Where Can I Dispose of Metal Cabinets Near Me?

Disposing of old metal cabinets can be a hassle, especially if you don’t know where to bring them. As cabinets made of metal are bulky and heavy, you’ll likely need a truck or trailer to transport them. Rather than leaving them on the curb for trash pickup, it’s better to bring metal cabinets to a disposal or recycling facility. This ensures the cabinets are properly recycled, keeping them out of landfills. Below are some tips on where and how to dispose of metal cabinets near you.

Local Scrap and Metal Yards

One of the best places to bring old metal cabinets is to a local scrap or metal yard. These businesses buy all types of scrap metal by the pound and accept metal cabinets, shelving units, and other items. When you bring metal to a scrap yard:

• They usually don’t charge a drop-off fee. Some may even pay you a small amount per pound for the metal cabinets.
• You’ll need to unload the cabinets from your vehicle. The scrap yard will have equipment to load and transport them onsite.
• Cabinets need to be free of non-metal parts like wood shelves and glass. Remove doors, handles, and hardware ahead of time.
• Call ahead to verify they accept metal cabinets and shelving. Some yards only take certain metal types.

Searching for “scrap yards near me” will show local businesses that purchase metal. Look for conveniently located yards with good reviews to save time and effort unloading bulky cabinets.

Metal Recycling Centers and Drop-Offs

For those looking to recycle their old metal cabinets, metal recycling centers are an option. These sites focus on recycling metal into new products rather than reselling it. Benefits of using metal recycling centers include:

• More locations than scrap yards, making it easier to find one near you.
• Often charge minimal drop-off fees like $5-$10 per cabinet.
• Accept all metal items, including cabinets, shelving, appliances and more.

Start by searching for “metal recycling near me” to find local recycling centers. Also look for recycling drop-off locations set up by your city or township. These tend to be open on certain days allowing residents to recycle metal cabinets, typically for a small fee.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Donating usable metal cabinets to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a home improvement-focused option. The ReStore accepts donated furniture, appliances, cabinets and building supplies, selling them at a discount. Benefits of donating to Habitat for Humanity include:

• Providing affordable home goods for families in need.
• Diverting reusable cabinets from landfills.
• Possible tax deduction for the value of donated items.

Make sure any cabinets are sturdy and functional before donating. Remove any broken doors, shelves or hardware and clean the interior. Contact your local Habitat ReStore first to see if they accept metal cabinet donations. Then schedule a drop-off time and receive your donation receipt.

Local Removal Companies

For those without a large vehicle to transport metal cabinets, calling a local removal company is convenient. Junk removal and disposal services have trucks and workers that can come to your home to load and haul away metal cabinets. Benefits of hiring removers include:

• No rental trucks or trailers needed to transport cabinets.
• Workers handle loading and unloading bulky cabinets.
• Can take cabinets to a recycling or disposal facility for you.

Search for “junk removal near me” to find companies that offer junk hauling services. Compare rates and availability. Some charge hourly while others price by the load. Make sure to ask if they recycle or reuse metal cabinets rather than send items directly to the landfill.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Offs

In some cases, older metal cabinets may have lead-based paint, mercury switches or other hazardous components. If you suspect your cabinets contain hazardous materials, look for a household hazardous waste facility in your county or city. Benefits of HHW drop-offs include:

• Proper disposal of hazardous substances by trained staff.
• Accept lead-based painted cabinets, mercury thermometers and switches, and other hazardous metals.
• Onsite recycling of viable metals.

Search “[your area] household hazardous waste” to find drop-off locations and upcoming collection events. These are only options for cabinets containing hazardous materials. Everyday recyclable metal cabinets cannot go to HHW facilities.

