Newton’s houses and old plant buildings still shed metal
Newton lived for decades on appliance manufacturing, and the town’s houses match that era: solid, older, and full of copper, cast tubs, and furnaces that get replaced in one hard weekend. The metal is good when it is separated and disappointing when a whole basement is scooped into one container.
Some of the old industrial buildings still come apart in pieces — mezzanines, bus duct, and steel that has been idle. That is not a household call. If you are clearing one, say whether power is off and whether the floor will hold a truck.
Local prices vary by yard. Send a photo for a quote. We do not publish a Newton scale sheet.
Des Moines Scrap is an independent referral service that connects you with local scrap yards.
Contractor scrap form · Gold and silver · Cash for cars
Sorting scrap metal from Newton remodels and cleanouts
A magnet is a useful first check when sorting a mixed pile. If it sticks, the piece is usually ferrous, such as steel or iron. If it does not, it may be copper, brass, or aluminum. The test identifies a broad metal family, not its grade or value. Keep the two groups apart so a yard can assess them separately.
Copper wire and pipe can be graded differently. Clean, uncoated copper wire may qualify as bare bright, while other clean copper can fall into #1 or #2 categories depending on coatings, solder, and attachments. Insulated wire is generally handled as its own grade. Stripping wire can improve its grade, but takes time and creates insulation waste; ask the yard whether stripping makes sense for your material.
Brass fittings and aluminum should also be kept separate from steel and from each other. Dirt, paint, solder, plastic, or other attached material can affect how a load is graded. Do not dismantle an item just to make a cleaner pile if removal is difficult or unsafe. Photos of sorted groups can help a partner yard give a more useful estimate before pickup.
Planning a Newton pickup for appliances, equipment, and vehicles
Refrigerators, freezers, and some air conditioners contain refrigerant that needs proper evacuation before the appliance is processed. Do not cut lines or release refrigerant to prepare a unit for scrap. Tell the yard what kind of appliance you have and whether it is intact. Ask what preparation is needed and whether the yard can accept it in its current condition.
For large equipment or building scrap, describe the access and loading conditions before arranging a pickup. Note whether material is indoors, elevated, attached to other equipment, or difficult to reach, and whether a truck can get close. Keep people clear of unstable stacks and sharp edges. The site connects sellers with independent partner yards; confirm equipment, timing, and loading details with the yard.
Catalytic converters and junk cars need extra care. A yard may ask for identification and paperwork showing your right to sell the vehicle or converter. Title requirements can depend on the vehicle and the yard, so ask what documents are needed before arranging transport. For a car, have the year, make, model, location, and title status ready when requesting a quote.
Questions
Does a magnet tell me what my scrap metal is worth?
No. It helps separate most steel and iron from non-ferrous metals, but it does not identify an exact alloy, cleanliness, or grade. Some items also combine several materials. Keep likely metal types apart, take clear photos, and ask the partner yard how it wants the material sorted.
Should I strip insulation from copper wire before selling it?
Not always. Stripping takes labor and leaves insulation to dispose of, while insulated wire can be sold in that form at a different grade. The result depends on the wire and the yard’s grading. Ask for guidance before stripping a large quantity, and do not use unsafe burning methods.
Can I put a refrigerator out with other scrap for pickup?
Tell the yard it is a refrigerator or freezer before pickup. Refrigerant must be handled properly, and the unit should not be cut open or drained by an unqualified person. Ask whether the yard accepts it intact and whether any separate handling or preparation is required.
What should I ask before selling a catalytic converter?
Ask what identification and proof of ownership the yard requires, and provide clear information about the converter’s source and condition. Requirements can vary by yard. Do not assume a loose converter will be accepted without paperwork; confirm acceptance and documentation before transporting or arranging a pickup.
What details help a yard arrange a junk car pickup?
Have the vehicle’s location, year, make, model, condition, and title status ready. Mention missing wheels, blocked access, or anything that could affect loading. Ask the partner yard which documents it needs and whether the car must be accessible in a particular way. Pickup arrangements and payment are handled by the yard.