Where to Recycle Metal Filing Cabinets

Recycling metal filing cabinets is an excellent way to keep these heavy-duty items out of landfills. Metal is highly recyclable and recycling cabinets extends the life cycle of the raw materials, saving energy and resources. Here’s a guide on where and how to recycle old metal filing cabinets responsibly.

Why Recycle Metal Filing Cabinets?

Metal filing cabinets are bulky items that take up a lot of space in landfills. Dumping them is wasteful considering how recyclable metal is. Here are some key benefits of recycling metal cabinets:

• Conserves Resources: Recycling metal requires much less energy than mining and processing new ore. It also reduces the amount of raw materials needed.
• Saves Energy: Metal recycling uses significantly less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases than producing new metal.
• Reduces Waste: Recycling prevents cabinets from ending up in the trash. The average filing cabinet weighs 200-300 lbs.
• Generates Income: Steel filing cabinets can be sold to scrap yards for cash. The current scrap value is around $.10 per pound.
• Helps the Environment: Recycling metal cabinets decreases the need for landfilling and incineration. It has less impact on the environment.

How to Prepare Cabinets for Recycling

Properly preparing cabinets makes them easier to transport and process:

• Remove any wood or plastic parts: Recyclers often only accept pure metal. Remove doors, drawers, rails, handles etc.
• Empty out contents: Make sure the cabinets are completely empty before recycling them. Shred any sensitive documents.
• Break down into manageable pieces: Use a hammer or saw to break down large cabinets into smaller parts if needed.
• Clean dirt, grease and grime: Clean cabinets ensure maximum scrap value. Use degreaser to remove grime.
• Separate other metals: If the cabinets contain fittings or hinges made from other metals, remove them.

Where You Can Recycle Metal Filing Cabinets

There are several good options for responsibly recycling old metal filing cabinets:

Scrap and Salvage Yards

Scrap yards accept metal items like filing cabinets for recycling. Call your local yards to ask about drop-off policies and current metal values. Prepare the cabinets as directed. Many yards provide free drop-off and even pay out based on the metal’s weight.

Metal Recyclers and Processors

Businesses that process and recycle scrap metal are another option. They recycle the cabinets into new metal materials. Contact recyclers in your area to learn about their intake methods and any costs involved.

Hardware Stores

Some hardware stores and chains like Home Depot offer metal recycling programs. Call your nearby retailers to see if they accept bulky items like used filing cabinets. Fees and pick-up options vary between stores.

Municipal Recycling Centers

Check with your city or town’s waste management department to see if they host scrap metal recycling drop-offs or pick-ups. This is often the most convenient recycling method.

Charities and Non-Profits

Donating old metal filing cabinets to charity is an option too. Habitat for Humanity and similar groups may pick them up for free if they are in good shape.

Alternatives to Recycling

If recycling isn’t feasible, here are a couple environmentally-friendly alternatives:

• Reuse: Try selling or giving away old cabinets through classified ads or sites like Craigslist first. Someone may want them for storage or other purposes.
• Repurpose: Filing cabinets can be creatively repurposed into furniture, storage units or other items with some DIY skills.
• Donate for reuse: Schools, churches or community centers may accept donated metal cabinets that are still usable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all metal filing cabinets recyclable?

Yes, as long as they are predominantly made of steel or other metals. Aluminum, stainless steel, and galvanized steel cabinets are all recyclable through scrap yards.

Do I need to remove the paint?

No, paint on the metal does not have to be removed before recycling filing cabinets. The paint burns off during the remelting process.

Can I recycle cabinets with paper still inside?

No, all papers and contents should be removed before recycling metal filing cabinets. Consider shredding sensitive documents first.

Is there a cost to recycle metal filing cabinets?

Most recycling options are free drop-offs. Scrap yards may even pay based on the metal weight. Some retailers or recyclers may charge a small fee.

What about bent or damaged cabinets?

Minor dents and damage are okay. But cabinets should be in reasonable shape for acceptance and full scrap value. Heavily damaged ones may be rejected.

Recycling Metal Cabinets is Important

Recycling metal filing cabinets is easy and environmentally responsible. With so many great options like scrap yards, recyclers, retailers, municipalities, and charities, there are ample opportunities to keep old cabinets out of the trash. Recycling metal conserves resources, saves energy, reduces waste, and gives used materials new life!