Tips for Transporting and Recycling Metal Cabinets

When taking old metal cabinets to a scrapyard, recycler or other disposal site, follow these tips for safe transport and proper recycling:

• Use a truck or trailer to haul cabinets. A full-size pickup truck bed works well. For a large load consider renting an enclosed trailer.
• Remove doors, shelves and hardware. Take off detachable parts to lighten the load.
• Lay cabinets on their backs and strap down. This prevents shifting during transport.
• Cover open backs or tops with a tarp. This keeps rain and debris out of cabinets while hauling.
• Ask if they require an appointment or have drop-off times. Scrap yards often have specific hours for accepting metal.
• Ask for a receipt when dropping off metal. This serves as proof of recycling or donation.
• Avoid facilities that send metal to landfills. Make sure cabinets are properly recycled.
• Be prepared to show ID. Recycling centers require proof of residency for residential drop-offs.
• Don’t leave metal cabinets on the curb for bulk trash pickup. Bring to a recycling facility instead.

With a truck and some loading assistance, transporting bulky metal cabinets only takes a short drive to a nearby scrap or recycling yard. Properly disposing of metal keeps these materials out of landfills and can even earn you a few dollars in the process.

Answering Common Questions About Metal Cabinet Disposal

If you need to get rid of old metal cabinets, you likely have questions about the best options in your area. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Where exactly can I take metal cabinets near me?

The best places are scrap metal yards, metal recycling drop-offs, and Habitat for Humanity ReStores if the cabinets are reusable. Use search terms like “[city] metal recycling”, “scrap yards near me”, or “Habitat for Humanity donations”.

Do removal companies recycle metal cabinets?

Some junk removal services will recycle metal. Ask first before hiring a removal company – some will try to upcharge for recycling. Get rates and recycling policies in writing before hiring a removal company.

Do I have to remove the doors, shelves, and hardware before recycling cabinets?

Most scrap yards and recyclers require doors, drawers, shelves, and other non-metal parts to be removed ahead of time. Taking off detachable pieces makes cabinets lighter and easier to stack and transport.

Can I put old metal cabinets on the curb for bulk trash pickup?

Not recommended. Metal cabinets left on bulk trash day often end up in landfills. Instead take cabinets to a recycling yard. If you must leave them curbside, post “Please Recycle” signs so scrappers or neighbors may take them.

Is there a fee for recycling metal cabinets?

Scrap yards usually don’t charge for metal drop-off. Recycling centers may charge a small $5-$10 fee per cabinet. Any fees are still less expensive than replacing old cabinets with new ones.

Do I need an appointment to recycle metal at a scrap yard?

Sometimes. Call ahead to check their drop-off policies. Some require appointments while others have specific hours for accepting scrap metal drop-offs.

Can I get paid anything for recycling metal cabinets?

Maybe a little. Scrap yards will pay per pound for metal like steel and aluminum. But for large bulky items like cabinets, any scrap value is likely negligible once subtracted from fuel costs. Focus more on proper recycling than trying to cash in.

Locating Metal Cabinet Recycling Facilities Near Me

Finding where to recycle metal cabinets isn’t hard, but it does require some searching specific to your area. Here are the steps to locate metal recycling options near you:

1. Search for “scrap yards near me.” Scrap yards accept metal cabinets for recycling. Look for conveniently located yards with good reviews.

2. Search for “[your city or county] metal recycling.” This will find government and private recycling drop-offs that take metal. Centers are focused on recycling rather than reselling metal.

3. Search “Habitat for Humanity ReStore [your city].” If cabinets are still usable, consider donating to Habitat to help families in need. Make sure to call ahead before dropping off.

4. Search “[your city] household hazardous waste.” If cabinets have lead paint or other hazards, search for local hazardous waste drops-off locations. These can’t take everyday metal.

5. Search “metal recycling near me” or “junk removal near me.” General searches will turn up any metal recycling and junk hauling businesses nearby. Focus on their recycling policies, not just cost.

With so many options like scrap yards, recycling centers, and removal services, finding the right place to dispose of old metal cabinets only takes a quick online search. Avoid leaving cabinets curbside and ensure they get recycled rather than dumped.

