One way to make some extra cash is by collecting scrap metal. With so much metal being thrown out regularly, it's possible to gather it up for yourself and take it to a local scrap yard when you have enough to make the trip worth it. Here are a few types of scrap metal that you should be on the lookout for.

Copper

One of the most valuable types of scrap metal that you can find is copper, which is due to how the material resists corrosion and is highly conductive. Copper is often found in electronics, old plumbing, and electrical wiring. The key to getting the most money for scrap copper is to remove any other metal from it and categorize the copper by its grade. 

Bare bright copper is the best type that you can find, and it's categorized by its brightness and thick gauge. #1 copper would be the next most valuable type, which includes copper pipe and other types of copper with small amounts of oxidation. #2 copper tends to have a dirty appearance and be very thin when compared to the other two types. 

Aluminum

Aluminum is a very profitable metal and can be found in many places. It tends to be very thin and lightweight, which makes it easy to collect and bring to a scrap yard. While cans are an easy-to-find source of aluminum, there are many other sources that are thrown away. Old aluminum windows and siding are often sent to landfills when there is actually a lot of value in the aluminum they contain. 

Brass

Brass is a material that is a bit harder to find, but it is worth a lot of money due to it being resistant to corrosion and incredibly durable. You'll find brass often used for handles on old cabinets, as well as in plumbing fixtures. Old HVAC systems also tend to have a lot of brass within them that will need to be removed to separate them from other types of metal.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a material that is also worth a lot of money due to being corrosion-resistant and durable. You'll find stainless steel in old kitchen appliances, automotive parts, and roofing materials. Stainless steel has a very distinctive color that makes it easy to identify, so it will be easy to spot if you see it out in the wild. 

For more information on scrap metal recycling, contact a professional near you.