Can You Scrap a Metal Filing Cabinet?
Scrapping metal filing cabinets can be a great way to earn some extra cash and keep these items out of landfills. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to scrap metal filing cabinets.
Overview of Scrapping Metal Filing Cabinets
Metal filing cabinets are usually made of steel and often contain other metals like aluminum and copper. All of these metals have value as scrap, making old filing cabinets a potential source of profit.
Scrapping filing cabinets follows the same general process as other types of metal scrap:
- Collect the filing cabinets you want to scrap.
- Remove non-metal components like handles, locks, and drawers.
- Take the stripped cabinets to a scrap yard.
- Get paid based on the weight and metal type.
With some time and effort, those old unused filing cabinets in your basement or garage can be turned into cash!
Step-by-Step Guide to Scrapping Filing Cabinets
Here is a step-by-step overview of how to successfully scrap metal filing cabinets:
1. Find Filing Cabinets to Scrap
First, you need to source some old metal filing cabinets. Here are some ideas of where to look:
- Your own basement, garage, attic, or storage rooms
- Office renovations or remodels
- Businesses that are closing down
- Classified ads for free items (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.)
- Estate sales
- Commercial dumpsters
Focus on old-style metal filing cabinets. Newer ones may contain lots of plastic and are less valuable to scrap.
2. Remove Non-Metal Components
Before taking filing cabinets to the scrap yard, you need to remove all non-metal components:
- Take out any hanging file folders, paperwork, or other contents.
- Remove any wooden or plastic handles, knobs, or drawer pulls.
- Unscrew and remove any locks on the drawers or exterior.
- Take out all drawers. Drawers are often made with cheaper thin metal or fiberboard.
- Remove any rubber feet or other small plastic/rubber pieces.
Be thorough – you want the cabinets to contain only metal.
3. Transport the Stripped Cabinets
You’ll need to safely transport the stripped-down filing cabinets to the scrap yard. Here are some tips:
- Use a truck, trailer, or van to fit multiple cabinets.
- Strap or secure cabinets so they don’t shift during transport.
- Bring along tools like a cordless drill and pry bar in case you need to break down the cabinets into more manageable pieces. Wear work gloves when handling sharp metal edges.
- Load and unload the cabinets carefully – they can be very heavy! Get helpers as needed.
4. Go to the Scrap Yard
Look up metal scrap yards in your area. Ask about their pricing and policies for metal filing cabinets. Questions to ask:
- Do they accept metal filing cabinets? What types of metal do they buy?
- Are there minimum weights for payouts or additional fees?
- What are their current rates per pound for various metals?
- Do they deduct any scrap value for having to break down the cabinets further?
- Can you leave cabinets whole or do they need to be dismantled into specific metal types?
- Do they restricted banned materials like paints or oils on the metal?
Compare pricing between a few yards to maximize your profit.
5. Get Paid by the Pound
At the scrap yard, the filing cabinets will be weighed and inspected. Payout is usually based on the weight and metal type:
- Steel often pays around 10-20 cents per pound.
- Stainless steel nets around 30-40 cents per pound.
- Aluminum might earn 40-60 cents per pound.
- Copper can bring in $1-3 per pound.
You can increase payouts by removing and separating different metal components, but this takes more time and effort. Total profits will depend on weight and current scrap prices.
Tips for Maximizing Value of Scrapped Filing Cabinets
Here are some useful tips to get the highest payouts when you scrap metal filing cabinets:
- Clean the cabinets thoroughly – grease, dirt, and grime can negatively impact value.
- Remove any lead paint – most yards cannot accept lead-coated metal.
- Separate stainless steel or aluminum pieces whenever possible. They are higher value metals.
- Ask yards about current pricing – rates fluctuate frequently based on market demand.
- Time your scrap deliveries around new construction projects – demand rises and so do scrap prices.
- Break down the cabinets into clean, manageable pieces for easier handling at the yard.
- Sort your loads by metal type (steel, aluminum, etc.) – some yards will pay a bit more for sorted scrap versus mixed metals.
- Develop relationships with yard employees for better understanding of valuations.
Is It Worth Scrapping Metal Filing Cabinets?
Scrapping metal filing cabinets can definitely be worth your time and effort, especially if you have a ready source of old cabinets available. It just takes some preparation and research to maximize the profits.
Payouts per cabinet can vary quite a bit based on size, weight, metal composition, and current market rates. But it’s reasonable to expect $5-20 for a standard four-drawer letter-sized filing cabinet. Larger legal or lateral cabinets could bring in $40-60 or more. Those amounts add up quickly if you have multiple cabinets to scrap.
One downside is that filing cabinets are bulky and heavy, making transport more challenging. You’ll need a truck or trailer to efficiently haul multiple cabinets. But overall, scrapping old metal filing cabinets is an excellent way to declutter your space while also making some spare cash!
Frequently Asked Questions About Scrapping Filing Cabinets
Here are answers to some common questions about getting cash for old metal filing cabinets:
How much does a filing cabinet weigh?
An average four-drawer letter or legal sized filing cabinet weighs between 100-300 lbs. Larger lateral filing cabinets can weigh 400 lbs or more.
What tools do I need to scrap filing cabinets?
Useful tools include a cordless drill, pry bar, heavy-duty work gloves, straps/ropes for securing cabinets during transport, and a dolly or appliance cart to move the cabinets if needed.
What metals are in filing cabinets?
Most contain steel for the outer cabinet and drawers, with aluminum tracks/rails, and occasionally some copper wiring or tubing. High-end versions may have stainless steel or other alloys.
Can I scrap filing cabinets with locks?
Yes, but you’ll need to detach and discard any locks before scrapping since most scrap yards cannot accept them.
Do I need to remove the paint?
Not always, but removing any lead-based paints, oils, or other coatings helps maximize your scrap value. Check with each yard on their specific policies.
Can I scrap lateral/rolling filing cabinets?
Yes! These wide and heavy-duty rolling file cabinets can be highly profitable to scrap due to their substantial metal weight.
Conclusion
Scrapping old metal filing cabinets requires some physical effort but can be quite rewarding. With smart sourcing, preparation, and research into local scrap pricing, your old unused filing cabinets could be turned into fast cash. Just be sure to call ahead, ask questions, and follow the scrap yards’ policies for accepted materials. With a truckload of heavy filing cabinets, you could leave the scrap yard with piles of profit!