Proper Way to Recycle Metal Cabinets

When you need to get rid of old metal cabinets, make sure they are recycled or reused, not sent to the landfill. Follow these tips for responsible metal cabinet recycling:

• Remove doors, shelves, drawers and hardware ahead of transportation for safety and ease of handling.
• Research metal recycling and scrap yards in your area. Search “[your city] metal recycling centers” to find the best options.
• Call locations first to see if they accept cabinet recycling. Ask what fees or pick-up policies apply.
• Rent or borrow a suitable truck or trailer for transporting large metal cabinets. A full-size truck with tie-downs works well.
• At the recycling facility, unload cabinets where directed by staff. Provide ID if required.
• For tax deductions, ask for a donation receipt when dropping off reusable cabinets at non-profits.
• Double check that the facility properly recycles their metal rather than dumping it.
• Avoid leaving bulky cabinets on the curb for trash collectors. This often leads to landfilling usable metal.
• Consider hiring junk removers to carry away metal cabinets if you can’t transport them yourself. Verify their recycling practices first.

Proper recycling reduces landfill waste, reclaims valuable metal resources, and helps the environment. With the right preparation and research, disposing of old metal cabinets sustainably takes just a short drive to a nearby facility.

Factors to Consider When Disposing of Metal Cabinets

Deciding how and where to dispose of metal cabinets requires considering a few key factors:

Recycling vs. Reuse – Recycling metal cabinets at scrap and recycling yards is best for the environment. Donating reusable cabinets to charities like Habitat for Humanity also diverts them from landfills.

Condition – Heavily damaged or unusable cabinets should be recycled. Cabinets in good shape can be donated and reused. Assess condition before choosing disposal method.

Hazardous Materials – If cabinets contain lead paint or other hazards, they require special disposal at a household hazardous waste facility.

Transport – Metal cabinets are bulky, so you’ll need a truck or trailer for transport. If not, consider hiring junk removers with hauling capabilities.

Convenience – Look for nearby scrap and recycling locations to save time and gas when transporting cabinets. Scout options ahead of time.

Cost – Recycling yards rarely charge for metal drop-offs. But some recycling centers have small fees. Compare costs of various facilities and removers.

By keeping these key factors in mind, you can plan out the smartest way to dispose of any old metal cabinets you need to get rid of.

Alternatives to Recycling Metal Cabinets

While recycling is the best end-of-life option for metal cabinets, here are a few other alternatives to consider:

Sell cabinets on resale sites – If cabinets are higher quality and in demand styles, consider selling on Habitat Restore, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. Take clear photos and accurately describe condition. Disclose any flaws upfront. Arrange safe buyer pickup.

Repurpose cabinets for storage – Sturdy metal cabinets can be repurposed for garage, attic, basement, or outdoor shed storage with some minor modifications. Remove doors and attach new handles, paint, or add shelf liners.

Use cabinets for a building project – DIYers may want to use cabinet carcasses, doors, or shelving to build a workshop table, garage organizer, or other project.

Donate to secondhand stores – Thrift stores like Goodwill accept donated cabinets and furniture to resell at discount prices. Make sure to call the store first before dropping off cabinets.

List for free on Buy Nothing groups – In Facebook Buy Nothing groups, people offer items for free to others in their community. Listed cabinets must be in usable shape and buyers must arrange pickup.

If your cabinets or shelving units are in good shape, consider extending their life through reuse rather than immediately recycling. But make sure to properly recycle any cabinets that are broken or have outlived their usefulness.

Conclusion

Finding where to recycle metal cabinets requires some research into local options like scrap yards, recycling centers, and junk haulers. While transporting bulky cabinets may take some logistical planning, the effort keeps usable metal out of landfills. Use an appropriate truck or trailer to safely move cabinets. Remove doors, shelves, and hardware ahead of time for easier handling. Look for recycling facilities that properly reprocess metals rather than dumping. And consider donating usable cabinets to charities like Habitat for Humanity for reuse by families in need. With the right preparation and care, recycling metal cabinets can be a simple errand that benefits both the environment and your local community.