available:

• Sell to used office furniture dealers – Some will buy old cabinets and refurbish them for resale. You won’t earn as much as scrapping, but it’s easier.
• Donate to charities – Some organizations accept used metal furniture and issue tax receipts for donations.
• Give away on classified ads – If the units are still usable, someone may want them for a garage or workspace. Free filing cabinets are regularly offered on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
• Hire junk haulers – Some junk removal companies will take file cabinets away for you for a fee. They recoup costs by scrapping.
• List on scrap metal forums – Sites like Scrap Metal Forum connect sellers with scrappers willing to remove metal objects for free.

While these options won’t make you money, they do provide end-of-life solutions if you don’t have the ability to scrap the file cabinets yourself.

Key Takeaways on Scrapping Old File Cabinets

Some key tips to summarize on taking file cabinets to scrap metal yards:

• File cabinets contain decent scrap metal value, primarily steel with some aluminum and brass.
• Scrap yards readily accept old file cabinets as long as they are broken down and cleaned.
• Proper preparation by removing non-metal parts can significantly increase your scrapping payout.
• Current market rates can net you $20 to $25 for a typical 4-drawer vertical filing cabinet.
• If you don’t want to scrap them yourself, consider alternate options like donating or selling them.

With some time invested upfront to clean and break down your old file cabinets, you can turn unwanted office furniture into scrap metal cash. Follow the tips outlined here to maximize the potential value for scrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave paper or files inside file cabinets taken to scrap yards?

No, all non-metal contents must be fully removed from a file cabinet prior to scrapping it. Any debris decreases the metal purity and value. Be sure to fully empty and clean the cabinets.

Do I need to remove locks and hinges before scrapping a file cabinet?

Yes, scrapping facilities want all non-metal components removed. Locks, hinges, and hardware contain brass and other alloys so removing them helps maximize payout.

Is it better to scrap wooden file cabinets over metal ones?

No, wooden file cabinets have very little scrap value. Metal file cabinets containing steel, aluminum and brass are ideal for recycling. Stick to trying to scrap all-metal units rather than wooden.

Can I bring whole file cabinets without prepping them first?

You can, but your price per pound will be significantly less versus breaking the cabinets down into their component parts first. It’s worth taking the time to disassemble them and clean/separate all the metal pieces.

What should I do if I can’t transport the file cabinets in my own vehicle?

Some scrap yards can provide pickup services for a fee if you have no way to transport bulkier items yourself. Alternatively you can look to junk removal companies that will haul the cabinets away and scrap them for you.

Conclusion

Taking end-of-life file cabinets to a scrap metal yard can provide a bit of extra money in your pocket with some time and effort invested. Keys to maximizing value are proper disassembly, cleaning all parts thoroughly, and separating different metals like steel, aluminum and brass. With current market rates, you can expect to earn up to $20-$25 per standard vertical 4-drawer cabinet scrapped. If you have a significant amount of old file cabinets accumulating, it’s worth considering scrapping them rather than junking the items. Follow the tips outlined here and you can recover some cash for your unused office furniture items.